1) I went to the Tuesday night crit to check out the action and shoot the buzz. The weather was great with no wind, dry roads and almost 20 degrees. I arrived at about 7 as I figured people would be there by then, but only a handful where there and no sign of racing so I went for an hours spin and then came back around 8. At this point a handful of riders had arrived, some spinning laps of the course, others humming around in anticipation. The problem was that no race officials had shown up, only about ten riders and it was already past the scheduled start time. Why was there no race!? The weather was fabulous and the Alberta racing calendar is thinner than an airmail envelope so how is that a race like this can be cancelled?
2) Went for a ride in Springbank yesterday. It was a beautiful afternoon, quite roads, no wind, great for an easy spin. As I was coming south towards the arena a schoolbus full of kids drives up beside me about 500m before the stop at the intersection. The bus never actually passes me, just pulls up beside and then starts to drift right pushing me toward the ditch. I gave the side of the bus a couple of good smacks, but no reaction from the driver whose face I could see in the side mirror. I slowed, came around the left side of the bus, cut it off and road through the intersection.
3) Went for a coffee ride today...alone. I figured I would ride a couple of hours and then head down to Eau Claire to sit on a terrace and enjoy the sights, maybe meet some other riders. I sat in the heart of the district at peak lunch rush for over an hours and saw only 5 cyclists, all commuters or tourists, not one road bike. I was thinking others might have the same idea about a ride, but all I got were strange looks and casual Friday corporates in bad jeans and polo shirts.
People work too much in this town. Take a day off and come on a coffee ride.
Riding in highheels and a skirt is much faster than walking.
4) Booking tickets for nationals and Altoona came to as much as two trips to Europe. Its cheaper to race for an entire season in Europe than one month here and yet only one Canadian non pro is truly spending the entire season there and I was one of only a couple who was there for more than 3 weeks.
Come to Europe with me next year and live the dream. Its a leave of absence and less than two grand away.
5) Litre large coffees.
Coffee travel mugs or Starbucks cups are not fashion accessories. Sit down, relax, enjoy a good beverage and then leave the cup on the table.
Breathe...
6) SUV/pickup central.
7) More fruit boots than bicycles.
Jeg savner det livet som er sa mye bedre...Ik hep beter gesein enn ik mut terug...
23.6.06
20.6.06
I am back
After a rather long day of travel yesterday I have arrived back safely to Ctown. It was planes, trains and automobiles plus a couple of busses for me, but overall it was a pleasant and trouble free journey.
My journey began with Tino taking me to the train station in Liedekerke by car, then a 45 minute train journey in to the Brussels international airport, a BMI flight to Heathrow, a AC flight to Calgary, the #53 bus to Whitehorn station, the #73 to a stop 5 blocks from my house and then a short walk to my door. 18 hours.
My load was a bit heavier than when I left thanks to the loads of team gear I received, 6 bottles of Trappist and 4 kilograms of Spekuloos.
My bicycle box technique again worked trouble free and didn't cost me a penny. The only slight complication was an Air Canada employee stopping me at the gate and not allowing me to board my flight out of London as she didn't understand that I could be born in Canada and a Canadian citizen, but at the same time hold a Norwegian passport. After a few conversations with colleagues and a quick phone call it was understood that she didn't really know her stuff and I was waved on with an embarrassed smile. The drug dog at the Calgary airport also targeted me and jumped all over my carry on backpack just after I cleared the passport control. I was pulled into a side hallway and in turns out the apple I had failed to eat on my journey really excited this narco trained canine. The apple was promptly confiscated and after a quick lecture on failing to declare food products on my customs form I was released. I never declare anything regardless of what I bring in. I never exceed the limits requiring duty, but I find that if you do declare just small things they always want to "take a peek at your bags".
Its kind of nice to be home, but I already really miss Belgie. Its depressing to know that I wont be racing for almost 2 weeks then after nationals its another 2 weeks til Superweek and after that the season is either done or I have to fly back out east to do only a couple more races. As I mentioned earlier I was offered a spot on the Pictoflex- Hyundia continental team for the rest of the season a few weeks ago. At the time I said yes, but they were still not 100% sure if they could take new riders. They initially needed two riders due to injuries and riders leaving the team, but as it turned out the injured riders are within days of returning to competition now and the rider supposedly leaving the team was not released from his contract so he had to stay. Therefore my services are not needed this time around, but I am confident that next year has the potential to bring great things. There are several options for teams in Belgium if I stay for an entire season, which I plan on doing in 2007 so it should be exciting.
Another downer is that everyone in Calgary that races also works... This means no morning 4 hour group rides on Tuesdays anymore. If anyone wants to get together let me know though. This week I am riding just easy until Saturday and then I will be doing two 4 hour rides on the weekend with lots of hills. Are the crits still going on, I think I might spin up to the research park this evening to view the action.
My journey began with Tino taking me to the train station in Liedekerke by car, then a 45 minute train journey in to the Brussels international airport, a BMI flight to Heathrow, a AC flight to Calgary, the #53 bus to Whitehorn station, the #73 to a stop 5 blocks from my house and then a short walk to my door. 18 hours.
