This is because I was waiting until something went my way again... I'm still waiting! The last few weeks of racing has been filled with bad luck, with mechanical problems at the wrong times and a few crashes to go with, not to mention a national championships that was reduced to a training ride.

I suppose I can count myself lucky until now with very few problems this season, however they all seem to have come at once.

Me and the gang. (click for the full image)

Melle

I am sitting here a little sore after my latest race yesterday, a pro kermesse in Melle, where I was wiped out by none other than a teammate.

After figuring in many of the early moves, I was hoping for a good one but it didnt happen in the end. The crash left me bashed and bruised but I was back in the peloton in no time.

Unfortunately what was left of the peloton was pulled out after 130km, with the pro tour riders deciding the race was over. There was not many riders left in the bunch after the race and the weather took its toll on many and so when they decide to shut it down, you have just got to accept it.

Before getting smacked up.

Geluwe

The biggest disappointment came in Geluwe, an Interclub race, five days before the National Championships.

I was really on it that day from the off and after covering several moves, managed to get away on my own. In the process I took a primie but 10km later I was pulled back into the bunch. I would then make the main break of seven riders and had a feeling it was going to be a good day.

However with the gap over the peloton going out I came down on an off-camber corner and in the process took a nice chunk out of my arm and hip.

I went back into the bunch and back to the car and ambulance but I was told to stop with the deep cut to my arm causing most concern.

Nonetheless we got it strapped up and with my manager still with me, decided to try and make our way back to the bunch... bearing in mind the gap was around five minutes.

The only problem was every time we came through the finish line the commissaires wanted me to stop. Still we continued and actually got the gap down to 30 seconds behind the bunch, however at that point I was told I had to stop - gutted!

As the race continued I was taken to hospital to get stitched up. A really disappointing end to what was looking to be a great race for me.

Keep going till you get forced to stop!

The National Championships

And then there was the National Championships!?

Another race that left me disappointed. I blame myself as much as anything for being too far back as we went into the 2nd lap of the circuit getting a little complacent. But I didn't expect so many riders to lose contact with the front so early on in the race, after all this is the National Championships.

As we hit the main climb for the second time I looked up to see big gaps everywhere.

I chased and went through rider after rider on the climb but never made it back to the front group. The next couple of laps I would continue to chase in the little groups I found myself in but not many riders were interested.

The course had killed the race off.

The race was over less than 40km in and for me reduced to a training ride. With most ending up on the side of the road I ploughed on for training more than anything, riding in small groups aswell as spending a fair proportion pushing on and riding on my own. But we weren't racing at that point, simply getting some km's in and thinking about the next races coming up; not how you should be during the National Championships.

No time to dwell though, the races are coming thick and fast now I'm back in Belgium (more so than ever) and that's the way it's going to be from now on in.

Plenty of time for the luck to swing back my way!

On a brighter note, I did manage to catch a bit of the Tour de France live in between races this week.

Amazing to see the pros riding the pave. (click for the full image)

And great to see Dan Lloyd getting a start. (click for the full image)

Me and some of my teammates went to one of the pave sections towards the end of stage 3. Such a special race - everything about it!

Inspired? Oh yes!

Until next time...

It was Glasgow Wheelers' Rab Wardell who tipped us off that his 20 year-old club mate Dougie Young is off to Oudenaarde on Tuesday for nine weeks - best have a word.

Glasgow Wheelers man, Dougie Young.

You're at University, Dougie?

"Glasgow Caledonian University studying fire risk engineering - I started off doing environmental management and planning but wasn't enjoying it and changed to this course."

You're off to Oudenaarde?

"Yes, Callum Gough has a flat there that he's letting us use, Finlay Young and James Smith are coming across too with Michael Nicholson joining us at the start of July."

Which races will you be riding?

"Callum showed us a Belgian website which has all the races on it, you enter on the line and it's possible to race three or four times per week - usually they are close enough to just pedal out to, but the train network is good if a race is a bit further away."

Have you raced abroad before?

"Yes, I was in Belgium for nine days last year, I took a bit of a beating but it's the place to be."

How did you wangle nine weeks off?

"I finished uni in mid-May; I have a part time job with Tesco but they've given me 'lifestyle leave' and my mum and dad are helping me financially."

Dougie rode a good race at last weekend's Davie Bell Memorial.

What are your goals for the trip?

"I want to learn to get round and try for a top 20 in an U23 race - I don't want to set myself unrealistic targets."

How did you get into the bike?

"I'm originally from Alloa and just got into going out for a run on my bike with my mates, I wanted to do longer runs but they weren't into that so I joined Stirling Bicycle Club in 2007.

"I joined the Wheelers when I moved to uni in Glasgow."

Rab told us you had a good Doon Hame.

"I got round stage one with the leaders and on stage two I was with the leaders again but punctured on a climb with 10 miles to go.

"On stage three I made a mistake, I thought I'd punctured, went back to the car to change wheel but with the cold and wet I couldn't get back on and ended up in the broom wagon.

"I want to do more Premiers - I rode the one at Dumfries and found it much tougher than Doon Hame; I got belted in the cross winds."

Dougie on the attack.

What's your best result?

"I've not had big results but I'm happy to be making the top ten in [Scottish series] Super Sixes.

"I was fourth in the Dundee two day, last year and it was good to get sixth in the Davie Bell on Sunday - that's probably my best result."

Favourite type of race?

"Anything! - but probably races like the Davie Bell with good long hills; one thing I'm definitely not is a sprinter!"

What about time trials?

"Nah! I find them boring."

Track?

"I've trained on the track and wouldn't mind riding if there was one closer to where I'm based."

Looking comfortable climbing the Nick o' Balloch.

Who do you admire?

"I like some of the British pros, Kristian House, the Downing brothers - I think it's more realistic to aspire to being at that level than it is to think about being on a Pro Tour squad."

Do you have a coach?

"Callum Gough gives me a training plan and I follow that."

And would you like to be a pro, one day?

"I don't think that it's achievable to be Pro Tour but if I could get into a good British team, yeah, that would be good."

He's off, but we'll be following his progress.

We'll check in with Dougie during his trip to see how it's going; one of my favourite bars is in Oudenaarde, the Carillon - I remember the time... ah, sorry! - nine weeks in Oudenaarde, don't you need someone to wash the bikes, Dougie?

I was second to an ex-pro called Jurgen Guns, who used to ride for Vlaanderen 2002 - Eddy Merckx around 1999/2000.

We were away in the break when Jurgen and another rider attacked, with still around 35km to go. I went across to them, and straightaway we dropped the other rider - so it was just me and Jurgen for the remainder of the race.

Ah well, second ain't so bad.

He was riding really strongly so I decided to ride with him, and we worked well together but on the last lap three riders began to get close.

He attacked me twice on the final lap but I got back to him each time.

With the three riders right behind us in the last km I ended up leading it out (not wanting to get caught) and so he unfortunately came round me for the win, but I took a couple of primies as well as second place.

I'm disappointed not to win as feel I may have still done it in the sprint, but Jurgen obviously used his experience to get me to the front at the right time and so he took the win.

Another podium though, and with a couple of interclubs, a pro kermesse and the National Championships all coming up, it should be an interesting two weeks ahead.

Grandglise Kermis

1 GUNS Jurgen Cureghem Brussel 2h42
2 PATTEN Daniel (GBR) Asfra Racing Team
3 SIX Sébastien Multisports Cycling Team à 3 ‘’
4 MICHELS Bob St Truiden
5 LOUAGIE Lorenzo St Truiden à 5’’
6 ROUET Rudy Lotto Bodysol à 40’’
7 DELMARQUETE Rémy VC Ardennes à 1’15’’
8 GREMELPONT Axel VCArdennes à 1’19’’
9 DONIE Birger Rogelli CT
10 BLANCHY Michaël Multisport Cycling Team
11 BURTON Jérémy Lotto Bodysol
12 DOPCHIE Jefferson RVC Ottignies
13 COUPE Geofrey Palmans Cras
14 DESMET Sébastien Multisports CT à 1’32’’
15 DE DECKER Eric Chevigny à 1’36’’

Crossing the line in first place - a great feeling.

Like always the attacks came from km 1 and I managed to get away midway through the first lap - and this was to be the move that stuck.

At first we were four, then three, and then six, but knowing we were being chased down I tested the water by attacking coming out of one of the corners onto a drag with 30km to go.

This was still a long way from the finish but I felt it was the right time to go, and so it proved.

I quickly established a good gap with the car being pulled up behind me and I knew this was as good a chance as ever to get my first win over here.

And so I did, all the way to the finish, soloing my way to the line.

In glorious, sepia solitude.

On the final lap I began to notice two riders chasing me... two riders that weren't in the original move.

This obviously made me a bit more cautious and so I stepped on it even more.

Into the last km I knew it would be mine... the acknowledgement from the marshals, supporters on the side of the road, etc, was reinforcement, but I still didn't want to take any chances by backing off.

200m to go and the start of the finish straight and applause was my cue to relax a bit more. I had done it! My maiden win in Belgium!

You could say the hard way, but done in style, and a way that I think has earned me some respect.

The gap to the two riders was around 20 seconds by the line, a comfortable winning margin but enough to keep me on my toes to the end.

Riding out and back to/from the race gave me a nice 170km in the sun. Obviously this meant I wouldnt be able to make it back with flowers and trophy.

Solution... trophy in my bag and flowers given back to Miss Lessines 2010... a gesture she appreciated I think!

Now I'm off the mark and not chasing the first win, I know there will be many more to come.

The hard work and perseverance is starting to pay off.

