Yesterday, en route to what I would call a mediocre 15th place, I did a whole 25 more watts AVERAGE than I did at the Vuelta Time Trial where I finished 5th. I certainly gave everything I had, but it was not enough.
The Vuelta TT was a big step for me. It was the first TT of that length that I had ever done, being just shy of an hour. Yesterday was very similar, and to experience a jump of 25 watts–I could be ecstatic with that. But I am not. At the end of the day, it is not how many watts someone produces in a single day, it is how fast they go. While I am content to have technically gone faster, I realize that I have a lot of work I need to get done before I can be competitive at this level on such a stage.
Yesterday was a good indication that yes, I am improving, but these guys, Tony Martin in particular, are at a whole different level. I know I can be up there soon as I have plenty of room to grow, I just have to put in the work and the hours. I am very motivated this winter to do everything right and come out guns blazing next year.
I still have the Road Race on Sunday where I will hopefully be leading out Tyler Farrar if all goes according to schedule…
Thanks for all of your support, we will be on top soon enough. 
-tp
You’re made of the “right stuff” Taylor. We’ll all be there the day you do cross the line as the World Champion.
Coming in fifteenth at your first world’s it not mediocre! You should pat yourself on the back and be proud! Good luck on sunday.
The depth of the field yesterday was unprecedented – you might say it’s a “mediocre” 15th, but you were definitely not in mediocre company up there! I think one your greatest assets (besides your genes!) is your attitude – as long as you have the self-belief and convert these positive thoughts into action (which you do), you will soon be reaping the rewards
All the best for the road race!
I completely agree and wrote something similar here: http://allezandy.blogspot.com/2011/09/worlds-elite-men-tt-too-small-podium.html
But really I think you can do great things and apreciate you are not satisfied.
Reading it now it sounds too hard to me
Still a good result- as noted you did improve. Those guys have been at this for a while now. Hang in there! You’ve got “it” and you’ll be on that podium sooner rather than later. Good luck for the road race.
Mike in Madison.
Don’t beat yourself up for yesterday’s result. Even though coming in 15th place while riding at your best level might seem disappointing, it actually proves you have the potential to become world champion in future years. Just look at Tony Martin for inspiration: two years ago, he showed great promise in the TT but was still quite below top level; hard work and steady improvement allowed him to fulfill his potential, as evidenced yesterday.
So, to sum up, you have no need to rush things up. Just keep working as hard as ever and perhaps, two years from now, you might be the one wearing the rainbow jersey.
taylor, you wil be the man of the following years. german television
was full of praise for your performance yesterday. the next decade is yours
Shouldn’t you be leading out a fellow Aussie Jack?!
Great job in the TT, congratulations. It was a fantastic performance.
Whoops. Thought this was a Jack B blog!
15th is a great result Taylor, nothing mediocre about it.
Good ride Taylor. I’m glad they showed you a few times on Eurosport live feed I was on. Nice to see that USA jersey flying around that loop. I still wonder what power numbers you professional put down for an hour, but I feel it would make me feel bad about my less-than mediocre fitness.
While I know you want to be first, just remember you are 15th in the World! There is nothing mediocre about that. Congrats!
Chin up T – you did great, and also looked pro!
It’s all about the look, sunshine
21! Never forget the fact that you still have LOTS of strength to gain. It just takes time and discipline. You’ve got the discipline. The time will take care of itself.
Everyone already said the supportive things I wanted to say, so just know that we’re behind you 100%
THats a great result, given that the field was awesome! You dine a great ride and should be proud, only your second time doing that distance so if you’ve already improved 25 Watts in less than a month then surely if you continue to improve over the next year…..
Can you disclose what watts you did put out for the Championship yesterday?
I became a Cancellara fan a number of years back when he was 4th at worlds. There was a pic of him sitting on the ground looking totally wiped with an expression that said, “What the $%^* do I need to do to win this thing?”. I think he was 24-25 at the time. At a young 21, I’ve enjoyed watching your progression to date, (and your blog!), and know that you have the world ahead of you.
I will second the question about your watts, if you can and are comfortable sharing them.
Congrats one thousand times, Taylor! It was a great ride for someone who’s in his first year at this level. By the time the championship gets to Richmond, in 2015, you’ll be ready to fight for the first place! Just keep on working as hard as you did until now and I hope I’ll be seeing you with a medal very soon… maybe even next year, who knows? Good luck Sunday.
Im in Oz at the moment so Ill give you my aussie accent
Mate, it never comes easy, hard work pays off so you know what lies ahead.
you go boy!
Since your interview with PG, you have a new fan in Spain!