My load was a bit heavier than when I left thanks to the loads of team gear I received, 6 bottles of Trappist and 4 kilograms of Spekuloos.
My bicycle box technique again worked trouble free and didn't cost me a penny. The only slight complication was an Air Canada employee stopping me at the gate and not allowing me to board my flight out of London as she didn't understand that I could be born in Canada and a Canadian citizen, but at the same time hold a Norwegian passport. After a few conversations with colleagues and a quick phone call it was understood that she didn't really know her stuff and I was waved on with an embarrassed smile. The drug dog at the Calgary airport also targeted me and jumped all over my carry on backpack just after I cleared the passport control. I was pulled into a side hallway and in turns out the apple I had failed to eat on my journey really excited this narco trained canine. The apple was promptly confiscated and after a quick lecture on failing to declare food products on my customs form I was released. I never declare anything regardless of what I bring in. I never exceed the limits requiring duty, but I find that if you do declare just small things they always want to "take a peek at your bags".
Its kind of nice to be home, but I already really miss Belgie. Its depressing to know that I wont be racing for almost 2 weeks then after nationals its another 2 weeks til Superweek and after that the season is either done or I have to fly back out east to do only a couple more races. As I mentioned earlier I was offered a spot on the Pictoflex- Hyundia continental team for the rest of the season a few weeks ago. At the time I said yes, but they were still not 100% sure if they could take new riders. They initially needed two riders due to injuries and riders leaving the team, but as it turned out the injured riders are within days of returning to competition now and the rider supposedly leaving the team was not released from his contract so he had to stay. Therefore my services are not needed this time around, but I am confident that next year has the potential to bring great things. There are several options for teams in Belgium if I stay for an entire season, which I plan on doing in 2007 so it should be exciting.
Another downer is that everyone in Calgary that races also works... This means no morning 4 hour group rides on Tuesdays anymore. If anyone wants to get together let me know though. This week I am riding just easy until Saturday and then I will be doing two 4 hour rides on the weekend with lots of hills. Are the crits still going on, I think I might spin up to the research park this evening to view the action.
Race #16 Bertem Interclub
Last Sunday was the last race for at least a little while on Belgian soil. 170 of Belgiums top elite and U23 riders took the start. The field was strong yet again with Profel European continental tour team, the US U23 national team (not the center, these are the real deal national team guys) and the Belgian Military national team being the favorite squads along with over 20 other top amateur outfits including the boys from High 5 Sports Nutrition. Our squad was a bit smaller than usual with only Bart, Jef, Chris and I riding. Chris had some incredible results the week before after the last interclub with a 4th and I believe and 8th on Tuesday and Thursday respectively, but unfortunately he got sick on Friday and was not 100% for Sundays race. Bertem is a tough race with 2 big laps of 57 km and 5 small laps to make the 150km distance. The course is never flat either with about 25 classified climbs plus all of the other smaller ones. The highlights included two assents of a 17% monster of a climb on a rather narrow road on the big laps and the two step finishing climb that we had to cover 6 times. The heat was on full as well with a peak temperature of 36 degrees being recorded at the height of the racing action.
The race started out well and I stayed in the front 40 riders for the majority of the race. I was having some problems with the heat, it felt as though pressure was being applied all around my head and my ears plugged up like what happens during air travel. I seem to have these problems in severe heat when I am really going and as much as I tried to block it out mentally it was a constant factor. After 30km a small group went clear on the steepest climb. I didn't even see it go and didn't realize until later what had happened as the narrow climb was rather chaotic. As the race wore on small groups escaped constantly until 25 riders had formed a group off the front. I got in several of these small groups and on the right side of countless splits up the climbs, but nothing I was in stayed away for long. Eventually on the small laps I got clear with about 20 others and we went clear with over a minutes advantage on the peleton. I finished 37th on the day. Only 99 riders ever saw the finish line and considering the field and me not feeling 100% it was another strong performance. Unfortunately Jef and Chris both abandoned the race, however Bart rode a strong race, also experiencing bad luck and despite riding at the front was only rewarded with 66th place, still a good performance, but not reflective of his work.
Geoffrey Demeyere of Bioagrico won the day in a final break of 5 riders. Profel despite having 2 riders in the final 5 man break only managed 2nd and 4th.
As a side note I was listed as being from Finland in the results today. This is the 4th nationality I have had this year, the others being Swedish, Canadian and Belgian. Another interesting point is that my name in the results appearing in the national newspaper has been also very inconsistent with versions including Perr, Storm and the favorite Stromper.
The race started out well and I stayed in the front 40 riders for the majority of the race. I was having some problems with the heat, it felt as though pressure was being applied all around my head and my ears plugged up like what happens during air travel. I seem to have these problems in severe heat when I am really going and as much as I tried to block it out mentally it was a constant factor. After 30km a small group went clear on the steepest climb. I didn't even see it go and didn't realize until later what had happened as the narrow climb was rather chaotic. As the race wore on small groups escaped constantly until 25 riders had formed a group off the front. I got in several of these small groups and on the right side of countless splits up the climbs, but nothing I was in stayed away for long. Eventually on the small laps I got clear with about 20 others and we went clear with over a minutes advantage on the peleton. I finished 37th on the day. Only 99 riders ever saw the finish line and considering the field and me not feeling 100% it was another strong performance. Unfortunately Jef and Chris both abandoned the race, however Bart rode a strong race, also experiencing bad luck and despite riding at the front was only rewarded with 66th place, still a good performance, but not reflective of his work.
