PEZ readers have long been fans of Magnus Backstedt, one of the most accessible and ‘real’ men of the pro peloton. He always finds time to tap us into the often closed world of professional bike racing, and we talked to him recently about the 2008 season and his year with Garmin-Chipotle.

It’s time to check back in with Maggy Backstedt. After sorting out some nagging winter injuries, his return to top form is again delayed by a bout with Epstein Barr virus, but things are looking up…

Hi there everyone! A couple of weeks have gone by since I rode my favourite race of the year. It was a bit of a mixed feeling I arrived with at the velodrome in Roubaix. I had done everything in my powers to be ready for that one day and I can put my hand on my heart and say that there wasn’t a single thing I could have done better to get myself ready.

Our man Magnus Backstedt has had a rough go of it for quite awhile now, and as this diary begins things still aren't even close to smooth - but the finale brings a definite positive outlook for the coming months for Big Maggy - and the hope of big form for his beloved Paris-Roubaix.

We caught up with Magnus Backstedt late after his team mate Danilo Di Luca’s spectacular summit win on stage 5. After a long transfer and a late dinner, it was closing in on 11PM when we got through, but Maggy was happy to chat…

The Big Man is on the mend and nursing his knee back up to speed - and between trainer sessions takes a little time to check in with PEZ on his progress, share some Giro observations, and of course reader mail and his tastey snak pak…

Big Maggy Backstedt missed the Classics due to his healing knee, but he didn’t miss the action – pulling tv duties for Swedish EuroSport. Maggy checks in post-Roubaix, and answers a bunch more Reader Questions…