Today I got on my bicycle for the second time here in California with temperatures around 25 degrees. The good weather is doing its best to help me get over my jetlag. Despite my business-class ticket, I was able to fly first class on the Swiss airline from Switzerland to California, and pay a visit to the pilot and co-pilot in the cockpit.

Even though I had already done this on the return flight from the Olympic Games in Beijing, this time I could really enjoy it. In a very interesting discussion, the two pilots allowed me insight into a different arena.

Just like me, the pilots also have to push the limits in their profession. I find that very impressive, even if for them there's no fierce competition.

Our entire 28-man team is here in California in order to put on the final touches for the season. After very good training on Mallorca, I recovered very well last week.

Due to the weather conditions, however, I was not able to "eat up" that many kilometres. So the challenge now is to make up for this small deficiency.

I will officially start the season on 14 February with the Tour of California. But I'm not thinking too much about that just yet.

My focus currently is totally on training. Greetings from California Â- Yours, Fabian.