Geoffrey Demeyere of Bioagrico won the day in a final break of 5 riders. Profel despite having 2 riders in the final 5 man break only managed 2nd and 4th.
As a side note I was listed as being from Finland in the results today. This is the 4th nationality I have had this year, the others being Swedish, Canadian and Belgian. Another interesting point is that my name in the results appearing in the national newspaper has been also very inconsistent with versions including Perr, Storm and the favorite Stromper.
17.6.06
Until next time...
Just a final word before I take to my final race and then head back to Calgary.
This has been an incredible racing trip this year. In many ways I feel that I have made a huge breakthough as a cyclist and that I have really discovered myself and my potential. The racing has been great and I feel that I am very prepared to take on the national championships and earn my spot on the U23 national squad for worlds.
I just want to say a quck thanks to everyone here for all of their support and generousity. Belgians are truely amazing people as is there culture and country. I have been incredibly fortunate to have yet again had the chance to spend time here and am very thankful for everything that has been done to make these last two months possible.
I know that another trip to Belgium waits in the near future, but leaving is tough regardless. I will truely miss the people, bicycle culture and the racing. Racing here is harder than any other place on earth, but it is like a giant university of cycling. If you want to learn how to race a bike this is the place to be and every day I am here I have to pinch myself and remeber how lucky I am to be a scholar in this ultimate theater of competition.
T o my friends in Belgium thank you very, very much for yet another incredible time and to my friends in Canada I will see you very soon. Now i just have to get top 20 tomorrow....
Bring the good legs,
PEr
This has been an incredible racing trip this year. In many ways I feel that I have made a huge breakthough as a cyclist and that I have really discovered myself and my potential. The racing has been great and I feel that I am very prepared to take on the national championships and earn my spot on the U23 national squad for worlds.
I just want to say a quck thanks to everyone here for all of their support and generousity. Belgians are truely amazing people as is there culture and country. I have been incredibly fortunate to have yet again had the chance to spend time here and am very thankful for everything that has been done to make these last two months possible.
I know that another trip to Belgium waits in the near future, but leaving is tough regardless. I will truely miss the people, bicycle culture and the racing. Racing here is harder than any other place on earth, but it is like a giant university of cycling. If you want to learn how to race a bike this is the place to be and every day I am here I have to pinch myself and remeber how lucky I am to be a scholar in this ultimate theater of competition.
T o my friends in Belgium thank you very, very much for yet another incredible time and to my friends in Canada I will see you very soon. Now i just have to get top 20 tomorrow....
Bring the good legs,
PEr
16.6.06
Race #15 Kappelle Op Den Bos Elite Kermesse
Yesterday I pulled another big training/racing day in preperation for the upcoming national championships. I started out by riding 37 km to the race, then did a 120 km kermesse with a 45 km/hr average speed, then rode home. In total for the day I got 200 km and a good case of fatigue. Hopefully the super compensation puts be in a good place for the 165 km road race this weekend.
As for the race is was a tough one. I missed the break of 14 that went after about 30km. It was another case of bad luck, with me getting some moves, watching guys thought were strong and just not being in the right place at the right time. In the end the break was only 10 guys and they finished only about 15 seconds up on the peleton. In the bunch sprint I managed 31st place. Not a great race, but considering the ride to the race and the fact that my sprint is bunk its not bad. I was strong enought to be in the break, but the race was so fast no one could get across. The form is good and moral high so I think the next race should be a good finale to my Belgium campaign of 2006.
Stay tuned for result from Sundays epic event and a fairwell to Belge.
As for the race is was a tough one. I missed the break of 14 that went after about 30km. It was another case of bad luck, with me getting some moves, watching guys thought were strong and just not being in the right place at the right time. In the end the break was only 10 guys and they finished only about 15 seconds up on the peleton. In the bunch sprint I managed 31st place. Not a great race, but considering the ride to the race and the fact that my sprint is bunk its not bad. I was strong enought to be in the break, but the race was so fast no one could get across. The form is good and moral high so I think the next race should be a good finale to my Belgium campaign of 2006.
Stay tuned for result from Sundays epic event and a fairwell to Belge.
13.6.06
Flemish Culinary Delights: Frites
So you think they are called ´´French Fries`` because they are French!? I hope you change your mind because this dish has very little to do with France and everything to do with Belgium. Frites are pretty much the national dish of this country and are served as a side dish with everything from beef stew to mussels. They are most commonly enjoyed alone however, normally served witmayonnaisese or some sort of mayo based sauce. Frite shops in Belgium are everywhere and are owned and operated with pride. Frites establishments however simple are recognized by reputation and most everyone has therfavoritete joint or brand of sauce that dictates were they exchange their Euros for these deep fried delights.
