Oh-Man

He is at it again. We watched first hand last year as 22 year old Peter Sagan dominated the Tour of California. Displays of power, speed, charisma, courage and skill are rare enough alone, combine them all in the same package and you are (as spectator or competitor) in for a show.

We got all that and some last year and today I was reminded that the Sagan show is on the road once again. If you have the four minutes it takes to view the highlight clip (above) from the Tour of Oman, please do. It is well done, using many aerials to show the stunning desert scenery, as contrasted dramatically by the 'kitted to the max' pro peloton. Some history of Oman here.

I was thinking through the view about how impressed I was on my first live assessment of him. The 'tells' indicating pro pecking order are hard earned. There is rite and ritual. Only brash, young fools charge in and expect immediate reward. That respect is earned. And mostly the old fashioned way. You have to pay your dues, be a soldier, carry both the flag and the torch. You have to be patient. Mostly.

Sagan is the exception. He is the honey badger of pro cycling. He does wheelies, recklessly attacks, charges when he feels like it and demands that both the lieutenants as well as the captains allow passage. Make a hole. Doesn't have to be big. But I am coming through. You can follow if you like (can).

So let us assume that he is where he is because of good genetics. For starters. After that what? Ritual. I'll bet my Felt that he likes to ride and has logged enough miles in the last ten years (since age 12) that would stretch to Saturn and back. Goals? I think he has one in mind yes. Tools? He has access to the best, in and out of the saddle. Motivation? Easy. Desire? Check. What is left?

Enjoy the ride, my friend. We are rooting for you. Keep your focus. Watch closely the trail of breadcrumbs left by those that have ridden before you. There are snakes in the grass. Fame and fortune will call. You will be tested.

Keep at it. We"ll check in with you in May. Allez, dude.