A Gaby FanFic
by PB
Prologue:
Thanks go out to the various fanfic authors and Maddy Bell, herself, for creating this ‘universe' and providing the inspiration. Whether you realize it or not, there's a part of each of you, in this work. I also wish to dedicate this work to Karen J, Jillian and Angharad – three lovely people that without their continued prodding, this would never have appeared.
A special Danke again, goes out Saphira. In addition to helping me in all things German, she was very helpful when it came to educating me about the German educational system.
... And to all who read this, I hope you enjoy it as much as it was for me to continue the Journey.
It would seem that I've been put on a literary path somewhat like George Lucas did with Star Wars. “Rough Waters” is the prequel to “Reconciliation”, which in turn was based upon “Notes of a Journey”. As such, like “Reconciliation”, it is highly recommended your read/re-read “Notes of a Journey”, at least up to the point the kids are preparing to leave Grottoes, Virginia. This is to avoid any confusion with references to events that occurred prior to the start of “Rough Waters”.
... “There's somethin' happenin' here....
PB
Chapter 8
“Danke für alles, das Sie getan haben, Mike.” Dave intoned as Mike brought up the last piece of luggage. Dave and Jenny were very appreciative for all the help Mike had given them during their move.
“Ich weiß, daß es ein Uhr ist, aber Sie mögen ein Kaffee oder einen Tee?” Jenny asked as she was putting on the kettle. As it was one in the morning, Mike politely declined and instead bid everyone a good night.
With Mike gone, Jenny put four teas on the dining room table. Despite the time, everyone was wide-awake with excitement. By moving all their clothes and a few things for the apartment, over the last few weeks Dave had been coming to Germany, the only thing they had to unpack was the single box and the clothes they brought with them. George gave Dave the day off, knowing full well it would be quite late when they got in.
“I'd like to go see George to see how soon he can put us in touch with his cousin,” Jenny suggested to Dave.
“Absolutely,” Dave agreed.
“I've also been doing a lot of thinking about retiring from pro riding and taking George up on his offer.” Silence followed Jenny's announcement.
“Why Mum?” Gaby finally asked.
Jenny explained that all during her recovery, her strength and stamina had never really returned. They would in time, but by then she'd be too far past her prime to be able to survive as a pro cyclist. George had offered her the position of Training Director and Head Coach of the Apollinaris Youth Program. She'd also be reporting directly to Dave, in his role as Director of the Youth Program.
“I'd be working directly with both you and your Dad,” Jenny reasoned with Gaby.
“Let's face it dear, if tomorrow I was in a race against you, it wouldn't even be close and if it was longer than 10Km, I probably wouldn't be able to finish … It's far better to go out when you're on top than to be forced out as a shadow of your former self. People won't remember your best races, just the most recent.” Jenny knew how upset Gaby was with her admission and she gently pulled Gaby into a silent embrace. Eventually Gaby confided her dream of riding with her mum as part of the team.
Jen cooed, “Ya know what kiddo? … I don't know about Maria, but I bet if you decided to turn pro when you're ready, Tina will probably still be around.” Gaby smiled as she remained in her mother's arms.
“Anyway, I've not made my final decision and won't until Dr. Dieter gives me his opinion,” Jenny observed. Addressing Gaby, Jen added, “Which reminds me … we should get you into see him as well, young lady. He's going to have to devise a training regime until you can get back on the bike.”
As they finished their tea, Jen suggested, “I think we should all turn in, we've a busy day ahead tomorrow. Your Dad and I need to see George, Gaby and I have to talk to George and Dr. Dieter then there's all those thousands of little things that must be done when you move.
The girls had started to head off to their room when Jen called them, “Kids?” When they returned, Jenny gave each girl a warm hug and a peck on the cheek. “Thank you for helping your dad and I ... now off you go … we'll follow in a few minutes.”
“It feels so cramped with the four of us in this small apartment … ( sigh ) … but somehow it feels soooo good!” Jen seductively whispered to Dave as she turned out lamp on her night table. He held the covers for her as she crawled onto the bed and snuggled up against him.
It was mid-morning before the Bonds awoke and prepared to drive to the Team Apollinaris facility. Dave and Jenny knew the team was only in town for a few days before departing on April 1 for Belgium and the Tour des Flandres, so anything they had to do with George or the doctor had to be done quickly; assuming that George or the doctor had the time in their schedule.
“Hurry up, girls. We'll grab a proper lunch with the team,” Dave mentioned as he walked past their bedroom door.