Frites here are a very big deal and quality of the product is essential. I treated myself to a batch from the local frites guru, Geraard. He handpicks all of his potatoes, hand peels them and cuts them himself. When you place your order frites that have just been cooked are placed in a slightly warmer oil bath to give them that perfect crispy outer texture. These frite are warm and soft on the inside and just crispy enough on the outside making every frite a taste sensation.
Frites are a common weekend treat with an estimated 75% of Belgians indulging at least once a week. Frites are also served from carts at kermesses and virtually every major bike race. Ex pro Alan Peiper, although also a director with Davitamon-Lotto, is famous for his top notch product served fresh from his truck at all of the Flanderian spring classic events.
McDonalds or Wendys, you can argue that one, for me there is no substitute.
Race #14 Lucien Van Impe Classic, Interclub
This past Sunday was the third of 4 interclub races I will be doing this year in Belgium. If you read the previous posts about the last two interclubs you know that these races are characterized by larger fields, longer distances and harder courses than the Elite kermesse races.
On Sunday the race was in nearby Erpe-Mere and is organized as a tribute to the great Lucien Van Impe who lives in the area. Lucien van Impe was known for his incredible talent as a climber. One of his most noted accomplishments was his 6 times winning of the climbers jersey at the Tour de France, as well as one overall GC victory. Anyways in tribute to him a very challenging course had been layed out with a 80 km big lap to start out which included several cobbled sectors such as the Paddestraat, which is a 4 km nasty section of pave as well as several tough flanderian climbs including the famed Berendries (spelling?) from the Tour of Flanders. This big lap was to be followed by 7 small laps to make the 165 km distance.
The race started of well and the only thing bothering me was the scorching 34 degree heat. I stayed at the front of the 170 riders strong peleton and managed to avoid a couple of early crashes. After 20 km the first cobbled section started and then it was all turns, field roads and climbs for the next 50 km so staying in the front was key as splits were bound to happen. After 30 km a couple of small groups had gotten away, but the worst was still to come so I stayed calm waiting for a bigger split. At 30 km on a wide long climb a saw my teammate Chris attack on the left in an attempt to bridge to a group just up the road. I was sitting right on the front so I couldn't respond without towing too many guys along so I waited until a small group attacked and went with them. We got clear and started to turn to join the leaders. Shortly after we hit the field roads on the approach to the Paddestraat cobbles and we were about 15 seconds down on the leaders with the peleton charging behind us at about the same gap. Suddenly around a corner the cobbles appeared and the 12 man group I was in summoned everything to get across the gap and not lose momentum on the rough road. I was just following the guy in front of me, riding the gutter, trying to stay smooth and calm. Then about half was across the sector my bikes rear end went loose the road got really rough, I had a flat tire. Normally you ride until the car comes when you get a flat, but this was my nice wheel and the road was brutal so I pulled over, took out the wheel and signaled for a change. Unfortunately no neutral cars had made it to the front and our team car was number 19 in the caravan. At the tail end of the peleton my teammate Geert pulled over and gave me his wheel. He later told me he was deep in the hurtbox by that point already and would have been dropped soon regardless. I took the wheel with great thanks and rode away just as Tino pulled up with the car. I was now in survival mode knowing that I had to stay calm but ride hard to get back in the group. It was very difficult though as the roads were very narrow and twisting with small climbs everywhere. Tino pulled up several times and I paced behind the car at 60 km/hr for short sections before a corner forced me to dart passed and duck in again a few cars up. This battle to gain ground continued for almost 15 km. On the Berendries I could see the peleton not far ahead, but even though I was closing the gap it was still to big for comfort. I did manage to enjoy this moment though as I rode up the climb that has seen hundreds of the worlds finest riders in years past. VDB was written all the way up the steep road, as a tribute to a rider whose fall from greatness has been just as painful for fans as the climb was for me. Over the top of the climb Tino worked his magic and found me again for one last push for the peleton. He delivered me within the first 5 cars and after a few hard minutes I was back in the group. By this point I was punched and tried to focus on pulling myself together and refueling after the effort. I had made it back to the group, passed dropped riders and survived the big lap. For the small laps I tried to stay near the front and get in a move to bridge to the leaders. A group of about 25 was up the rode at this point and I wanted out of the peleton. After several failed attempts with groups on the hilly short laps I finally got away with about 8 with 30 km to go and we managed to catch a couple groups of 3 and 4 dropped from the leaders and chasing groups. In the end our group broke apart and I got away in the first third finishing in 44th place. Considering the circumstances with the flat and the course it was a good performance. I learned after the race that a group of 20 had gotten clear on the Paddestraat, never actually catching the leaders, but staying well clear of the peleton. Without the flat I was in that group, that's racing though, I did what I could do and rode my best.
It was a great day for the team over all with Chris Willems making the break and finishing in 7th. This is an incredible result and he deserves some recognizing. Bart and Jeff also finished in the main group. Only about 80 riders actually ever saw the finish line so simply finishing was a strong performance.
