Holsbeek & Down for the count

After crashing on Sunday I took a couple of days easy, took care of my wounds and then lined up in Neiuwrode-Holsbeek. I was not feeling 100%, but with the interclub this weekend I knew it would be an asset to get a hilly race in in preparation. Before the start my left leg was quite sore and I had a slight inflammation below the biggest of the wounds, but I thought it was getting better and didn't think much of it. After a few laps I was feeling completely gutless, like I had no power. I was struggling to follow the wheel in front of me on the tight twisting sections of the course, and on the climbs I was giving everything I had just to stay in. I knew something was seriously wrong as my form was dramatically weakened compared to only two days before. I felt tired and weak, and the swelling on my leg was more pronounced than ever before. Needless to say I only lasted 4.5 laps or about an hour of racing and had to sit around waiting to see if there was doping control or not. Niels Albert lost a two man sprint and Kurt Van Goidsenhoven took home yet another win.
The next day I went to see the doctor and immediately it was determined than I had a fairly serious infection to deal with, thus the weak and tired feeling the day prior. I was somewhat relieved at the diagnosis as it provided an explanation for my from, but having an infection is by no means good news. I am now on heavy antibiotics and can't ride until tomorrow. Tomorrow I am allowed to complete a light training and then I can determine if I am ready to race on Sunday. I saw the doctor again today and it appears that the antibiotics are doing their work well, so I am optimistic about racing this weekend.
Resting is tougher than racing I find sometimes, mentally I just want to ride and compete. I am missing the crit this evening. Kids remember, if you crash no matter how well you clean and take care of yourself, always see a doctor sooner rather than later.