Ghoy Kermis

1. PATTEN Daniel GBR19860711 ASFRA RACING TEAM 3:02:00
2. DEGAND Thomas BEL19860513 PROVINCE DU HAINAUT +20
3. BILLE Gaëtan BEL19880406 ROYAL CYCLISTS PESANT CLUB LIE +20
4. ROUET Rudy BEL19850105 PROVINCE DE BRABANT-WALLON +50
5. DHAENE Maarten BEL19840209 DIRK VERSTUYFT CYCLING TEAM +1:53
6. REMORY Stijn BEL19861023 DIRK VERSTUYFT CYCLING TEAM +2:15
7. DENAMUR Patrick BEL19730116 SECTION HENNUYERE +2:15
8. SIX Sébastien BEL19710327 MULTISPORT CYCLING TEAM +3:15
9. BACKAERT Frederik BEL19900313 ISOREX CYCLING TEAM +3:15
10. GAWLIK Adam POL19800701 CC CAMBRESIEN +3:15
11. VAN DEN NOORTGATE Kevin BEL19890707 NEW HEEBRA-LOMBARDEN +3:15
12. DE WITTE Jonathan BEL19880824 PROVINCE DU HAINAUT +3:15
13. GREMELPONT Axel BEL19900625 LOTTO-PREDICTOR-VC ARDENNES +3:15
14. COPPENS Matthias BEL19871208 KEUKENS REDANT CYCLING TEAM +3:15
15. JORY Chris AUS19870312 ASFRA RACING TEAM +3:15
16. BAEYENS Tommy BEL19900611 KEUKENS REDANT CYCLING TEAM +3:15
17. GENETTE Joël BEL19750819 TEAM VERANDAS WILLEMS CC CHEVI +3:15
18. DE TROYER Tim BEL19900811 KSV DEERLIJK GAVERZICHT VZW +3:15
19. DE ROOSE Alexander BEL19910130 FLEMISH CYCLING PROJECTS +3:15
20. DELECLUSE Jérémy BEL19820330 MULTISPORT CYCLING TEAM +3:15

Winner's flowers, trophy - and better bookies odds now too. (click for the full image)

I raced again a couple of days ago in a kermesse in Schellebelle.

Again made the break, taking 4 primies and came close to making it back to back wins, but not quite.

Everyone took a chance or two to get away in the final 10km or so but was to end up 7th.

But along with 4 primies not a bad days work. And at 4-1 on the betting board, it seems I'm really starting to establish myself in Belgium too.

Me? 4-1? They must be mad.

Schellebelle Kermis

1. LEMBRECHTS NICOLAAS W.C. VOS SPORTIEF SINT- LENAARTS 02:37:00
2. DE SCHEEMAEKER DAVY PWS EIJSSEN CYCLING TEAM :00:02
3. EECKHOUT KURT WETTERSE DAKWERKEN-AUTOGLAS WETTEREN CT
4. EECKHOUT KEVIN SUNWEB-REVOR CYCLING TEAM
5. DE PAEPE PIETER WC SOENENS- JARTAZI-CONSTRUKT GLAS
6. DE DEYN JÜRGEN FLEMISH CYCLING PROJECTS
7. PATTEN DANIEL ASFRA RACING TEAM
8. VAN BROEKHOVEN GUY POORTEN FERYN TEAM
9. VERDONCK PATRICK ENTENTE CYCLISTE DE WALLONIE :00:22
10. BAEYENS GERT WETTERSE DAKWERKEN-AUTOGLAS WETTEREN CT
11. VEJMELKA DANIEL COLBA-MERCURY-DOURPHONIE
12. DE MUNSTER GREGORY COLBA-MERCURY-DOURPHONIE :02:38
13. MOSTAERT WIM VL TECHNICS - ABUTRIEK CYCLING TEAM
14. WUYTENS KIM WETTERSE DAKWERKEN-AUTOGLAS WETTEREN CT
15. VAN DEN NOORTGATE KEVIN NEW HEEBRA-LOMBARDEN
16. BEULENS DAVID WIELERSPORTVER. ARTEVELDE VZW GENT
17. SABO PEDRO DMC- CYCLING TEAM
18. DE WEIRDT GINO WIELERTEAM DECOCK-SPORTIVO MOORSELE
19. VERNAECKT THOMAS SUNWEB-REVOR CYCLING TEAM
20. VEREECKE PHILIP ISOMAX - KENTUCKY CT MIDDELKERKE

Sometimes it's just not your day to win...

Worked over by the Mafia

Last week actually started with the experience of being worked over by the West Vlaanderen 'Mafia'.

Being warned that it would be a race that would be heavily controlled by the locals, I realised what I was in for once I got in the break away group.

In brief what should have been a clear race winning break turned out not to be and much money was exchanged to get the result that was wanted!

It can be another feature of the racing in Belgium but I had not seen it as bad as this before, and a local Belgian rider who I know said likewise.

At least I did still finish in the prize money but this was the only consolation... prize money collected and back to Oudenaarde I went.

An English rider on an East Vlaanderen team - think I was always going to be up against it that day!

Should be an interesting few weeks ahead with more kermesses, a couple of Interclub races, plus a pro kermesse - all this before heading to the National Championships at the end of the month.

Big month coming up!

It has been on the cards for a while but Dan finally got the first one under his belt.

Dan's first win in the bag!

Away from the beginning of the race in the break, Dan rode away from what was left of the group with around 30km remaining as they were being chased down by another group - so even though it was still a long way from the finish he felt it was the right moment to go.

Dan quickly established a good gap and despite being chased down by a couple of riders who got to within 20 seconds at the line, he was able to stay away to the finish. A solo win - nice way to get your first victory in Belgium.

Riding out and back also gave him a good 170km total for the day, with the only dilemma coming after the race concerning how to ride home with kitbag, flowers and trophy! Dan solved this by giving the flowers to "Miss Lessines 2010" and making her day.

Dan is back in the UK in a few week's time for the British Championships.

Dan's condition is obviously starting to build again after he was laid low a few weeks ago, and he has a busy month ahead with a programme of kermesses, Interclubs, a pro kermesse, one or two races in France, as well as coming back to blighty for the Nationals at the end of this month. He's coming into form at just the right time.

Keep up with Dan's blog on VeloResults.

The race was in Sint Kornelis Horebeke, which is a town close to my base here in Oudenaarde,  and is the home town of one of the team's main sponsors, so it was an important one to do well in.

It was a good field but I was 'on it' from the start (really thought it was going to be my day!).

I got away early in a group of 11 or so, which had most of the big teams in there... Beveren 2000 with a couple of guys, Lotto, New Heebra, PWS, etc.

Cocquyt, Bracke, Vanhuffel and a few of the other hitters missed it but this one wasnt coming back.

It all worked well and I took a few primes.

Feels good to be back in the game again.

I got away with 30km to go, not planned but took a prime and had a gap so continued to attack through the cobbled section that greeted us on each lap, but they pulled me back 8km later.

From then on the attacks came but was still feeling really good and went again on the last lap, taking a couple with me.

We had about 20 secs by the line.

Unfortunately (and I'm still kicking myself for it now), I messed up the sprint up by going too early.

I gapped them at first and thought it had worked but they got back on my wheel and that was my chance gone.

Disappointed not to win as I had done everything right until then and felt completely in control but considering how I was feeling even a week or so ago, it was good to be back on it and feeling strong again.

The following day our team had a run out in the Interclub competition.

This round of the series took place in Liedekerke and was 162km with a nice cobbled berg on each lap, so important as always to stay close to the front as much as possible.

Surprisingly, I felt pretty good again and was there or thereabouts in the moves from the start.

At one point I was in a break of around twenty riders and with the cars being moved behind us I thought it may have been the decisive move.

However with so many riders, there were too many unwilling to work and so it eventually got pulled back into the peloton.

The win surely can't be far away now.

A group of 14 riders did eventually get away which I wasnt part of , however I was able to clip off the front of the bunch with 20km to go and was joined by three other riders, where we dangled off the front with the peloton chasing us down all the way to the line. I

I led it out from the final corner trying to ensure we were not caught and deservingly we just managed to hold on out there (by seconds), with me taking 16th - but we certainly had to work for it.

Again all things considered not a bad result given the last few weeks, but I felt strong, enjoyed being competitive again and was unfortunate not to be in the final selection going for the win.

The two hottest days of the year so far, and two races that have got me firmly back on track... watch this space!