On Thursday I am doing a 120 km Elite race 35 km from home. I am riding there with a South African espoir who that just arrived last week. Its going to be a long day, but that's what is needed to achieve the goal at nationals. Otherwise I have been doing more riding with Roesems and Penne and Co. The weather is stinking hot at over 30 every day. Tomorrow its supposed to cool of to about 25 which will be better for racing.
Also I met Mark Pozniak another Canadian espoir at the race this weekend. He is riding with a Dutch team and came down to Belgium with his squad for the race. I will be riding against him at nats in a couple of weeks. Good to see other Canadians are riding in the region, this is were its at, I don't understand why more riders don't come over.....
On Sunday the race was in nearby Erpe-Mere and is organized as a tribute to the great Lucien Van Impe who lives in the area. Lucien van Impe was known for his incredible talent as a climber. One of his most noted accomplishments was his 6 times winning of the climbers jersey at the Tour de France, as well as one overall GC victory. Anyways in tribute to him a very challenging course had been layed out with a 80 km big lap to start out which included several cobbled sectors such as the Paddestraat, which is a 4 km nasty section of pave as well as several tough flanderian climbs including the famed Berendries (spelling?) from the Tour of Flanders. This big lap was to be followed by 7 small laps to make the 165 km distance.
The race started of well and the only thing bothering me was the scorching 34 degree heat. I stayed at the front of the 170 riders strong peleton and managed to avoid a couple of early crashes. After 20 km the first cobbled section started and then it was all turns, field roads and climbs for the next 50 km so staying in the front was key as splits were bound to happen. After 30 km a couple of small groups had gotten away, but the worst was still to come so I stayed calm waiting for a bigger split. At 30 km on a wide long climb a saw my teammate Chris attack on the left in an attempt to bridge to a group just up the road. I was sitting right on the front so I couldn't respond without towing too many guys along so I waited until a small group attacked and went with them. We got clear and started to turn to join the leaders. Shortly after we hit the field roads on the approach to the Paddestraat cobbles and we were about 15 seconds down on the leaders with the peleton charging behind us at about the same gap. Suddenly around a corner the cobbles appeared and the 12 man group I was in summoned everything to get across the gap and not lose momentum on the rough road. I was just following the guy in front of me, riding the gutter, trying to stay smooth and calm. Then about half was across the sector my bikes rear end went loose the road got really rough, I had a flat tire. Normally you ride until the car comes when you get a flat, but this was my nice wheel and the road was brutal so I pulled over, took out the wheel and signaled for a change. Unfortunately no neutral cars had made it to the front and our team car was number 19 in the caravan. At the tail end of the peleton my teammate Geert pulled over and gave me his wheel. He later told me he was deep in the hurtbox by that point already and would have been dropped soon regardless. I took the wheel with great thanks and rode away just as Tino pulled up with the car. I was now in survival mode knowing that I had to stay calm but ride hard to get back in the group. It was very difficult though as the roads were very narrow and twisting with small climbs everywhere. Tino pulled up several times and I paced behind the car at 60 km/hr for short sections before a corner forced me to dart passed and duck in again a few cars up. This battle to gain ground continued for almost 15 km. On the Berendries I could see the peleton not far ahead, but even though I was closing the gap it was still to big for comfort. I did manage to enjoy this moment though as I rode up the climb that has seen hundreds of the worlds finest riders in years past. VDB was written all the way up the steep road, as a tribute to a rider whose fall from greatness has been just as painful for fans as the climb was for me. Over the top of the climb Tino worked his magic and found me again for one last push for the peleton. He delivered me within the first 5 cars and after a few hard minutes I was back in the group. By this point I was punched and tried to focus on pulling myself together and refueling after the effort. I had made it back to the group, passed dropped riders and survived the big lap. For the small laps I tried to stay near the front and get in a move to bridge to the leaders. A group of about 25 was up the rode at this point and I wanted out of the peleton. After several failed attempts with groups on the hilly short laps I finally got away with about 8 with 30 km to go and we managed to catch a couple groups of 3 and 4 dropped from the leaders and chasing groups. In the end our group broke apart and I got away in the first third finishing in 44th place. Considering the circumstances with the flat and the course it was a good performance. I learned after the race that a group of 20 had gotten clear on the Paddestraat, never actually catching the leaders, but staying well clear of the peleton. Without the flat I was in that group, that's racing though, I did what I could do and rode my best.
It was a great day for the team over all with Chris Willems making the break and finishing in 7th. This is an incredible result and he deserves some recognizing. Bart and Jeff also finished in the main group. Only about 80 riders actually ever saw the finish line so simply finishing was a strong performance.
On Thursday I am doing a 120 km Elite race 35 km from home. I am riding there with a South African espoir who that just arrived last week. Its going to be a long day, but that's what is needed to achieve the goal at nationals. Otherwise I have been doing more riding with Roesems and Penne and Co. The weather is stinking hot at over 30 every day. Tomorrow its supposed to cool of to about 25 which will be better for racing.
Also I met Mark Pozniak another Canadian espoir at the race this weekend. He is riding with a Dutch team and came down to Belgium with his squad for the race. I will be riding against him at nats in a couple of weeks. Good to see other Canadians are riding in the region, this is were its at, I don't understand why more riders don't come over.....
