Bonking and Belgium

    So far my season has been slightly underwhelming I must say, but all that was going to change at the champs, I was sure of it. My optimism was short lived though as my warm up was interrupted by a long nature call which left me running out the loo desperately o make sure I didn't miss the start. The race was quite quick from the off but I simply didn't have the legs or the head and at Blackpool riding at the back simply isn't an option. 

     Sure enough about half way through the elastic snapped and I was off the back trying to limit my losses. Crossing the line though I was welcomed with the news that Ben had won. No offence to Ben but he hasn't been my pre race favourite and everyone was ecstatic about his win.

     A few weeks later I packed my things and headed south with the balfours for a Belgian adventure. Our first race was on the Wednesday in a small town in East Flanders and we were amazed by the field of 90+ riders on the start line. This included an American squad, a South African team as well as Dutch and French riders. And of course the Belgians.

     The race was way better than anything here with a fast pace on a long rolling course creating good hard racing with a rapidly decreasing bunch.the Belgian "style" of racing also helped make it enjoyable and different with 6ft+ riders head butting and elbowing around the course, bunny hopping anything they can see and riding on the pavements to move up whenever possible.  I came round somewhere in the top 40 (because I got 5 euros back) with Stuart finishing 12th.

      The Saturday race we were sure would be smaller although as we found out afterwards there was only 2 races in Belgium that day which explained the 120+ field of riders. This race was even harder based on what effectively was a large crit loop. I managed to get in a small move but it was quickly shut down and again finished in the bunch. Unfortunately we weren't able to race the Sunday but it was still a great trip. Muchos thanks balfours!

Oh and Ben bonked on chaingang on Saturday and I had to tow him home which was payback for him lapping me then winning the British champs.

Cheers for reading, over and out.

      

Apr

A large scratch group assembled in the lay by before the call of rolling out was heard and we all headed off to start the race (yes, race, what of it?). It was a hot evening and no one wanted to take it up so the first lap was steady with everyone eyeing each other up, whilst others gazed in awe at the British champion.

Onto the second lap and things were starting to heat up. A few digs off the front by numerous riders were all closed down quickly but the pace definitely seemed higher and already riders were feeling the burn, getting spat out into the abyss. I was rolling through the line well and my legs felt amazing (as per). I knew this was my race (yes, race) to lose.

Finally the last lap arrived andy positioning was far from ideal towards the back of the bunch. It was strung out but after a superhuman effort by me I was able to work my way up the bunch. Two riders were up the road and I knew that was where I needed to be so I kicked hard leaving everyone gasping at my strength and finesse. I bridged the gap, turning round to see the whole bunch on my wheel.

In the closing metres I was sat second so attacked once more putting huge distance into my fellow racers behind but unfortunately they caught up and sprinted past. Ben won. The end.