“Kewel!” An excited voice emanated from the girl's shared bedroom.
A short time later Dave found himself talking to George, going over the short list he had prepared of junior girls he thought would be good candidates for the Youth Program. Dave was to finalize arrangements, hoping to meet with two of the girls while the team was in Belgium.
Meanwhile, Jenny and Gaby were with Dr. Dieter. Jen had arranged Gaby's physical with the doctor after the team returned on April 12, from the Novilon Internationale Damesronde van Drenthe in Holland. She scheduled her own physical before the team departed for Belgium.
Both ladies learned the doctor had already received their current medical records from Dr. Sanwari. Even though Gaby knew Dr. Dieter would have to know everything, she was taken aback when he informed her that he had already seen her records.
“Doktor – patient confidentiality, Gaby … I can't tell a soul unless you permit me to. George has the right to know the fitness level of those on his team, but he doesn't need to know the medical history of anyone unless it directly affects the well-being of a team member and even then, only in general terms … no details … I promise,” Dr. Dieter quietly told her.
“He won't know about …?” Gaby asked.
“Nein … Only that you're recovering from ‘abdominal surgery' and have been told to remain off the bike for a period of time. It's up to me to supervise your recovery and suggest a training regime that you can do, in the meantime. So all George has to know is that you've had some major surgery and, of course, my recommendations for your recovery,” Dr. Dieter explained.
“But I think it might be a good idea to let George know … just as a courtesy … don't you think doctor?” Jenny suggested.
“Ja … And it would only be a courtesy … Gaby. Speaking as the doctor of a women's cycling team, I can say under cycling rules, your medical status would have absolutely no affect on your ability to compete on a women's team. You are a female, both physically and legally – bottom line!” Dr. Dieter attempted to reassure Gaby after he noticed the panic on her face when her mother suggested they tell George. He told Gaby he would be there to explain the medical aspects to George and to assure him that she was completely eligible under the UCI cycling rules.
“But you have to tell me you agree to inform George … Verstehen Sie, Gaby?” Dr. Dieter asked to be sure she understood everything he had told her.
“Ja … Danke, Herr Doktor,” Gaby was eager to show off the German she had learned and thanked the doctor accordingly. Dr. Dieter noticed that Gaby visibly relaxed after he explained everything to her.
“Is that ‘yes' you understand or ‘yes', you agree to tell George?” Jenny asked as she looked at Gaby.
“Both,” Gabs replied.
On their way to George's office, Jenny peered into Dave's office and asked him to join them. A couple of minutes later, Gaby, Jenny, Dave and Dr. Dieter were informing George of Gaby's medical status and the true nature of her surgery.
After hearing the complete story, George sat in silence several minutes. Those minutes seemed like hours to Gaby. She was positive the longer George was silent, the worse his reaction would be to her or her parents, maybe even firing them from their jobs! The scowl on his face wasn't helping matters as far as Gaby was concerned, either. Even through the gruff expression, George was able to see Gabs' anxiety building.
“Fräulein Bond! … Gaby … gekommen zu mir, bitte.” George looked at Gaby, walked to the end of his desk and opened his arms to her. Gaby glanced at Jenny and when she nodded, Gaby got out of her chair and went to get a bear hug from George.
” Willkommen Gaby und danke, dass sie mir das erklaert haben.” George softly thanked Gab's for telling him and welcomed her to the team. He acknowledged it must have been difficult for her, considering the very personal nature of her disclosure.
As Jen, Dave and Gaby walked back to Dave's office, Gaby quietly told her mother, ““Dr. Dieter's nice, Mum … I like him. Can he … like … be our doctor?”
“He's a good doctor and he knows how to deal with people … Unfortunately he can't be our family doctor as he's here for the team and only the team,” Jenny allowed.
“I need to know the truth Mum … was he…?” Gaby quietly pleaded after a short period of deep thought. Jenny felt a knot in her stomach as she gently led Gaby to Dave's office and closed the door.
Jules had been waiting patiently in Dave's office the whole time and with Dave looking on, Jenny took a deep sigh and then sitting down in a chair beside Gaby, she explained, “No dear … that never happened … an' that's God's truth …” Jenny had tears in her eyes as she held Gaby's hand while glancing over at Jules and Dave.