Derny Days
Derny and rider. The derny rider was from the Netherlands and with that mustache it made the experience even more authentic.Last Friday Tino had to ride the qualifying heat of a tribute Derny race. Tinos father Willy being the cycling legend that he is in this country had been invited, but due to other commitments could not show up until the time of the final rounds. Therefore in his place Tino had to ride the qualification and get Willy into the big final.
This race was made up of many of Belgiums former top cyclists and various sponsors. In heats of ten the riders covered 20 laps of a 1 km course each behind his own derny. For those who are not familiar with dernys they are commonly used on the track for motorpacing and in Belgium they are sometimes used in crit style races mainly to increase the speeds and please the crowds. The rider tells the derny rider how fast to go and hangs on in the draft. Most of these races are fixed as was this one with the winner and top 5 already known before the start to the riders, just what place in the top 5 or outside the top 5 was up to the rider. It is interesting to note that dernys were used in Willys time in longer road races. Tino told me about one his father won that was 600 km long and took the riders over 12 hours!
It was a fun event to watch and Tino ended up easily qualifying his father in 3rd place, even though he was guaranteed to get to the final anyways....
A solid ride to 3rd for Tino
Each rider got a specail gift pack from sponsoring candy producer Sweet Paradice. Observant cycling fans will recognize this company as a sponsor of past and present Belgian cycling squads.
9.6.06
Life Is Beautiful!
Aaron, Kenny, Nick, Robbie, Bert, Chris, Fredrik, Me and Berts father in law, enjoying the fine pannekoek at Kaffepotje.
The weather has finally changed and Flanders is basking in 28degrees and sunshine. The last few days have been very relaxing for the most part.
On Tuesday I took a super easy day after the back to back races the days before. Then on Wednesday I did 2 hours in the morning, then rode an hour to a race, raced an hour and a half in the break until 10 km to go when we got caught, finished the race in 21 spot and then rode home. 180 km and great legs.
Yesterday was a treat of a recovery ride. First I rode to Ninove to pick up Penne, then we rode to Lennik and met up with Bert Roesems of Davitamon Lotto, my teammate Chris and Kenny from Chocolade Jacques; We then rode to Ninove again and picked up ...... you will never believe it....Robbie McEwen and Nick Gates!!!! Training with the big boys now, it was great. We ended up doing a couple hours with them including a pancake and coffee stop at Kaffepotje. Gates puts away the coffee like its Ice Tea, incredible to watch. He had a rough go at Dauphine and was eager to drown his sorrows in some of Jurgens pannekoek. McEwen is really cool to, it was great to ride with some of the worlds most talented bike riders. After Robbie and Nick headed home to Brakel the rest of us took anothr ride to Aalst and stopped for some more coffee in the square. This is a great way to live.
Today I met up with everyone minus Robbie at Kafffepotje again. Penne just signed with Palmans Collstrop so he is pro again. The picture of him below is a tribute to his last day of riding in the jersey of his former team Colba.
Do a coffee ride for me. When I get back to Ctown its time to roll out the java stops.
Penne just turned pro again, good bye Colba, hello Palmans-Collstrop
6.6.06
Flemish Culinary Delights: Rabbit
The other day Sammy and Natalie invited me over for a Flemish specailty...rabbit. It was an incredible taste experience. The rabbit meat is very lean and tender. The flavour experience was highlighted by the special sauce poured over the dish which main ingredient is Palm Speciale, a beautiful Belgian beer.
The dish is normally served with traditional frites, but seeing as how I was racing the next day Natalie prepared boiled new potatoes. Apple sauce is also served as a side and goes very well with the flavour and texture of the meat.
Race #13: Wolvertem Elite Kermesse
This was the third race in the last week and after yesterdays crit I was feeling really good. This was a 120 km standard Elite race on rough roads with lots of wind and some ripping fast corners. Another all to typical day in Flanders. Riding around the start I recognized a lot of riders including Russell Downing (British national road champion), Team DFL Cyclingnews, PictoFlex, and the other usual fast cats from various Elite teams.
The start was pretty uneventful with the early break failing. By the half way mark I could feel the strain of the riders around me as we battles the rough roads and tried to conserve in the gutter in the crosswind sections. With 40 km to go I was in a group of about 10 up the road that was looking to be doomed if we didn't work together better. Russell Downing was with us, but ion the one climb on the course he attacked and cruised away without protest. We got caught be the peleton and then with about 30 km to go a group of 6 or so got away. I never left the top 20 the entire race and found myself on the attack several times trying to bridge the gap. At one point me and a Palmans-Collstrop rider were very close, but the wind was too strong and we had to surrender. Finally with about 15 km to the line my efforts at the front paid off and I made it away in a 13 man selection. We ended up over a minute up on the peleton and only 20 seconds down on the break, but by that point Downing had bagged another win and I had messed up the sprint and landed 18th. My sprint is horrible compared to my competition here and this is the 5th or 6th race that I have placed in the top 20, but had the chance to place inside the top 10. Its a bit frustrating, but at the same time this year is such a huge improvement over last year that I cant complain.