Results

23/05/2010- Sint Kornelis Horebeke
1.12B - ind.reg.wedstr.(100-120 km) Elite z.c./U23

1. EISING TIJMEN WRV DE PEDDELAAR 02:35:00
2. DE JONGHE KEVIN WIELERGROEP BEVEREN 2000 VZW
3. PATTEN DANIEL ASFRA RACING TEAM
4. VAN HOECKE GIJS WIELERGROEP BEVEREN 2000 VZW :00:23
5. VAN BIERVLIET MATHIEU NEW HEEBRA-LOMBARDEN
6. DE GROOTE JEFFREY ISOREX CYCLING TEAM :00:34
7. FOUQUET KEVIN ROYAL CUREGHEM SPORTIF - BRUSSEL :00:41
8. VANSPEYBROECK TIM PWS EIJSSEN CYCLING TEAM :00:51
9. MINNE STIJN AN POST SEAN KELLY TEAM :00:57
10. VEJMELKA DANIEL COLBA-MERCURY-DOURPHONIE :01:10
11. LEGLEY MATTHIAS NEW HEEBRA-LOMBARDEN
12. SCHULZ PHILIP COLBA-MERCURY-DOURPHONIE
13. DE ZUTTER KRISTOF WIELERSPORTVER. ARTEVELDE VZW GENT :01:40
14. DE DECKER STEVEN FLEMISH CYCLING PROJECTS
15. BAEYENS TOMMY KEUKENS REDANT CYCLING TEAM
16. DONIE BIRGER SDC - ROGELLI CYCLING TEAM
17. POLNICKY JIRI SUNWEB-PROJOB CC
18. VANDAMME DAVY SDC - ROGELLI CYCLING TEAM
19. DEVAERE KEN JOHN SAEY CYCLING TEAM
20. LAUWEREYS GERTJAN ASFRA RACING TEAM

24/05/2010- Liedekerke
Elite 1.12 - eendagsw. Intercl. El.z.c./U23/BCP

1. GIAUX JEROME - PROFEL COLOSSI CT
2. ONGENA THOMAS - PROFEL COLOSSI CT
3. GUNS JURGEN - ROYAL CUREGHEM SPORTIF
4. VERELST DANNY - ROYAL CUREGHEM SPORTIF
5. SIMON JEAN-PAUL - PROFEL COLOSSI CT
6. VERMEIREN TOM - TERRA FOOTWEAR BICYCLE
7. VERMOOTE GEERT - NATIONALE MILITAIRE PLOEG
8. DE SCHEEMAEKER DAVY - PWS EIJSSEN CT
9. VANKERCKHOVEN JOCHEN - PWS EIJSSEN CT
10. BIERMANS GREGORY - SNAKE CYCLING TEAM
11. VAN DIJCK KEVIN - VAN GOETHEM PRORACE CT
12. VAN GUYSE JARNO - NE HEEBRA LOMBARDEN
13. VAN GOIDSENHOVEN KURT - VAN GOETHEM PRORACE CT
14. VERHAEYHE SANDER - NE HEEBRA LOMBARDEN
15. FOUBERT GLEN - VAN GOETHEM PRORACE CT
16. PATTEN DANIEL - ASFRA RACING TEAM
17. UYTTERSPROT DIETER - VAN EYCK SPORT
18. PENNE FREDERIK - SDC ROGELLI CT
19. STEVENS TIMOTHY - PWS EIJSSEN CT
20. CLAEYS KEVIN - PWS EIJSSEN CT
21. COCQUYT NICKY - NATIONALE MILITAIRE PLOEG
22. VAN DRIESSCHE KJELL - NE HEEBRA LOMBARDEN
23. DRIESEN TONY - ROYAL CUREGHEM SPORTIF
24. VAN ASBROECK TOM - MIXTAEM LOOK REDANT
25. NEVENS SVEN - ROYAL CUREGHEM SPORTIF
26. BEYENS YOERI - SNAKE CYCLING TEAM
27. GOOVAERTS TOM - TERRA FOOTWEAR BICYCLE
28. VANCRAEYNEST KEVIN - MIXTAEM LOOK REDANT
29. GREEN MATTHEW - VL TECHNICS ABUTRIEK CT
30. LEYSEN TOM - TERRA FOOTWEAR BICYCLE

May was always going to be an important month with the Belgium Cup (Beker Van Belgie/Coupe de Belgique) series taking center stage.

As I mentioned in my last blog post, I'd been to see the doctor after feeling very low for a couple of weeks. Of course, things weren't going to turn around overnight but I was hoping that it wouldn't take long before I was feeling back to normal.

I continued to keep things easy in training and low and behold on the day of my first cup race of the season in Kampenhout the body didnt feel half bad.

Despite how I had been feeling previously, I put myself at the head of the action from the off... maybe getting a littled carried away considering how little riding I had been doing, but I wasnt there to make up the numbers.

Mixing it up in the Kampenhout.

Despite going off the front a number of times in the first half of the race and being in the thick of the action nothing was being allowed to stay away for too long, and with an average speed of getting on for 44 km/hr by the end of the race it is easy to see why.

Being a public holiday in Belgium meant even larger crowds out on the course, which you couldnt help but feed off.

After a larger out and back loop the 160km race finished with 7 laps of a tight, fast kermesse type circuit.

In the last 30km I began to pay a little for the earlier efforts and was forced to sit in (or hang on as it was at certain points) as we motored around the finishing circuits).

In the last few kms I thought I would try and salvage something from the day's efforts and moved from the back, passing riders all the way to the line, ending up around the 30's placing. Nothing spectacular in terms of positioning (officially placed as 22nd along with many riders) but some points for the team and certainly something to take into the next round of the cup when hopefully the body will be even better.

Whilst I did the Belgium Cup I made the conscious decision to give myself a week off racing afterwards, since I hadnt had one all season. Hopefully it's allowed me to recharge the batteries a bit.

One of my favourite tools.

I've been getting back to basics and just getting some steady km's in the saddle and trying (as much as possible) to chill out inbetween.

Living in a nice town like Oudenaarde has its advantages here too. With a community of British speaking riders based here, it's easy to meet up and just go and spend some time chilling at a café or two in town... it dosnt always have to be hard graft!

With the sun shining and an evening kermesse just down the road in Kluisbergen-Ruien, it seemed the ideal night to test the body out,  and so I did, tearing it up early on and with it bagging myself a few primes.

The main reason for being there was to test the body and on what was a pleasant evening in Belgium and with good crowds, cobbles and primes every lap I couldnt help but do it by attacking through the start finish cobble sections.

By the end I rolled in 22nd (again) but by riding so aggressively early on I had bagged myself a fair few euros for my efforts... not a bad night's work.

A normalized power of 339 watts for the 102km race with a max of 1216 watts (no doubt on one of my attacks through the cobbles) tells me that the body had it's test right enough.

Now to the weekend!

Results

GP Raymond Impanis - Kampenhout Interclub

1 CLAUWAERT Joeri WC SOENENS- JARTAZI-CONSTRUKT GLAS
2 MAES Jo VL TECHNICS - ABUTRIEK CYCLING TEAM
3 REYNVOET Niels DAVO - LOTTO - DAVITAMON
4 MEERSMANS Bjorn ROCK WERCHTER-CHOCOLADE JACQUES C.T.
5 STALLAERT Joeri WC SOENENS- JARTAZI-CONSTRUKT GLAS
6 VAN DER SANDE Tosh WIELERGROEP BEVEREN 2000 VZW
7 STEVENS Timothy PWS EIJSSEN CYCLING TEAM
8 DE BIE Sean PWS EIJSSEN CYCLING TEAM
9 DUPONT Timothy JONG VLAANDEREN - BAUKNECHT
10 VAN ACKER Kevin BIANCHI NIEUWE HOOP TIELEN VZW
11 VERWAEST Kevin JONG VLAANDEREN - BAUKNECHT
12 VERRAES Benjamin JONG VLAANDEREN - BAUKNECHT
13 SALOMEIN Jarl WIELERGROEP BEVEREN 2000 VZW
14 MANNAERTS Jelle DAVO - LOTTO - DAVITAMON
15 VERBEEK Dieter VAN EYCK SPORT
16 DECOUTTERE Jonas BCV WORKS CT INGELMUNSTER
17 DE KEULENAER Reno DAVO - LOTTO - DAVITAMON
18 VERVERKEN Gerdy CT FORCE - WERVIK VZW
19 FOUBERT Glen VAN GOETHEM - PRORACE - CYCLING TEAM
20 DE KERF Erwin WSC HAND IN HAND BAAL
21 LASIS Normunds COLBA-MERCURY-DOURPHONIE
22 THYS Nico KON. W.C. STEEDS VOORAAN - KONTICH
22 LAUWERS Valentijn KON. W.C. STEEDS VOORAAN - KONTICH
22 BACKAERT Frederik ISOREX CYCLING TEAM
22 MERCKEN Kenneth VAN GOETHEM - PRORACE - CYCLING TEAM
22 VAN GOIDSENHOVEN Kurt VAN GOETHEM - PRORACE - CYCLING TEAM
22 VAN CAMP Jeroen WIELERSPORTVER. ARTEVELDE VZW GENT
22 VERCRUYCE Jim COLBA-MERCURY-DOURPHONIE
22 VERBIST Evert VAN GOETHEM - PRORACE - CYCLING TEAM
22 KESTELEYN Maarten ISOREX CYCLING TEAM
22 DE BUYSSCHER Lorenzo COLBA-MERCURY-DOURPHONIE
22 EVERS Dries CT FORCE - WERVIK VZW
22 DE GREYT Willem WIELERSPORTVER. ARTEVELDE VZW GENT
22 HENDRICKX Jorg WSC HAND IN HAND BAAL
22 PATTEN Daniel ASFRA RACING TEAM

Kluisbergen-Ruien

1. Jurgen Guns
2. Matthew Green
3. Mathieu Selwa Ec Raismes Petite Fôret
4. Andrew Ydens
5. Peter Ronsse
6. Jelle Wallaeys - Beveren 2000
7. Joeri Clauwaert - Wc Soenens-germond Ingelmunster
8. Kenny Terweduwe Jong - Vlaanderen - Bauknecht
9. Olivier Chevalier
10. Thierry Declercq - Wielerteam Decock – Sportivo
11. Zico Waeytens - Cyclingteam Davo - Lotto
12. Jo Maes
13. Kevin Degezelle-   Wielerteam Decock – Sportivo
14. Jesse Reams
15. Quincy Vens - Wielerteam Decock – Sportivo
16. Kristof Vercouillie
17. Birger Donie
18. Kenneth Mercken - Van Goethem-prorace Cycling Team
19. Frederik Backaert - Isorex Cycling Team
20. Pieter De Paepe - Wc Soenens-germond Ingelmunster
21. Sander Goddaert
22. Daniel Patten - ASFRA RACING TEAM

Clinton Avery ? Or this man, who has a great Scottish name, but is also from the land of the long white cloud.

One man and his dog.

Give us a little background - age, where from in NZ, what did you ride back home ?

"Well, my name is Ruaraidh Mor McLeod.