“It was all a lie …a lie told by a stupid, scared little girl whose ego couldn't stand the thought of anyone seeing that she was as frail as anyone else and that she was dying …( sniff ) I thought if I could make you hate me … drive you away. ( sniff ) Saying those things on the phone was one thing but after I saw for myself what I was doing to you guys, I couldn't possibly go on with my lie any longer.” Jenny quietly explained as she wrapped her arms around Gaby.
All she wanted to do at that moment was to have some time with her family, to hold them and tell them how she loved them. George's booming voice outside in the hallway brought her back from her thoughts. Jen quickly dried her tears.
“You look fine, Mum,” Gaby whispered. “Mum? … It's ok …we love you.”
A short time later they found themselves sharing a table with George in the team's dinning room. “Maria! … Sitzen Sie mit uns ,” Jenny called out inviting Maria to join them as she was passing their table.
“Danke ... Hallo Gaby … Jules,” Maria replied as she set down her tray on the table. For the benefit of the girls, Maria switched to English. “Anunder visit or haf you now moved to Bad Neuenahr?” Maria asked to no one in particular.
At that point George stood up and addressed the room, announcing to everyone that he was calling a quick team meeting following lunch. After he sat down and had started eating, he informed the Bond family that they were expected to attend as they were the reason for the meeting.
Soon after, conversation turned to George's cousin, Stefan. George agreed that a meeting was in order and promptly placed a call on his mobile. After he hung up, George told everyone at the table they were to be at his place that evening. As the Pinger's and the Bond's would be neighbours, George also asked Maria and her family to attend.
Later at the team meeting, George informed everyone that the Bonds were now living in Bad Neuenahr. For the first time, the entire team heard of Jenny's cancer and the story of her recovery. Pending Dr. Dieter's advice, she expressed hopes of rejoining the team on the race circuit.
George also formally welcomed Gaby as the first member of the Apollinaris Youth Project and as such, the newest member of Team Apollinaris. It had been decided during a previous visit, that until Dave was able to sit down and formulate a training plan for the Youth Project, Gaby was to train with the pro team. Gaby's enthusiastic reaction to the news was decidedly more visual than verbal, much to the amusement of the rest of the team. The meeting quickly evolved into a meet n' greet and a renewing of old friendships with everyone mingling in little groups.
“Aufmerksamkeit Leute, bitte.” George finally requested everyone's attention. “There's one bit of business we forgot to cover … can Jenny and der family come back up here? … Mike.” As the Bond's came back up to join George at the front of the room, Mike came into the room.
George continued, “Does this look familiar Gaby?”
“My bike!” she exclaimed. Although tears were something Jen had seen all too often in her daughter's eyes in recent days, she felt a tear of her own when she saw the pure joy on Gaby's face. Jenny quickly pulled a couple of tissues from her bag and gave one to Gaby.
George explained to everyone that this was the custom-made bike that was made by Diane Biggs of Biggs Fabrications for Gaby to ride in the last Atlanta Winter Classic while she was an exchange student in the States. He sounded like a salesman when he started to explain the construction and technical specifications of the bike to an attentive audience.
As she turned to her dad, it occurred to her that she never actually saw Diane bring the bike back when they drove back to Grottoes and the last time she did see it was when her dad was showing it to her mum in the hotel's hallway outside of their room.
“You kept it after you showed Mum, didn't you?” Gaby asked as she hugged her dad.
“Yes … but George was the one who physically brought it back,” Dave replied as he shifted Gaby's gratitude to George.
The rest of the day went quickly. Even during the short time they remained with the team, Jules was interested to finally meet the people that worked with her mum and to get a glimpse of what she did.
That evening, Stefan joined the Bond's and the Pinger's at George's house.
“I've finished putting together a proposal for the house we discussed at your last visit, Dave.” Stefan came prepared with both a PowerPoint presentation that included photos of a similar design and the same proposal in a form the Bonds would be able to take with them.
As he went through the presentation, Stefan indicated the builder had allowed some leeway for customization and asked Dave and Jenny what they'd like to see. They went through the floor plan, room by room. When it came to the girl's bedrooms, both parents looked to Gaby and Jules for suggestions.
Stefan proved he was familiar with the concerns of new homebuyers as he delved into the various financial packages offered by the builder. Jenny and Dave had talked it over before hand and had a good idea what income they were going to get from the leasing of their house back in Warsop, as well as their combined income with Team Apollinaris. As a result, coupled with information of the various financial plans offered by the builder, they now had a good idea of how they would present themselves to the bank.
George also took the opportunity to invite Jenny to tag along with Team Apollinaris on their remaining race dates, since she was still on the team. Since neither girl was in school, they would be expected to join the tour as well.
