Yesterday was another big day at the races with a 170km 180 rider interclub. Interclubs are besides the pro events the biggestraces that the team does. These events require teams of at least 5 no more than 6. Aside from the huge field the follow caravan is also large at 34 follow cars plus all of the motos (including a couple of TV camera motos), a big rolling circus of excitement for riders and spectators alike. The team for this interclub was the same as last with Bart, Chris, Jeff, Geert and me representing the big High 5. Wind and corners were the order of the day. First we had to complete two laps of about 25 km, then one big lap of 45 km and then a bunch of 7 km laps with over a km of cobbles to make the distance. It was a bit chilly and rain threatened all day, but in the end the wind was the biggest factor. The wind has been gusting here for the last few days and it made the racing tough. The average on the day was 42 for a very flat course. After 40 km a break of 15 got away and they ended up staying away until the finish. I stayed in good position all day and when we got to the short laps I started to mix it up at the front to try to get away from the still over hundred man peleton. Chris got in a good little break and I went on the feedzone climb over the canal to bridge. I got a gap and a couple of guys came up and together we got across, but after the cobbles and only a few short kms we were back in the bunch waiting for the next round of fireworks to go off. Several other attepts were unsuccessful, Bart was in on the action to until his seat came loose on the cobbles and he had to leave the front because of cramps. On the second last short lap guys started going on the climb and I was fighting to get in. I was hurting by this point and watched a group form and got in the wheels to get across but gaps were opening and not closing and in the end 11 got clear and that was that. I stayed in the bunch and ended up 64th overall of 130 some finishers. Chris was riding really well but broke his derailluer on the cobbles and had to abandon with one short lap to go. All in all an ok day for the team with everyone making apearances at the front and in breaks. I was fairly happy with the result, but I know I could have been in the second break with better timing and some more luck. It was a solid day and my form is still good so I look forward to the next Elite race on Thursday.
Some final words with the sportif
My trusty ride ready to roll.
Chillin in the bunch.
3 comments:
Finally I understand everything in your report, after the day at the race with Tino! Thanks guys for the good show, we really enjoyed ourselves on the sidelines cheering on the High Fivers!
Good work Per! I'm digging the uber white booties. They make your legs look tanned. ;)
Thanks, you can sport the same look with $1.50 and a trip to Zellers. Also the tanned look may come from the Sportsbalm with browning I put on....
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