"I'm from a small village called Governors Bay its on the Banks Peninsula, which is 10kms out of Christchurch, in the South Island of New Zealand.

"I first started riding for recuperation after a football injury when I was about 14. From there I have raced on both the road and the track, I would say my best result on the road would be winning the National U17 road race title and the New Zealand U19 selection Tour.

"And the track would be at last year's Junior world Track Champs in Moscow, where I placed 4th in the Individual Pursuit also the year before where I got a 3rd in the Team Pursuit."

Why Belgium ?

"I see it as the hub of cycling, there are so many races of such good fields and you don't get that in New Zealand.

"I wanted to come to Europe and race. And for me this year, Belgium is the best option."

How did you get your team ?

"My coach Terry Gyde really kicked it all off, he has been very busy working with Allan Peiper, Andrew McQuaid and a few others to set me up this year.

"In the end Team Isorex from Belgium was the best option. There were a few teams in France, but they said towing a new man around for you first 6 months wouldn't be the greatest."

Ruaraidh is happy at his Belgian team.

Tell us a little about the team - do you get bike and clothing ?

"Isorex Team is based out of Gavere in Belgium. It's not a big team as it's their first year in U23 ranks, but it is a great set up.

"We have some inter clubs, a tour in France and the Tour of Liege along with a lot more, I just don't know the names of. The second week I was here they took the team to Germany for a training camp, that was pretty special.

"We get heaps of clothing, both riding and casual.

"I use my own road bike, but Allan Peiper has set me up with one of the Columbia team's TT bikes along with Zipp 404's and HED S4's.

"So it was like Christmas getting all that kit, bikes and wheels on the same day."

How did you get organised with a family ?

"The family was also set up through Allan Peiper and the manager of the team Dirk Willemijns.

"The family are amazing, they treat me just like one of their own. They have a son who is the same age (18), he races with the Qin Cycling team.

"Michael Vink also from New Zealand and also in Isorex stay's with them too. We have a lot of fun and are involved in all the outings etc. I think next Saturday we are off to a wedding!"

What are your first impressions of Belgian cycle sport ?

"Its crazy, nothing like in New Zealand. For example the day I arrived I went and watched a Pro race that had all the pro tour teams in it.

"You see heaps of pro's around, especially at this time with the classics.

"In New Zealand for an “A Grade” race you would get maybe 30 riders turning up, but here you get 200-plus!"

Does the style of racing suit you ?

"Yes I like the style here, its very hard and fast, lots of time spent in the gutter.

"Also big fields here, which you can recover in a bit better, but you have to stay up the front to keep safe."

Belgium, with its hard racing, suits Ruaraidh well.

How many races have you ridden, now ?

"I have had three races, but the second I was sick so I pulled out of in the first 30kms.

"The first was a 19 laps of a six kilometre circuit, with 226 starters. I got to the start line late, so was at the back, it took me three laps to find the front, then the move went and I just got in it. I finished up 13th so it wasn't to bad for my first outing.

"Also the U23 RVV, which is a nations cup. I didn't have the ideal lead in as I had been sick for over a week with a cold and on antibiotics.

"I got to the Molenburg with about 50km to go, I was too far back, and it was basically race over.

"This week I have two more nations cups le Cote Picardie in France and the ZLM Tour in Holland with the National team."

How do you like Deinze ?

"I actually live a few ks out of it, but we go in there a bit, its a nice town, the main street is cool with all the shops.

"On my rest days I ride in on the town bike and cruise around for something to do."

What are the biggest differences between NZ and Belgium ?

"I guess the language, and its a lot flatter on the riding side of things.

"Also riding on the other side of the road, but you get used to that pretty quick.

"The people here are really nice and always have plenty of time for you. I really like it."

I believe you have a tie in with the Columbia team ?

"Yes Alan Peiper has helped set up a lot this year for me, and he has been very kind to send a TT bike and carbon wheels my way for the season.

"He's a great guy, he was one of the first guys to come from Aussie and race over here 35 years ago.

"So he has been there and done it, and done it well. So to have him looking out for you is wonderful."

Tell us about your Flanders recon with the Columbia boys.

"It was awesome, also funny in a way, as just last year I would see them on the TV in all the pro races and now to go training with them is pretty crazy.

"I went with Bernard Eisel and the Velits brothers.

"We did about 4 hours and covered most of the hills. They are really nice guys and really down to earth. We even had a support car and ended the day with coffee and cake.

"A real highlight."

What did you think of RVV day ?

"It was pretty full on, I was actually sick so I didn't go out and watch them, I just saw it on TV.

"But the ride from Cancellara was pretty amazing."

Ruaraidh is an accomplished track rider too.

On your blog there's a photo of you on a NZ pursuit bike in national strip - tell us about that.

"That was at the Junior World Track Champs in Moscow last year, It was the Individual Pursuit.

"I qualified for the bronze medal ride off with a 3.19, but I didn't have a good final.

"The coach who had not let me train for the Individual pursuit in our three week build up, also made me ride the final to a silly schedule. That's another story in itself, and that's why I'm here in Belgium on the Road and loving it!"

Are you missing anything about NZ ?

"No I can't say I am yet. I guess my there's always your family and friends, but you can keep in touch, easily.

"How ever my dog hasn't mastered the phone yet. So I'm lucky my host family have one here."

We may have another one, here - we'll keep you posted.  You can follow Ruaraidh on his blog.

I'm back for this Sundays East Midlands Cicle Classic/Rutland Melton and with the form I've built over the last couple of months in Belgium I am going into the race with great optimism.

Having spent three years at Loughborough University (just down the road) and thrown myself into the break in what was my first attempt at doing the race in 2008, it's a race I am looking to go well for this time around.

Two months of hard, fast Belgium Kermesse racing certainly isnt going to do any harm, as I look to pull something out of the bag in my first race in the UK in 2010. Today I hit some of my old running trails at a place called 'One Tree Hill' in preparation for the race. Nice to get back up there, albeit on two wheels now.

The last couple of weeks in Belgium have been as usual busy with races.

The weather's been good too and extra kms have been put in riding to and/or from races.

It's good to catch up with Jon.

Also a friend and fellow British rider Jon Mozley has been over (visiting his girlfriend I must add, who's been staying in the same appartment) but it has also meant we have been able to have some fun in the races and training showing him some of the bergs.

The races have been full of attacking riding again, but some have also allowed me to try some different tactics out and work on different things. This was something I was told before coming out to Belgium:  as there are so many races use some of them for different purposes, for training, etc.

In Wevelgem - Wijnberg I took the bunch kick (although not for the win) but nevertheless it was good practice on getting the run-in right and finishing it off perfectly.

Taking the bunch kick.

This was followed up most recently in Merelbeke hitting the front of the bunch over the couple of kms and providing a long lead out only to be passed 25 meters from the line - by Mr Mozley, and a few others. Good practice in both races!

Also of course I've been riding aggressively at the front end of the races from the off. Outer Kermesse was full of ups and downs.

I made the break and took a prime only to be pulled back after around 80kms. After missing out on the next splits I jumped away from the peleton on the final lap for 18th.

Putting the hurt on!

Then on the way home from the race the wheel rack on the van broke off, for us only to realise once we made it back to Oudenaarde.

Result:  I lost my front Mavic Cosmic Carbone Sl front wheel.  Damn!

As mentioned before the Belgians like to attack from the gun and in Bever I decided to join in with the fun again.

From that moment on I was in just about every move that went off the front and was to put the attack in that formed the final split.

Most tried their luck at going for solo glory - me included - but it would come back together by the line. I ended up 9th but had a strong showing at the front.

Golden Power - Aldi's version of red bull - race fuel.

As I was riding with my Powertap Powermeter I thought you might be interested in seeing some figures from a kermesse where I had been attacking from the off.

The average speed of the 114km race was 43.02km/hr. My average power was 300w with a normalized power of 333w and an average heart rate of 174 bpm.

So many figures I could list but hopefully even these few give a picture of what its like when you are getting in the moves and going for the win in a Belgium Kermesse. In future blog posts I will be sure to publish more figures. Add a comment if there's anything specific you'd like to know!

Until next time...

"I didn't have good legs,"

said Tyler Farrar after his surprise victory in the Scheldeprijs today,

"- but my team did such a great job that I felt I had to give something back in the sprint."

Tyler secures one of his season goals.

The Scheldeprijs has been an objective of Tyler's for years;

"This is special because I was thinking all winter about both Gent-Wevelgem and the Scheldeprijs.

"The team worked very well for me and in the closing stages I was lucky that I kept the right wheel. At 600 meters from the finish I found the wheel of my training buddy Weylandt, who was being led out by Tom Boonen, and in the last 200 meters I was strong enough to come by them.

"This is an important victory for me, this is still a semi-classic. The stage victory in De Panne was beautiful, but this is something else altogether."

said the American, speaking Flemish in an interview with Belgian tv.

Result

1. Tyler Farrar (VS) 205 km in 4h28'51"
2. Robbie McEwen (Aus)
3. Robert Förster (Dui)
4. Greg Henderson (NZe)
5. Wouter Weylandt
6. Enrico Rossi (Ita)
7. Kris Boeckmans
8. Jimmy Casper (Fra)
9. Lloyd Mondory (Fra)
10. Alexander Kristoff (Noo)
11. Kenny Dehaes
12. Danilo Hondo (Dui)
13. Michael Van Staeyen
14. Roy Sentjens
17. Baptiste Planckaert
18. Tom Boonen
19. Graeme Brown (Aus)
22. André Greipel (Dui)
23. Borut Bozic (Svn)
24. Timothy Dupont
25. Benjamin Verraes
26. Kenny van Hummel (Ned)
31. Theo Bos (Ned)
35. Stijn Devolder

'Melle 2005' - that was Steven de Jongh, twice a Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne winner.

