Two down and one to go for the Pro Peloton, and despite the big one being over, the third and final grand tour still represents a big challenge. Following the riders on twitter over the past few days has been an interesting experience. Arriving in various parts of Spain, each one has commented on the heat. Regardless of the time they have arrived (and for some it’s been after midnight), it’s been over 30 degrees. One thing is for certain, the Vuelta a Espana is going to be raced in sweltering heat.

In an effort to make this tour more of a spectacle and gain some extra media attention, the organisers have decided to hold stage one late on Saturday night. The 13 kilometre team time trial will see the first of the 22 teams leave the bull ring in Sevilla at 10pm.

So from day two on, the riders will be under pressure to acclimatise to the heat, recover from the late night on stage one and put their race plan into place. Add into all that the challenge of the ever present crosswinds, the fact that most of the riders will have a full season of racing in their legs and the Vuelta become as interesting as the other two grand tours.

Having spent a few weeks chasing the Tour around France I know have a lot more sympathy for the average professional cyclist. While my cycling career consists of competing in a handful of local category four races and the odd sportive, life as a pro is a whole different ball game.

The first stage I attended was stage eight of this year’s Tour which finished in Avoriaz in the French Alps. I was spending a week in Morzine and so was perfectly positioned to see the pain on Lance Armstrong‘s face as he climbed up the 12 kilometre climb after his third crash and watched any faint hope he had of being competitive in the 2010 Tour evaporate. I was also perfectly positioned to see the ‘bus’ snake it’s way up the switchbacks to the mountain top finish.

The following day the circus rested in Morzine and despite the rigours of the previous climbs, riders rolled in and out of the small Alpine village for the day, trying to keep their legs moving and keep their bodies in race mode. I saw team hotels stalked by journalists and autograph hunters alike. There really is no rest for a pro, especially in the midst of a grand tour. The following morning the riders began to appear by their team buses and again the crowds had gathered to get an autograph, a photo or simply a glimpse of their favourite rider. The riders, for the most part, obliged in any way they could.

Between here and Paris the circus rolled on. Each day the terrain changed, GC positions changed, but the daily grind for each rider – first or last – remained the same. The Sky team are rumoured to have brought their own mattresses to avoid any unnecessary uncomfort in their numerous hotels. I don’t think the final position of a rider mattered. The fact that a rider finished with his sanity is an achievement.

Professional cycling is a tough game. Outside of a grand tour the races might be shorter, but the distances travelled to and from these races are longer. Home comforts cannot be enjoyed for any great length of time. Take Frank Schleck. Just over a week ago he got married. This week he arrived in Spain to spend three and half weeks away from his bride and with Team Saxo Bank competing in the Vuelta.

Despite the hardship and suffering, Irish cycling is on an upward swing. The pro peloton boasts three top class riders. Nicholas Roche has said that curiousity is the main drive behind his entrance into the 2010 Veulta. He says he has yet to decide if he will priorities certain stages over a good gc position. Philip Deignan will ride for a team leader in the Cervelo team, but is equally capable of putting in impressive performances. While Dan Martin is fresh from a GC win at the Tour of Poland and still only 24, he is progressing nicely.

What I’m trying to convey to you hear is that cycling is about pain and progress requires mental and physical toughness. While you and I can wheel around the roads admiring the scenery, those who do it for a living have a much tougher time. Each pedal stroke is analysed in detail, each calorie eaten counted and each hour of sleep is clocked as they attempt to tackle their own personal goals.

I have great admiration for each and every pro rider out there and they provide me with great entertainment. However, having seen how the other half lives, come Saturday night I will be firmly planted on my couch to watch the drama of La Vuelta a Espana 2010 unfold. It takes a little bit of madness to be a professional bike racer and I’m happy to say, I’m almost completely sane.

By Colin McGann