Remember that scene in “The Empire Strikes Back” when the rebels are evacuating Hoth? After the first first ship leaves Echo Base and passes safely through the Imperial lines, an announcement is made: “The first transport is away!” [Widespread cheering.] “The first transport is away!”

That’s sort of how I feel now. “The first 2008 races have been announced!” Widespread cheering. “The first 2008 races have been announced!”

It was 75 degrees today for the cross race in Carpentersville, but ABR has already released information for its 2008 Mid America Time Trial Series, including dates for the ABD indoor time-trial series, and the spring practice criterium series, formerly held at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

The criteriums will be March 2, March 9 and March 16. I understand they will be at the same business park as the other recent ABR criteriums in Kenosha, Wis.

This will be the 29th year of the spring training series. It’s the traditional kick-off for outdoor racing, and after a long, hard winter, many will attack the series with an intensity that suggests they’d planned their season around it.

Only 138 days to go!