Or how about when he won the British Elite road champs in 2006 - Roger Hammond was the victim.

Despite the fact that year in, year out, he competes with and regularly beats the best cyclists that Flanders has to offer - including quality East Europeans - he's one of British Cycling's forgotten men.

British Road Champ Hamish winning in Dentergem, 2006.

That year he won the British, one might have been forgiven for thinking that it would be a good idea to let him ride the Worlds, but BC didn't share that view.

Hamish didn't come up through 'the Plan' and if that's the case then it's very hard for BC to acknowledge your existence.

Like some of the best British riders before him, he's his own man, focussed and driven but affable, polite and with a good line in self deprecating humour.

This weekend, he's guesting with Gregor Russell's Team Velo Ecosse/Montpeliers in the Tour of the North in Northern Ireland; we had the pleasure of his company for two days and it gave a good insight into why the best guys are the best guys.

Hamish in his new for 2010 team strip: Van Goethem - Prorace.

Hamish came to cycling late, after he did a degree in 'Interactive Art' at university, this involved street performances and saw him sport a bunch of dreadlocks.

A love of the outdoors saw him gravitate towards our sport and it was at this stage that reports of this mad hippy-esque guy who was knocking lumps out of the Manchester chain gang, began to emerge.

He discovered that Belgium was the heartland and with this discovery lodged in his mind, it was only a matter of time before he was off, across the North Sea - and according to my stats, he's been winning there since 2003.

It was late when Hamish arrived at the door; to get him to Ireland on time, he had to fly in from Belgium on Tuesday night, spend Wednesday and Thursday with us, then head off to the Emerald Isle early on Friday.

He was dressed every inch the pro - fleece hat, big anorak, fleece top, Craft polo neck under vest, track suit bottoms over long johns - just like Sean Kelly; always be cosy, look after those muscles.

It's just a pity that muesli eating isn't an Olympic sport, David Brailsford would have Hamish on The Plan in a trice - a week's worth of the crunchy stuff lasts our boy one day.

There's very little fat allowed in the diet - plenty of protein, though.

No tea, coffee, fizzy drinks or alcohol, either.

Hamish [as well as being a Marxist] was a vegetarian, then a vegan in earlier days, but when he was exposed to the realities of pro team life in Flanders, he realised that starvation was a real possibility and has suspended his vegetarianism until his cycling career ends.

As with all other aspects of his life, nothing is left to chance diet-wise; on Thursday night, before he was heading off to Ireland in the morning, a concoction of cous cous, tuna and Branston pickle had to be constructed; 'just in case.'

The Irish guy he shares accommodation with in Belgium bought Hamish a little box of four Ferrero Rocher for his birthday, last month; Hamish made a deal with himself that he would only eat one after a race which he thought he'd performed well in - there's still one in the box.

He does 45 minutes stretching every day, the routine involves a hard foam roller and tennis ball to work deep into the muscles.

His new digs don't have TV yet but it's not problem because it stops him from getting distracted and gives him more time for said sado masochistic stretching rituals.

Hamish beat some very respected pros to win the British Championships.

He carries a spray of 'Vanish' with him for washing his shorts so as there no possibility of them not coming out of the washing machine in sparkling (day-glo!) condition.

He did a wash in our machine and stuck in a load of our clothes, so as not waste water.

He did a couple of runs up into East Lothian and the bike was a little dirty - not on Friday morning though, shining like a new pin, and the tyres had been off because he'd ridden through a flood; 'the water gets into the rims.'

Hamish takes delivery of his nutritional bits and bobs from us at last year's British Champs in Wales.

On Friday morning when it was time to go, there was nothing left to chance, as well as the 'emegency' rations, there was the 'emergency bag' for the neutral service car - with a full compliment of cosy gear in case anything went wrong; 'a cracked bike and you can't go on, so you don't want to catch pneumonia!'

If I was starting a pro team and wanted a real pro - I know who I'd be giving a ring.

Martin!, can I have three 'just one more t'ing sirs' please? [ok Ed, since Hamish has got the lead in the Tour of the North today!...]

Just tree more t'ings

1) The Guardian, Friday; 'David Millar scored one of the biggest wins of his career in the Three Days of De Panne, after taking the final 15km time trial to seal overall victory. It was the Scot's first stage win since he returned from a two-year ban for doping in 2006.'

First up, we're missing a word, surely it should read 'stage race?' And being the saddo that I am I checked out 'spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act,' unless it's a heavy duty offence for which you spend two-and-a-half years or more behind bars for, your conviction is 'spent' after five years.

If you're lucky then, David, maybe journos will drop the 'doping' references next year; meantime, congratulations from VeloResults on a great ride. Vanderaerden, Bartoli, Ballan, Devolder, Van Petegem, Mattan, Ekimov - that's not a bad list to join.

David gave the time trial the berries, knowing that a good ride would secure the overall. image© Tim Van Wichelen.

2) The UCI is 'radging oot' about the GB super bikes - I'm not surprised.

Whilst I don't agree with a lot of the UCI regs, I can see where they're coming from. On the issue of road bike weights and aerodynamics; the manufacturers don't spend the money for nothing - sooner or later it will trickle down to the bikes that we can buy and ride.

But it's different on the track, what you have there is a National Federation funded arms race, with the Beijing skinsuits shredded so as no one can copy the technology; frames that will never be commercially available and carbon handlebar/stem combinations being made specifically for one girl - crazy!

The handlebar arrangement for the British sprinters.

3) On the subject of the Track Worlds; my favourite moment was when the Lithuanian girl Simona Krupeckaite won the keirin.

As the Federation clad, immaculate staff from the big budget teams frowned; the Lithuanian coach, clad in lumber jack shirt and coal man's leather waistcoat beamed and gave the cameras a huge smile through his bushy moustache - you just know the Lithuanians would be on the vodka that night.

Simona celebrates her world title.

The next day, Vik's back on the phone: 'he's in Belgium - I saw his name in the results.'

Time for that detective work!

Sean's enjoying his racing in Belgium.

How long since you raced in Scotland, Sean?

"Oh, a long time - three years, I think."

Why leave the UK?

Sean hasn't raced in the UK for several years.

"I got some good results in Premiers and fancied trying it abroad; racing with the best, to see where I could go.

"Initially, I got help from Braveheart, I stayed at the Sean Kelly house and eventually got an invite into a team."

Why Belgium, not France or Italy - more suited to your build?

"I thought about France but I'm not a great linguist and you have to speak French and have contacts to race there; whilst in Belgium a lot of people speak English.

"There's more racing in Belgium too; there are still a lot of local kermesses which you can just turn up and ride.

"And in Italy, it's more complicated, I think you can only have one foreigner per team."

How long is that you've raced here?

"This is my third season, and my second full year."

How did you get set up?

Sean's team, Heist-Zuiderkenpen.

"Brian Smith helped me, three seasons ago when I was just 21. I stayed in the Kelly house but moved on to living with a family.

"Initially it was with Braveheart but they changed the criteria and I had to make my own way.

"I made some contacts and stayed with Tim Harris (ex British pro champion).  I arrived with just my bank card, clothes, bike and bag, and that was two years ago - eventually I was approached by a club.

"I changed clubs twice, the first time because they were going for younger riders and the second time because the team I was with didn't have as good a programme as they said they would.

"I'm with Heist-Zuiderkenpen now. it's a good set-up, as far as riding as a team and race programme goes. We're in the 'Top Comps' riding against the Pro Tour team feeder teams - Davo for Lotto and Beveren 2000 for QuickStep. I was racing against Adam Blythe last year, for instance."

Does the club supply a bike?

"No, but tyres, equipment, all the clothing and you get frames at a really good price. We don't have a specified bike for the team, but like I say, you get help.

"The team car picks me up to go to races - but the family I live with me are happy to give me the car for travelling to races, if I want."

No help from Braveheart now?

"No, they changed the criteria for providing funding."

Sean is getting to ride a good programme.

Will you be racing in the UK?

"I plan to come back when there are breaks in our team schedule; but the programme is getting fuller all the time - we have events in Germany and Holland, but I want to come back for the Nationals and some Premiers."

How long do you think you'll stay?

"As long as I can! I plan to live here, I've had so much fun.

"I'm going to language school in September to learn Flemish, properly."

Were you home for the winter?

"I was back home for a month, but I spent most of the winter here.

"I got a job in a window manufacturing factory - I couldn't get a job back in the UK.

"It's a good thing because it means you spend more time training with the squad and get to know then better."

Sean (in blue) takes an easy left.

What's been your best result?

"I've had a top 20 in a Top Comp. But I haven't had great results this year so far, I was sick for three weeks in the winter.

"The form comes though, if you're riding 150 kilometre races with 200 rider fields.

"The racing is very aggressive; it's not like Scotland where you can sit at the back then surge to the front when you feel like it."

Goals?

"To see how far I can go - eventually, hopefully to turn pro.

"I'm at this level, riding Top Comps - and now I want to move up to the next one."

Turn pro or not, respect to Sean for getting himself out to the Heartland - and thanks to him for talking to us.

One of my team's supporters enjoyed the celebrations on the way home!

The race had the mixed characteristics of a race in France, a Belgium kermesse and almost like a criterium in the UK. 23 laps of a 3.8km circuit was the order for the day.

A fast, twisty decent, followed by a flattish section, then a longish climb back up to the town, topping off with half a km cobbled section before a short section of tarmac leading to the finish line. Although a relatively short, criterium type race, the nature of the course meant that this was going to break up and it did so early.