“Dave, I'd expect you to help Mike with the bikes after the races, but I also think you might have some time to work on the Youth Project. Ja?”
“Assuming we are approved by the bank, shouldn't I stay behind while the house is being built?” Jenny asked as she looked to Dave.
“We'll be back a few times before Stefan finishes the house, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to inspect the house during construction and talk to Stefan, if that's what you're worried about,” George pointed out. After he unfolded a copy of the team's 2004 race schedule, he highlighted the breaks he mentioned for the next three months then handed it over to Jenny and Dave. He specifically commented on the break in June.
“Looking at the team's schedule and assuming Stefan can get it completed late June as he claims, there is a two week window that the team will be back in Bad Neuenahr, between June 16 th and June 28th. That should give you time to move into your new home, Ja?” George allowed while making a smug reference to his cousin.
Jenny noted those dates were sandwiched between the two Italian races that she did well in, the Giro del Trentino Alto Adige-S ü dtriol which was to be run on the on the 19 th of June and the Giro d'Italia Femminile that was scheduled for July 7 th .
Pleas of ‘can we go mum?' and ‘muuummm' arose before Jenny could answer. Jen's smile answered for her as Dave grasped her hand and nodded his head as he looked at her.
“Well … I guess that's unanimous, then … count us in, George … Dank.” As Jenny still held onto Dave's hand, she accepted George's offer. She then wondered since they would be traveling with the team until the fall, if she'd be able to get the girl's registered in the Are-Gymnasium in Bad Neuenahr.
“Thought we were going to a school… what's an ‘are gymnasium' anyway?” Gaby wondered.
“Are-Gymnasium ... is, simply put, German for an ‘Area Secondary School' … in this case, it services the entire area around Bad Neuwenahr-Ahrweiler,” explained Jenny.
“It's the same school Kat attends and it's located right in Bad Neuenahr ... you could walk to it from the apartment, but if things go as we hope and we get the house, you'll have to do like Kat does … either cycle to school in the good weather or take the train into town.”
“Or … you could drive us on the way to work?” Gaby suggested as Jules and Kat expectantly looked on.
“We'll see,” Dave and Jenny chorused together.
Maria offered to let Jenny and the girls come with her to the school to register when she took Kat to register for her courses, before the team left for its next race in three days. “I'll call you tomorrow to set something up,” Maria added.
“Hopefully they've forwarded the girl's records by now,” Jenny thought out loud.
Two days later, the Bonds surprised the Pinger's by taking them to dinner where they announced that they would soon be neighbours and that the bank had agreed to finance their plans. When they told Stefan the news earlier in the day, they were informed that with actual construction starting mid-April, they should be able to move in late July.
The remaining day leading up to the team's departure for Belgium saw Jenny enroll the girls into their new school. While they were at the school with Maria and Kat, both Gaby and Jules were able to meet a few of their teachers. In the end, both girls were praised for their efforts to-date to acquire the German language.
Once they were back at the Pinger's, Jen and Gaby told Maria and Kat what they had told George. Kat said how she always suspected Drew was a girl and how Maddy almost had her convinced otherwise. When Kat asked how that affects their relationship, Gaby's face dropped.
“I dunno … I still love her an' in my heart I feel she still love's me, but I dunno,” Gaby quietly confessed. Gaby brought Kat up to-date on her relationship with Maddy.
“I guess as long as I'm a girl and I have feelings for her that makes me … like …a lesbian, huh? … You and your mum ok with that?” Gaby directed her question to Kat then looked over to Maria to see her nod a response.
“I thought it only right you and Kat should know now rather than you find out later and get upset … Maria,” Gaby calmly allowed.
“Vielen Dank, Gaby,” Maria replied with a smile.
“Ja … It doesn't bother me,” Kat softly replied as she gave her friend a hug. “But, why would Maddy do that to you after all you meant to each other?”
“That's … anybody's guess!” Gaby playfully replied as she tried to inject some levity into the conversation.
In an attempt to change to a lighter topic, Jenny turned to her girls and asked, “So… let's see what you girls ended up with.” Jen was curious to see what subjects each girl was taking.
Gaby gave her mum the course list that she decided upon with help of one of the school's counsellors .
“Hmm ... Math, German, English, History, Political Education, Geography, P/E (exempt) and French … nice. What made you take French as your second mandatory foreign language?”
“How useful is Latin?” Gaby smugly replied?