After the race I rode 30 km home for extra training, 150 km is always a good thing.
In other news I am trying to get to nationals, but the people I want to travel with are slow in getting details so I still don't have a plane ticket. I really just want to stay here and race, but recognize the importance of racing in Canada to try to get a spot on a national team project. I also found out today that if I was not going back I could sign with Pictoflex-Hyundai for the rest of the season. This is the team I rode for last year and after my performances so far and the fact that they need two riders to fill spots due to injured riders Tino told me the news today. Riding for a team like Pictoflex is a great opportunity as they are in the European Continental Tour. Perhaps this means good things for next season. Stay Tuned!
Tomorrow I have a big training day planned with a small 65 km kermesse to do in the evening, 5 hours with some racing. Then its easy for the next two days and the big interclub on Sunday. Top 20 is the goal and if I can do it that would be a huge result for me. Looking forward to it!
The start was pretty uneventful with the early break failing. By the half way mark I could feel the strain of the riders around me as we battles the rough roads and tried to conserve in the gutter in the crosswind sections. With 40 km to go I was in a group of about 10 up the road that was looking to be doomed if we didn't work together better. Russell Downing was with us, but ion the one climb on the course he attacked and cruised away without protest. We got caught be the peleton and then with about 30 km to go a group of 6 or so got away. I never left the top 20 the entire race and found myself on the attack several times trying to bridge the gap. At one point me and a Palmans-Collstrop rider were very close, but the wind was too strong and we had to surrender. Finally with about 15 km to the line my efforts at the front paid off and I made it away in a 13 man selection. We ended up over a minute up on the peleton and only 20 seconds down on the break, but by that point Downing had bagged another win and I had messed up the sprint and landed 18th. My sprint is horrible compared to my competition here and this is the 5th or 6th race that I have placed in the top 20, but had the chance to place inside the top 10. Its a bit frustrating, but at the same time this year is such a huge improvement over last year that I cant complain.
After the race I rode 30 km home for extra training, 150 km is always a good thing.
In other news I am trying to get to nationals, but the people I want to travel with are slow in getting details so I still don't have a plane ticket. I really just want to stay here and race, but recognize the importance of racing in Canada to try to get a spot on a national team project. I also found out today that if I was not going back I could sign with Pictoflex-Hyundai for the rest of the season. This is the team I rode for last year and after my performances so far and the fact that they need two riders to fill spots due to injured riders Tino told me the news today. Riding for a team like Pictoflex is a great opportunity as they are in the European Continental Tour. Perhaps this means good things for next season. Stay Tuned!
Tomorrow I have a big training day planned with a small 65 km kermesse to do in the evening, 5 hours with some racing. Then its easy for the next two days and the big interclub on Sunday. Top 20 is the goal and if I can do it that would be a huge result for me. Looking forward to it!
Race #12: Ninove Elite Crit
On Sunday it was time for my first taste of Belgian crit racing. It should be noted that I was all set up to ride the pro race in Sint Pieters Leeuw on Saturday, but a late rule change dictating that foreign riders without continental team licenses or Belgian licenses cannot race in pro events in Belgium prevented that. I was really pumped to ride on Saturday as I finished in 63rd the last time I rolled to the line with wome of the top pros in Belgium, but now I know to get a Belgian license for next year...
Anyways after the pro race was out the window Tino got me a spot in a local Elite crit. Here the crits are limited to 40 riders and all riders must be invited by the organizer. If you sign an official contract to do the race you even get up to 25 Euros just to start. With some quick cell phone wirk Tino got me a start, but no start money, so I had to get a result to keep the cash flow up.
It was a nice little circuit of 48 laps to cover 70 km and after a break finally went clear the group I was in split apart with about 10 laps to go with me being in the front 6. It was a bit of a crazy finale... First off a kid ran onto the course, brushed my leg and ended up getting plowed by the rider on my wheel. I looked back saw the kid go one way and the rider sailing through the air over his bars. The mihap happened on a really fast section along the top of the course, it was a bit of a shocker to have such a close call with disaster. Both individuals ended up being ok, although the riders bike could have been better off. Back to the racing all was going well with my group just turning and keeping the pace high. Finally we came around for the final lap, the announcer made the last lap call and the cat and mouse games began. I came out of the last corner in good position and ended up winning the spint by about half a wheel only to hear the last lap being called again!? After all the places I have given away in the last few races in sprints I was not happy as this would have landed me 11th place. In the second finale I ended up in 14th. Still not bad, but not the same ring as 11th. I earned some solid cash, rode home and then went for another hour to get the lactic acid out of the legs for tommorows race.
Anyways after the pro race was out the window Tino got me a spot in a local Elite crit. Here the crits are limited to 40 riders and all riders must be invited by the organizer. If you sign an official contract to do the race you even get up to 25 Euros just to start. With some quick cell phone wirk Tino got me a start, but no start money, so I had to get a result to keep the cash flow up.