A team mate of mine kicked things off and once brought back I countered on the first time up the climb and with it set myself up for the King of the Mountains competition. A lap or two of attacks and soon a break was established.

Although throughout the race the break swelled on occasions to 6 or so riders, the vast majority of the time it was myself and two other riders ploughing away at the front. The problem I had was that whenever we were joined by others it tended to be teammates of these two riders and so I found myself outnumbered and so I had to cover everything and attack further to even it up. This included attacking to get clear of the very strong Ludovic Capelle (ex Belgium professional national champion) who I knew I had to try and get away from and who's respect I earned in doing so.

The break worked well, however at times there was disorganisation. They had team mates chasing and I had a teammate also chasing so it was difficult to know what to really do. On the one hand I was being told to slow by the team, which I did, but as I did the others would attack and so I was forced to react. At the same time completely waiting for my teammate may have not been the absolute right move as along with him were other team mates of my breakaway companions including Capelle.

After being jumped again with a lap to go I tagged back on and although we all had digs on the final lap it would come down to the wire. A lot of looking at each other the final time up the climb and then onto the cobbles. The chase group was not far behind so we still had to be careful and hot on our tails they were.

I was disappointed not to win, but pleased with my first podium of the season.

They wouldn't quite catch us, but I was beaten into third in the final dash for the line. Disappointed not to win but satisfied with the performance, showing myself strong yet again at the head of the race and securing my first podium of the year and in doing so also wrapping up the King of the Mountains prize.

Two bouquets of flowers, two trophies, 105 euros prize money and four kisses from Miss Montreuil... not too sad for an afternoon's work!

The result in Montreuil Sur Mer came off the back of a decent weeks training following the race in Merelbeke the previous Sunday.

With no races mid week for me, we decided to string a little block of training together. The combination of this, the form that I have been building from the races so far and establishing more of a routine again, has left me feeling good and raring to go again.

I'm feeling stronger week by week, and my confidence is growing with every race: knowing that If I get it right on the day, then I can be there for the win.

The good thing with racing on the continent and Belgium in particular... there's no time to dwell... I'll have another chance to go for glory in just a few days time. Can't wait

The spoils of the visit to France..

A nice added bonus the following day when I was finishing up my recovery spin when I ended up riding and chatting with Team Sky's Kurt Asle Arvesen.

With Kurt staying in Oudenaarde ahead of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, he was off out for a recovery spin himself after his weekends efforts and so we headed off out along the Schelde.

A really nice guy who seemed as interested in what I was doing as I obviously was about him, and so an unexpected bonus to my mornings ride.

He even waited for me when I punctured on the way back. Hopefully one day I'll also be kitted up for Team Sky and be teammates with Kurt - all the best for the Ronde van Vlaanderen!

Result

1. Fabian Behague - ESEG Douai
2. Mickael Delattre - EC Raismes Petite Foret Porte du Hainaut
3. Daniel Patten - Asfra Racing Team
4. Fabien Fournier - EC Raismes Petite Foret Porte du Hainaut
5. Anthony Louis - EC Raismes Petite Foret Porte du Hainut
6. Pierre Drancourt - ESEG Douai

I made the point of being on the front from the start here, knowing like usual it would explode from the off and not wanting to be caught too far back when it did.

Not long into the first lap and I found myself in the first move off the front but this was to be pulled back only a few kms later. After a few laps in the bunch I thought it was time to try again.

I spent a lot of time in breaks or off the front.

Making good use of the bike path and the cobbles dividing the path from the road, again typical of racing in Belgium I was back at the front.

After getting off the front numerous times over the next few laps, the elastic finally split and I was away.

A group of 13 formed at the front and we worked well. There was never really any let-up in the speed... everyone was eager to make it work.

Primes came and went without too much disruption... most being more focused on staying out to the finish.  Maybe in England a group of this size, working as well as it did and building up a gap as it did, would have been home and dry however in Belgium it's never over - especially when ‘kermesse kings’ Patrick Cocquyt, Tony Bracke and co. are chasing.

Still working well, I began to think about how I would play this one going into the last couple of laps... when would the right time to launch an attack be or to save it for the finale?

Everyone worked well, and were keen to get a move on.

With everyone working well I knew going too early could be a mistake as it would be pulled back. As with many races here the break looked like it would go to the finish in one piece and the winner decided right at the death.

At that point everyone is tired having worked hard from start to finish and so it comes down to who plays it right and who has that extra bit when it matters. Going into the last few km's we were still working hard and there was a lot more shouting... both signs that we were being hunted.

A little look behind and a group of 20 was on our heels. I jumped, hoping that there would be a slight relax in the groups as they formed into one but a few hundred metres later I was back.

This was going down to a sprint...

32 riders going for the win. I got myself towards the head of the pack within the last km but the race moved right and I found myself too boxed-in when the sprint really opened up.

There was no way through with the group spreading across the road. Cocquyt took the win, I placed 23rd. Maybe a little disappointed with the end position given the race I had, but content with the performance I gave in what was a real exciting race to be part of, so hard to be too disappointed.

Typical Belgian race organisation.

The big result is definitely coming... if I'm constantly putting myself into these sorts of postitions it's only a matter of time before it comes off - watch this space!

See you next time, Dan.

This was a hard race from the off, again typical of Belgium.

With only one amateur race taking place on this day it meant this race was full-on.

A couple of crashes in the peloton on the same corner on consecutive laps didn't help matters.

I missed out on lead group of around eight riders which eventully got up the road. I did then jump away and was soon joined by more riders to help chase, but we were was reeled in.

However by this time the speed of the race had taken its toll and the peloton had been considerably reduced, maybe down to 60 riders.

Look at the crowds out on a Wednesday afternoon!

Into the last few kms I positoned myelf well at the head of the bunch wanting to be in the right place for the bunch sprint.

Into the last km I was still right there and with some bends in the road before the final right hander into the finish straight there were some hairy moments.

I got swamped a little before the final corner, a few elbows flying, but managed to keep a fairly decent positon inside the top 10 going into the finishing straight and made up some more places in the final dash for the line ending up 21st overall.

Good to get some practice in with the bunch sprint but of course would have prefered to have been up the road fighting it out for the win.

Another hard 120km of racing in the legs which I’ll be all the better for.

The weather was pretty decent for this race, but the next days' training really felt like spring had really arrived.

A good few hours spin out in the sun in the morning, with a trip to café later in the afternoon... where I must add we got to sit outside... not bad for March!

A chase of the lead group over the last 30km led to an exciting finish. Unfortunately the chase group I was in just run out of road to make the junction with the leaders... another km maybe would of done it!

Even though some of the riders were pulled back six remained just in front and would fight it out for the win.

I jumped away from the chase group with around 1km to go and was joined by a Beveren 2000 rider (Quick Step feeder team) and we would go on to claim 7th and 8th respectively.

Dan is getting some euros in his back pocket these days.

The day after I was to race again in a kermesse in Koolskamp (14/03/10).

I missed out on lead group when the hammer went down after a crash in the peleton early on (even more important in Belgium where the racing is so aggressive from the off to stay near the front otherwise you will miss the move), but in a real race of attrition where the peloton gradually wore thinner and thinner lap by lap I found myself in a small group going for 16th.

When it comes to Belgium whether your going for 1st or going for 30th theres still pride at stake (and some well earned euros!) and so it's always a race to the end.

I was to come in 17th, so still a solid performance having worked hard to get myself even into that position.

A ride out to the race and back meant a good training day was had, with some good hard racing and some more euros in my back pocket for good measure.

Results

13/03/2010- GELUWE (W) 1.12B - ind.reg.wedstr.(100-120 km) Elite z.c./U23
Aantal deelnemers: 96

1.NACHTERGAELE NIELS, NEW HEEBRA-LOMBARDEN, 02:51:30
2. KUYPERS BART, ISOMAX - KENTUCKY CT MIDDELKERKE 00:00:10
3. NAUWYNCK STIJN, NEW HEEBRA-LOMBARDEN
4. DEGRAEVE THOMAS, PASS CYCLISME
5. VANHUFFEL WIM, WORLDOFBIKE.GR
6. GODERIS JELLE, CYCLING TEAM LUTHO
7. VERHELST LOUIS, WIELERGROEP BEVEREN 2000 VZW 00:00:25
8. PATTEN DANIEL, ASFRA RACING TEAM
9. DEVRIENDT TOM, NEW HEEBRA-LOMBARDEN 00:00:35
10. DECLERCQ THIERRY, WIELERTEAM DECOCK-SPORTIVO MOORSELE

14/03/2010- KOOLSKAMP (W)
1.12B - ind.reg.wedstr.(100-120 km) Elite z.c./U23
Aantal deelnemers: 100

1. CLAEYS KEVIN PWS EIJSSEN CYCLING TEAM 02:41:00
2. RAEDT NIELSEN ISOMAX - KENTUCKY CT MIDDELKERKE
3. MAENE KEVIN CYCLING TEAM LUTHO
4. DEBAENE MARTIJN PWS EIJSSEN CYCLING TEAM
5. GELDHOF DAVID WIELERTEAM DECOCK-SPORTIVO MOORSELE
6. NAUWYNCK STIJN NEW HEEBRA-LOMBARDEN
7. VANDENBUSSCHE JENS NEW HEEBRA-LOMBARDEN :01:01
8. SERLET TOM KSV DEERLIJK GAVERZICHT VZW
9. BORRY KIM AN POST SEAN KELLY TEAM :03:01
10. NACHTERGAELE NIELS NEW HEEBRA-LOMBARDEN :03:16
11. TAKENOCHI YO
12. DEMEYERE GEOFFREY WIELERTEAM DECOCK-SPORTIVO MOORSELE :03:49
13. D`HAEMERS JASON DMC- CYCLING TEAM
14. CHAMON ALEXANDER WC SOENENS- JARTAZI-CONSTRUKT GLAS
15. RAMMANT STIJN WIELERTEAM DECOCK-SPORTIVO MOORSELE
16. NANKERVIS TOMMY CINELLI-DOWN UNDER :05:01
17. PATTEN DANIEL ASFRA RACING TEAM
18. VANDER MEIREN WARD WIELERTEAM DECOCK-SPORTIVO MOORSELE
19. DEVOLDERE NIKI WIELERTEAM DECOCK-SPORTIVO MOORSELE
20. VANDENHEEDE KENNY CYCLING TEAM LUTHO

However it's just been a case of taking a day at a time and allowing the body to feel fresh again. I think the key however was trying to re-establish some sort of normal routine again and get some structure... can make a huge difference!

