Racing Roundup

Well if you are following my schedule you know that I had a couple of races this past weekend.
On Sunday the race was in the village of Borsbeke on a tough circuit with a climb, lots of super fast field roads and a technical 7 corner final km finish with some cobbles. I felt somewhat off from the start and despite doing my best to get in the winning move I missed it as a strong counter went from a group I had found myself in. The heat was also a factor with temperatures in the 30's on the climb which was a shock to the system after a week of 16-20 degrees during training. Eventually my teammate Bart attacked and we formed a strong second break that quickly began to close in on the break. By the final laps however the break proved too strong and we ended up well outside bridging range. Going into the final lap Bart attacked hard out of the technical section and established a small gap over what was left of our second group. I worked hard to break up the pursuit and get in the counterattacks ensuring that Bart was able to stay away and claim 14th. With the efforts of the final lap and not being willing enough to take considerable risks in the final corners I ended up 23rd. That seems to be my number with at least 3 23rd place finishes in the past 3 weeks...
On Monday the race was in Strijpen close to Zottegem. I raced this course two years ago and remembered it as one of the most challenging courses on the calender. The course includes a significant climb, countless narrow corners, two cobbled sections and plenty of rough roads per lap. I found myself again in good position early on, but I lost both my bottles on the first lap over the cobbles and from there knew it could be a rough day. I got in the early break of 8, but we were caught about half a lap later and then as the counters were flying I broke my wheel on the 3rd lap over the cobbles. I have had lots of trouble with my Fulcrums, but have been able to finish races on them even when they go to pieces. Monday it was different though as one of the spokes was completely out and thwacking my frame and my tire was rubbing the frame as well. In a kermesse there is no hope of getting back in after a mechanical and I had to call it a day.
Today I race with the pros in Ninove. 170km of Jacques pain train.