“Point taken,” Jenny allowed
“There's my optional subjects,” Gaby pointed them out to her mother.
“Biology, Chemistry, Computers, Art and Drama … good choices … interesting … but good,” Jen quipped.
“I see they did decide to exempt you from P/E because of your riding … but didn't they tell us that you needed two subjects to be taken at the advanced levels?” Jenny noted.
“That's Math and Computers,” Gaby replied.
“Oh … Well, at least your ol' mum might be able to help you in Geography … an' what about you Jules?”
“I've got Math, German, English, History, Political Education, Geography, P/E and French …
Chemistry, Computers and Drama are my optional subjects. An' before you ask … Chemistry and English are my two advanced level courses,” Jules proudly pointed out.
“English?” Jenny questioned.
“What can I say?” Jules replied as she tried to stifle a huge grin.
When Jenny was in Germany and the kids back in Warsop, their schooling was something Jenny took for granted. Even something as mundane as registering her kids for school was something Jenny missed and she was bound she was going to savour every moment.
To Jen, the move to Germany meant the family was together again and more importantly, another chance to be a wife and mother - a chance she wasn't going to throw away, not this time!
When Dr. Dieter finally saw Jenny, he gave her a complete physical and ran several tests to gauge her strength and endurance. In the end, her training was designed to gradually reintegrate her with the team, with the goal of having her return to competition for the following season. This included weight training as well as increasingly longer training rides, with the team.
Dave spent a fair bit of his days prior to the team's departure, on the phone finalizing details for meeting the girls and their parents as well as assisting Mike in getting the bikes and other equipment, ready to travel.
Gaby and Jenny had their assignments as well. Never to miss a media moment, George had made it known that the mother-daughter duo would be available to the media at the after-race press conferences. Gaby was also to help her dad promote the Apollinaris Youth Project whenever he met with the various clubs.
Even Jules wasn't completely let off the hook, but she did have it easiest of the three. She was asked to make herself available to the media along with her mother and sister.
During all this and right up until the first day of school, Jenny's impromptu German lessons continued. Individual members of Team Apollinaris helped out whenever they could, reinforcing Jenny's lessons and encouraging the girls to communicate in German. Maria even supplied a few of Kat's paperbacks for reading material.
Following Maria's overall win at the Novilon Internationale Damesronde van Drenthe in Holland, the team returned home for a week's stay and then it was back to Belgium for the Grande Prix de Wallonie. First thing Gaby did was keep her scheduled appointment with Dr. Dieter.
“Gaby … only seven weeks since you had your surgery and everything looks great. However, I think you should continue to rest up for another month or so. Anyway you care to look at it, you've had major surgery and your abdominal muscles are still quite tender. I want to see you every two weeks, so I can monitor your progress, ok?” Dr. Dieter told Gabs.
“Ok, Doctor,” Gaby replied.
“Now you can get dressed and join your Mama and I in my office.” Dr. Dieter told Gaby as he turned for the examination room door.
When Gaby joined them in the doctor's office, Jenny was informed that when the time came that Gaby would resume training, it would be reintroduced on a gradual scale until both Gaby and the doctor were sure there were no problems.
After the team once again left Bad Neuenahr, Jenny would often accompany the team on their training rides that usually preceded a race. Her performance was closely watched by George and Dr. Dieter, but probably not any closer than by Jenny herself. At nights she would talk with Dave and the doctor about her progress and how she felt after each ride.
It was after one such training ride while they were in Montreal for the Grand Prix Feminine International du Canada that Jenny approached Dr. Dieter for his medical opinion. She spent some time by herself, thinking it over and finally arrived at a decision. After talking it over at length with Dave and the girls, Jenny and Dave informed George.
“You're sure this is what you want?” George asked.
“Yes it is,” Jenny confidently replied.
She knew it really wasn't what she wanted but given her health and age, it was the correct choice. Dave and the girls had let her live her dream but now it was time to let that go. Jen took comfort in the fact she was still going to be involved in the sport she loved, sharing her knowledge with those just starting out.
In one way, George hoped Jenny would change her mind, but deep down he agreed with her that it was the right decision. With a bit of reluctance in his voice, he offered to set up a press conference for the next day, so Jenny could make the announcement. He was saddened he was losing a great asset to the team but at the same time welcomed her into her new position. As Jenny and Dave went off to inform the rest of Team Apollinaris, George began making arrangements for Jenny to meet the press.