The races however have certainly gone better than the body had been feeling for much of the rest of the time.

Let's Race!

I opened my Kermesse campaign properly in Lierde (07/03/10) and did so in style, attacking some of the real big ‘Kermesse Kings’ and in the process almost taking the win.

It's good to get some results early in the season.

Just 20km down the road it was perfect to ride out to. With this and a feeling that I just needed to really open up and race hard I attacked early and found myself clear.

I was soon to be joined by some of the big hitters including Mario Willems and Tony Bracke.

As a group we worked well together but into the second half of the race more riders come across and the lead group began to swell. Knowing this I went again with something like 30km to go and it was to be the decisive move.

Ok, maybe this was a little early at this stage with the big hitters still there, but I did it more so to try and break up the group... and it worked!

10km or so later I was joined by another small group riders, albeit the best riders - but at least it had done some damage, and that was how it would be to the finish.

Fifth - pretty good given the company.

A lot of jumping around on the final lap as usual and I tried my luck as well with a few km’s to go, but the earlier solo efforts had just about set in.

Bracke was to take the win going on the last climb and I finished in 5th just a few seconds later.

But already a good start and hopefully an indication of what's to come. One things for sure I think my efforts on this day gained me some more fans here in Belgium.

Thanks You's

This was also the week that I was told I would be supported by the Dave Rayner Fund for the 2010 season.

A big thanks to the committee for their decision to support me this year as it will be a big help and allow me to fully concentrate on the reason that I'm here - to ride well, win races and progress further in the sport.

At the same time a big thank you must also go to 'The Grays Public Purposes and Recreational Trust' and 'The Thurrock Sports Council' who both have provided me with grants during the winter to support me for the 2010 racing season. They're local organisations to me at home who have shown their generosity by supporting me and I am extremely grateful for such assistance.

To Adrian Timmis at Cadence Sport who has coached me for the past two years and who I have improved greatly under.

Also to Paligap Ltd. for continued support towards Powertap Powermeters, and of course Jim Chisman of Flanders Racing in the UK who has supported me in many ways coming into the 2010 season (check out the Flanders bikes and contact Jim for more info).

'Til next time!

Results

07/03/2010- LIERDE (O) 1.12B - ind.reg.wedstr.(100-120 km) Elite z.c./U23
Aantal deelnemers: 93

1. BRACKE TONY - JOHN SAEY CYCLING TEAM 02:53:00
2. CRIEL TOM - C.T. KEUKENS BUYSSE KNESSELARE 00:00:03
3. DE ZUTTER KRISTOF - WIELERSPORTVER. ARTEVELDE VZW GENT
4. WILLEMS MARIO - KINGSNORTH INTERNATIONAL WHEELERS
5. PATTEN DANIEL - ASFRA RACING TEAM
6. PENNE FREDERIK - SDC - ROGELLI CYCLING TEAM 00:00:15
7. VANDAMME DAVY - SDC - ROGELLI CYCLING TEAM 00:00:50
8. CASSIDY MARK - SEAN KELLY TEAM
9. VAN SPEYBROECK BART - WIELERSPORTVER. ARTEVELDE VZW GENT
10. VANLUCHENE STIJN - WC SPORTVRIENDEN - EEKLO

James, er, at a party - we hope.

For sure, Vik!

Where are you from in the UK, James?

"Originally from Stoke but we moved to Exeter when I was young.

"I raced in the UK as a junior but mostly mountain bikes; I made the GB Talent Team but in the last few years I’ve only raced a couple of times in the UK."

You went to France?

"Yes, I moved to France and rode for VC St. Lo, UC Castelsarrasin and Tarbes Pyrennes Cyclisme.

"I won a couple of smaller races but at the end of 2008, I started to get top tens in French Cups.

"That got me into the Marco Polo Cycling Team with Leon Van Bon and I rode 2009 for them, there was a lot of travelling - South Africa, Asia, the Ras, Holland, Hainan but it was a great experience."

How did your ride for Qin [pronounced 'queue-in'] come about?

"Leon Van Bon was talking to Eric Vanderaerden - who is DS on the team - for me last year and it just went from there."

It’s a Continental team?

"Yes but the hope is that over the next year or two to go to Pro Continental - but the set up is good as it is, we have three bikes, road, TT and training.

"There’s a team bus and it’s all very well organised; it’s a new team and that usually means it takes a while to get settled but it’s coming together very well.

"Qin is a coffee shop in Brugges, there’s just one at the moment but they’re aiming to spread the chain across Belgium."

James is "doing it": living and racing in Belgium.

Who’s team leader?

"Jan Kuyckx, two seasons ago he was second in Paris-Tours and won a stage at Beseges.

"We have Jeremy Yates (ex world junior champion) too - he’ll be living just down the street from me."

How did le Samyn go?

"It was a nice race, I felt pretty good - it ended in a mass sprint of 70/80 guys.

"It was nice to be back in action - Jens Keukelaire won it but Cofidis did a great job for him, that day."

And West Flanders?

"The first day I missed the split with 8 K to go.

"The second day it went through Brugges - that’s the team’s home town so we made sure we were active and had someone in the break.

"On the third day there was a big cross/tail wind selection coming in to the Kemmel and it split to bits - that’s where my lack of racing told."

James takes in some fuel.

You're right in the mix, so how come we haven't heard of you?

"I was on the Talent Team but then I went to France, plus I don't have a track background.

"And I really only started to go well once I was Under 23 - I asked about U23 Worlds selection last year, but they told me that they really only consider riders that have been on The Plan."

Describe yourself as a rider.

"A climber, but I like punchy little climbs the best - Amstel Gold type climbs."

How's the Qin programme?

"Really good - we ride all the Top Sport Under 27 races in Belgium, Dwars door (we hope), Triptyque des Monts et Chateaux, Brabantse Pijl (we're hopeful of that too), some Spanish races, all the Belgian 1,1 races, the Tour of Belgium and Tour of Britain.

"We have a partnership with the Belgian Federation - some of their riders are with us and that's very helpful."

And how are you enjoying the Flanders lifestyle?

"I'm enjoying it - it's not that different to France.

"You get a few jokes about being English - but bike riders are bike riders.

"We had a team get together at Bencassim for two-and-a-half weeks where we all got to know each other.

"The team has fixed me up with an apartment - so no complaints."

James relaxes with some pals.

Goals?

"I definitely want to ride all of the Top Sport races and get in the top ten in them.

"But my biggest goal is the Tour of Britain, one of the stages goes over my English training roads - that's a big target."

No 'Plan' but a place in a good team with an excellent programme - sounds good to us! With thanks to James; we'll [make that Vik] will be keeping an eye on James this year and hope to talk to him again, soon.

But it was best he heard it from me; 'Flecha, he won it well, Viktor, sorry!'

'That's it, I'm finished with Pro Cycling, for good!'

A worthy attention to detail, a marginal gain, a waste of money, or just cool?

Team SKY's first classic win didn't go down well with Vik - for that matter, it didn't go down well with our fellow tele watchers in that bar near Brakel, either.

Tom goes in as one of the favourites.

We catch up with newly retired Bert Roessems on the Berendries.

And according to Cyclingnews, it's the first time in the history of the event that a Belgian didn't make the podium.

Best Belgian was AN Post's indestructible 'Rambo,' Niko Eeckhout in seventh place; 39 years-old and leaving Boonen, Gilbert and Nuyens behind him.

If a cop tells you to behave here, you do.

The headline in the Sunday's Sport Wereld section of Het Nieuwsblad is "Voor Frank" - the Spaniard dedicated his win to Frank Vandenbroucke.

For Frank, says JA.

Respect to Juan Antonio.

Flecha was born in Buenos Aires, last year's winner, Hushovd was born in Arendal, Norway - the winners are getting further and further away form the Heartland.

It's 07:20 in Gent, Sunday - outside, it looks like there's a man playing a hose off the roof, it's apocalyptic.

Race radios or not, it's good to know well in advance when the climbs are coming up.

There was talk yesterday that Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne might be cancelled today, due to high winds; there's no sign of them yet - but there's still plenty of time, the race doesn't start 'til noon.

But I'm ahead of myself; the four degrees that greeted us at Charleroi on Friday afternoon felt positively mild.

Dave rattled the Peugeot 207 hire car up around the Brussels ring road and we were soon skeking the hardware at the Holiday Inn, Gent.

Leonardo Fabio Duque inspects his bike.

Carbon continues to be king with the six teams staying there - AG2R, F des J, Rabobank, Sojasun, AN Post and Cofidis all on composites.

Sojasun's Gitane Definitives are cool - they're white, which is this year's colour - but they are different; sculpted, nice cable routing, great decals.

We'll be doing a feature on this year's team bikes, within the next few weeks - I'll have to do something with all these pics!

There's no problem recognising the Cofidis LOOKs.

