It has nearly been 2months since I have been here in Belgium.
I have been challenged by the wintery conditions of the snow and freezing temperatures to the gale force winds that sweep across the flat fields and health 20 + degree temperatures. The weather is slowly becoming more consistent which helps with more consistent training.
When the sun shines it has been important to make the most of the good weather. With a few months of racing including a few big tours targeted by the team and myself for selection to race these events it has been key to take advantage of the time of being based in one place with familiar roads.
During my training block I have raced some local Kermesse races and a 2 day UCI tour. Each Kermesse start I have had the legs to come away with some positive results. The first was in Bellegem where I went away on the second lap as I bridged across to 9 others. Being a hilly and twisty course we stayed away to the finish. After the attacks and final efforts for the glory I came across the line 5th.
Moorsele was the first U23 Kermesse. Following another early move we also stayed away to the finish. During the race there was a sprint competition worth a few extra Euros where I place 2nd. By the time we got to the finish it was one sprint too many placing me 12th.
The team then competed in " days of Graverstreek, a UCI tour only 10km from where I live. Both days we raced up the Kwaremont, a famous cobbled climb of the Tour of Flanders. It was a good 2 days of racing up and down the climbs of the Vlammes Ardennes but every day it finished in a bunch kick which isn't exactly my strongest aspect.
Another week passed and rounded out with another U23 Kermesse in Hooglede. 4 riders went clear from the start and never seen again. From there was nothing else but to race in the chasing break where I closed the line 9th.
3 solid weeks of training saw me come very close to 2000km, so a weeks recovery was definitely needed if I were to gain any benefit from the hard work but also a chance for the body to recover. As a racers life goes it was ended with yet another race. The GP Affligem was a important race but the tactics were simple, to follow rider number 13 because he will win the race. The unfortunate timing of taking my eyes off him for 5sec saw rider number 13 ride up the road to go one and win the race. A simple mistake but also a lesson learnt. Some times racing can be very simple.
A week of good training again and with warm sunny days a team training ride saw us go out for 6hrs and ride 200km, nearly 34kmph average speed. I am still enjoying every moment of being out on the bike and have plenty more racing to come.
Cheers for reading.
T