Following the next day's training ride for the upcoming Grande Prix, George and the Bond's followed Team Apollinaris into the hotel's conference room that served as a temporary press room for the race coverage.
“Ladies und Gentlemen of the press, bitte? … Danke. My name, for those of you who don't know, is George M ü ller. I am the Direktor of Team Apollinaris. The purpose for this press conference is to allow our own Jenny Bond to make an announcement … I would hasten to point out that following Jenny's statement, there will be no questions taken. Danke,” George called the press conference to order then Jenny accompanied by the rest of her family took their seats at the tables on the stage at the front of the pressroom.
“Afternoon…” Jenny spoke in a somber tone. “Before I proceed, I'm Jenny Bond … that's J-e-n-n-y B-o-n-d … I'd like to introduce my family, on my far left is my oldest daughter Juliette … that's J-u-l-i-e-t-t-e … and my husband Dave … and on my right is my youngest daughter, Gaby … I'm sure many of you know of her by now but for those that don't, that's G-a-b-y.”
Jenny looked up from her prepared statement, at the assembled media and started with a blunt impromptu comment, “I am a cancer survivor!”
After the shockwave from that bombshell dissipated, she went on to briefly explain about her encounter with cancer and her recovery. She only explained her diagnosis and recovery in general terms, omitting the details. She felt there was no need to let the public know everything but she had to reveal her cancer since it was the reason for her retirement from competition.
Finally, Jenny got around to the reason for her press conference. Even though she was steadily regaining her strength and stamina, Jenny reasoned that it would be a few years yet before she would be able to compete at her prior level and by then she would be well past her prime as an athlete.
“It's for that reason that I've decided to retire from competition … not the sport … just competition.” Jenny sat upright in her chair, away from the microphone that was in front of her and dabbed her eyes, generally regaining her composure.
After a few minutes, she continued, “Sorry people, but it's not easy for me ... You'd think it would be after talking it over with my family and informing my teammates … but it isn't, so please bear with me if I get a bit emotional.”
“The good news to all of this is that while I may be out of competition, I'm not leaving the Team Apollinaris organization … Effective immediately, I will be assuming the dual roles of Head Coach and Training Director for the Team Apollinaris' Youth Project. Following my statement, George will explain about the Youth Project in detail.”
“As for my family and I, we look upon my retirement with mixed feelings. Of course, I'll miss the competition, which I loved … but until this year, that meant I lived and worked in Germany while my family was back in England. As a result of both our new jobs with Team Apollinaris, the family is back together again and we now live in Germany. I'll be able to spend more time with them and that by itself is a big plus!”
She finished her statement by saying, “I want to publicly thank my family for all the support they've given me in letting me pursue my dream of pro cycling and especially for the love and support they've given me since first being diagnosed with cancer.” Dave leaned over and kissed her on the lips and Jenny responded with a tearful embrace. She also embraced both girls.
As the media tried to ask questions of Jenny, George walked up to the front of the room and restored some order then joined the others at the head table.
A silence fell on the room as George and Dave started to explain the Team Apollinaris Youth Project. Although he first introduced the formation of the Apollinaris Youth Project in Atlanta at the Atlanta Winter Classic a few months prior, for the first time, he was able to outline the organizational structure of the program.
He introduced Dave as the Director of the Youth Project and Jenny as the Training Director. The three of them spent some time going over how the idea started, the concept and who was eligible to participate in the project. When asked, Jen could only comment on the focus she'd like to take with the training for the girls in the program, but she emphasized it would also depend on the skills the girls bring with them.
George put the focus of the room upon Gaby as he proudly showcased her as the first participant in the program, emphasizing her cycling accomplishments. Gaby felt like sliding under the table but when George opened the floor for questions about the Program, Gaby fielded any questions directed at her, with the confidence and delivery of a ‘media veteran', having been through the media scrum before.
The following day, the Grand Prix Feminin International du Canada was run. Just before the race, in the bus allotted to the team while in Montreal, the team held a final strategy meeting. As they were about to adjourn and head out to the start line, Maria entertained a final motion. They resolved to win if not put someone on the podium – for Jenny.
As it turned out, the road race came down to a final 200-meter sprint. If Maria hadn't developed a puncture, the team might have well swept the podium with a 1, 2, 3 finish. In the end, they were satisfied with Tina taking overall first and although a cyclist from Univega Pro Cycling edged out Ilsa for second place, she was more than happy to take the third place finish.
(to be continued)
PB 28.03.07 © 2007
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