It was a nice little circuit of 48 laps to cover 70 km and after a break finally went clear the group I was in split apart with about 10 laps to go with me being in the front 6. It was a bit of a crazy finale... First off a kid ran onto the course, brushed my leg and ended up getting plowed by the rider on my wheel. I looked back saw the kid go one way and the rider sailing through the air over his bars. The mihap happened on a really fast section along the top of the course, it was a bit of a shocker to have such a close call with disaster. Both individuals ended up being ok, although the riders bike could have been better off. Back to the racing all was going well with my group just turning and keeping the pace high. Finally we came around for the final lap, the announcer made the last lap call and the cat and mouse games began. I came out of the last corner in good position and ended up winning the spint by about half a wheel only to hear the last lap being called again!? After all the places I have given away in the last few races in sprints I was not happy as this would have landed me 11th place. In the second finale I ended up in 14th. Still not bad, but not the same ring as 11th. I earned some solid cash, rode home and then went for another hour to get the lactic acid out of the legs for tommorows race.
Race #11: RUIEN - KLUISBERGEN Elite Kermesse
Again, I appoligize for the delay in posting, its been a busy week of racing and training.
Last Wednesday I rode alot. I got up early and did an hour spin on the rollers to prime the legs for the evening tace. Then in the afternoon we drove to Ruien for a little 100 km kermesse. It turned out to be a very international field with the American Cycling Center, a bunch of Bulgarians, some Dutch guys, French riders, lots of variety. The course was tough with some field roads, some cobbles, lots of wind and a bit of rain. I will keep the race summary breif as I understand it may be dull to read, but I ended up in a group of 19 that split from the 80 riders strong peleton. With only one lap to go a group of 6 split off the front of our group in the wind and I ended up sprinting to 15th. It as a solid result, any top 20 is in this part of the world. the moral is high and I am loving the racing.
After the race I experienced motorpacing for the first time. In order to get some big miles in I motorpaced behind Tinos Benz wagon the 55 km home. With the trunk door open an me glued to the bumper we got home in 1 hour and 5 minutes, it was fast and the way home was even hilly. Anyone who knows Belgium know the road from Ruien via Brakel to Liedekerke is not flat... By the end I was pretty cooked, but it was basically like doing a 155 km road race as the motorpacing simulated riding in a fast peleton perfectly.
I am really liking this living like a pro gig, life is good.
Here is a shot of the finale from a photographers website. Naturally this guy wants to sell his pictures so the quality is poor, but if you look close you can see me trying to gain some spots on the left side of the picture.
Last Wednesday I rode alot. I got up early and did an hour spin on the rollers to prime the legs for the evening tace. Then in the afternoon we drove to Ruien for a little 100 km kermesse. It turned out to be a very international field with the American Cycling Center, a bunch of Bulgarians, some Dutch guys, French riders, lots of variety. The course was tough with some field roads, some cobbles, lots of wind and a bit of rain. I will keep the race summary breif as I understand it may be dull to read, but I ended up in a group of 19 that split from the 80 riders strong peleton. With only one lap to go a group of 6 split off the front of our group in the wind and I ended up sprinting to 15th. It as a solid result, any top 20 is in this part of the world. the moral is high and I am loving the racing.
After the race I experienced motorpacing for the first time. In order to get some big miles in I motorpaced behind Tinos Benz wagon the 55 km home. With the trunk door open an me glued to the bumper we got home in 1 hour and 5 minutes, it was fast and the way home was even hilly. Anyone who knows Belgium know the road from Ruien via Brakel to Liedekerke is not flat... By the end I was pretty cooked, but it was basically like doing a 155 km road race as the motorpacing simulated riding in a fast peleton perfectly.
I am really liking this living like a pro gig, life is good.
Here is a shot of the finale from a photographers website. Naturally this guy wants to sell his pictures so the quality is poor, but if you look close you can see me trying to gain some spots on the left side of the picture.
2.6.06
Froth for the Masses
Correct me if I am wrong, but I dont beleive that the Philips Senseo has found its way to Canada.
The Philips Senseo is an incredible product that brings espresso style coffee to your kitchen counter with all the full taste and frothy goodness you deserve. I am not trying to sell these things, but I must say I am very impressed with the quality of the output.
The machine is simple and is one of the most popular household electronic goods in the Benelux region. It is estimated that 70% of the households in Belgium and the Nederlands own a Senseo. Once you try a cup of Senseo brewed espresso its not a mystery why.
Tino just got one in his house again so I have rekindled my routine of a fresh cup each morning. My race winnings are almost enough to purchase one of these machines...I think I have room in the bike box...
The Philips Senseo is an incredible product that brings espresso style coffee to your kitchen counter with all the full taste and frothy goodness you deserve. I am not trying to sell these things, but I must say I am very impressed with the quality of the output.
The machine is simple and is one of the most popular household electronic goods in the Benelux region. It is estimated that 70% of the households in Belgium and the Nederlands own a Senseo. Once you try a cup of Senseo brewed espresso its not a mystery why.
Tino just got one in his house again so I have rekindled my routine of a fresh cup each morning. My race winnings are almost enough to purchase one of these machines...I think I have room in the bike box...
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