After the last bike had been skeked, Friday night was spent at de Karper; Iljo Keisse's dad's bar - we met up with our chum, "Belgian Aussie" Dirk Van Hove - John Young was there and Stuart Anthony too.

The cops are more sympathetic to cyclists here, naturally.

Saturday morning was wet and miserable, Viktor would have been disappointed in Dave; my driver stayed in bed whilst I did the newspaper collection run to the station.

Sport Wereld and Sport Krant both had Boonen and Boasson Hagen as 'super favourites' with Flecha getting no mention from either journal.

Given that he was third here last year and second in 2007 and with the fresh motivation of being on the best funded team on the planet, maybe we should all have paid him more attention.

But I'm ahead of myself, again.

A FdesJ mechanic preps the cars - 'these white cars needs to look white'.

Saturday morning was miserable in Gent, wind and rain - I cracked and bought a 15 euro Saxo Bank brolly.

Dave is 'anti-umbrella' but he did sneak closer to me as the downpour went critical mass.

It wasn't a day for chatting to riders, all of whom hid in the busses 'til the last minute.

We caught sight of big George Hincapie and a few others, but that was about it.

We did get a chat with Radio Shack's new head mechanic, Kiwi Craig Geater; we've stalked him through a few teams - CSC, Disco, Astana and now, 'The Shack.'

His tip was their boy Sebastien Rosseler, Craig said that he was in towering form, putting time into a flying peloton to win a stage at the Algarve.

Lance and Johan rate our pal Craig highly enough to take him from team to team with them.

Dirk Van Hove was our chauffeur for the day - like I always say; 'it's up on Pez,' or soon will be.

Lotto idolatory.

It was a great day, the van had race creds, so were able to drive the course and Dirk having the lingo was a big plus.

Dirk's a local, but we still needed to check the best shortcuts.

The early parcours are pan flat, with long, long straight concrete section roads - and no shelter from the wind.

The riders have a couple of hours of flat road big gear riding before the hills start.

Tyler looks comfy in the bunch.

And when that happens, there's no respite; berg follows berg and then the finale has the cobbles.

It's no problem keeping up with the action when you're out on the course - everyone has TVs rigged up outdoors.

Boonen was hugely impressive - but he punctured twice.

Tomeke on the Berendries, but it wasn't his lucky day.

Nuyens too looked strong but three punctures did for his chances - we saw him ride several kilometres on the rim, his front wheel snaking and twitching over the cobbles.

The early break: Roy Curvers (Skil-Shimano) leads Roger Kluge (Milram), Frederic Guesdon (Francaise de Jeux), and Frederik Veuchelen (Vacansoleil).

Ed gives Guesdon his 'Man of the Match' award.

Three riders try to bridge to the break: David Boucher (Landbouwcredit), Gregory Habeaux (Verndas Willems), and Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil).

Dan Lloyd on the Berendries - he attacked out of the bunch shortly after the climb and tried to get in touch with the chasing three.

Gilbert was just lacking that last little bit; his first peak will be in three weeks - the Primavera.

Pippo Pozatto finished well up in the first group, behind Flecha - 10th today for the Italian Champion.

Marcel Sieberg was very active at the front of the race, and was rewarded with a fine 5th place.

Of the three, Nuyens seemed most disappointed when being interviewed after the race, Gilbert and Boonen seemed relaxed - both know that the form is where it should be and the results will come.

Kuurne is where QuickStep traditionally make amends for their disastrous Saturday - this pattern has been maintained for the last four years: Nuyens '06, Boonen '07 & '09 and Steven De Jongh '08.

Let's hope so, anyway.

If Boasson Hagen wins, I'll worry for Viktor's safety.

Russell Downing worked hard for the team, and still finished - in the same group as Stijn Devolder. Bravo Russ.

Cheerio from us, and Dirk's mum. See you at Kuurne tomorrow!

Result

1 Juan Antonio Flecha (Spa) Sky Professional Cycling Team 5:07:15
2 Heinrich Haussler (Ger) Cervelo Test Team 0:00:18
3 Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin - Transitions
4 Luca Paolini (Ita) Acqua & Sapone
5 Marcel Sieberg (Ger) Team HTC - Columbia
6 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Professional Cycling Team
7 Niko Eeckhout (Bel) An Post - Sean Kelly
8 Bernhard Eisel (Aut) Team HTC - Columbia
9 Tom Veelers (Ned) Skil - Shimano
10 Filippo Pozzato (Ita) Team Katusha
11 Frédéric Guesdon (Fra) Française des Jeux
12 Borut Bozic (Slo) Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team
13 Bert De Waele (Bel) Landbouwkrediet
14 Yoann Offredo (Fra) Française des Jeux
15 William Bonnet (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
16 Sébastien Minard (Fra) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne
17 Roy Curvers (Ned) Skil - Shimano
18 Michael Schär (Swi) BMC Racing Team
19 Roger Hammond (GBr) Cervelo Test Team
20 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Quick Step 0:00:24
21 Alexandre Pichot (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom 0:00:26
22 Sébastien Turgot (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
23 Andreas Klier (Ger) Cervelo Test Team
24 Koen De Kort (Ned) Skil - Shimano
25 Manuel Quinziato (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo
26 Phillippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
27 Marcus Burghardt (Ger) BMC Racing Team
28 Stijn Vandenbergh (Bel) Team Katusha 0:00:29
29 Jurgen Roelandts (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto 0:00:32
30 Marco Marcato (Ita) Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team 0:00:34
31 Leif Hoste (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto 0:00:39
32 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team 0:01:33
33 Vicente Reynes Mimo (Spa) Team HTC - Columbia 0:02:57
34 Sep Vanmarcke (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
35 Kristijan Koren (Slo) Liquigas-Doimo
36 Bert Scheirlinckx (Bel) Landbouwkrediet 0:03:51
37 Pieter Ghyllebert (Bel) An Post - Sean Kelly
38 Mauro Finetto (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo
39 Andrea Masciarelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone
40 Nico Sijmens (Bel) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne
41 Geert Verheyen (Bel) Landbouwkrediet
42 Kevin Neirynck (Bel) Landbouwkrediet
43 Johan Coenen (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
44 Frederik Veuchelen (Bel) Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team
45 Maarten Tjallingii (Ned) Rabobank
46 Lieuwe Westra (Ned) Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team
47 Arnaud Gerard (Fra) Française des Jeux
48 Jérémie Galland (Fra) Saur - Sojasun
49 Steve Houanard (Fra) Skil - Shimano
50 Joost Posthuma (Ned) Rabobank
51 Frederik Willems (Bel) Liquigas-Doimo
52 Johan Vansummeren (Bel) Garmin - Transitions
53 Kasper Klostergaard Larsen (Den) Team Saxo Bank
54 Grégory Rast (Swi) Team Radioshack
55 Nick Nuyens (Bel) Rabobank
56 Steve Chainel (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
57 Bram Tankink (Ned) Rabobank
58 Anthony Geslin (Fra) Française des Jeux
59 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step
60 Karsten Kroon (Ned) BMC Racing Team
61 Giuseppe Palumbo (Ita) Acqua & Sapone 0:04:59
62 Lars Boom (Ned) Rabobank
63 Matthieu Ladagnous (Fra) Française des Jeux
64 Martin Velits (Svk) Team HTC - Columbia
65 Murilo Antonio Fischer (Bra) Garmin - Transitions
66 Peter Sagan (Svk) Liquigas-Doimo
67 George Hincapie (USA) BMC Racing Team
68 Alessandro Ballan (Ita) BMC Racing Team
69 Anders Lund (Den) Team Saxo Bank
70 Jens Mouris (Ned) Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team
71 Davide Vigano (Ita) Sky Professional Cycling Team
72 Maarten Wynants (Bel) Quick Step
73 Gert Steegmans (Bel) Team Radioshack
74 Bjorn Leukemans (Bel) Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team
75 Tomas Vaitkus (Ltu) Team Radioshack
76 Matti Breschel (Den) Team Saxo Bank
77 David Millar (GBr) Garmin - Transitions
78 Kevin De Weert (Bel) Quick Step
79 Koen Barbe (Bel) Landbouwkrediet 0:05:38
80 David Boucher (Fra) Landbouwkrediet 0:05:41
81 Alessandro Fantini (Ita) Acqua & Sapone
82 Sven Renders (Bel) Verandas Willems
83 Staf Scheirlinckx (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto 0:06:49
84 Lloyd Mondory (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
85 Michael Barry (Can) Sky Professional Cycling Team
86 Nikolas Maes (Bel) Quick Step
87 Niki Terpstra (Ned) Team Milram
88 Steven Van Vooren (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
89 Frédéric Amorison (Bel) Landbouwkrediet
90 Tiziano Dall'antonia (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo 0:07:28
91 Tom Stamsnijder (Ned) Rabobank 0:10:45
92 Martin Reimer (Ger) Cervelo Test Team
93 Thomas De Gendt (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
94 Gert Dockx (Bel) Team HTC - Columbia
95 Mitchell Docker (Aus) Skil - Shimano
96 Nikolay Trusov (Rus) Team Katusha
97 Gabriel Rasch (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
98 Thomas Leezer (Ned) Rabobank
99 Martin Kohler (Swi) BMC Racing Team
100 Mathew Hayman (Aus) Sky Professional Cycling Team
101 Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Arg) Team Saxo Bank
102 Paidi O Brien (Irl) An Post - Sean Kelly
103 Ian Stannard (GBr) Sky Professional Cycling Team
104 Johnny Hoogerland (Ned) Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team
105 Yauheni Hutarovich (Blr) Française des Jeux 0:11:14
106 Kim Borry (Bel) An Post - Sean Kelly
107 Rene Mandri (Est) AG2R La Mondiale
108 Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
109 Andy Cappelle (Bel) Verandas Willems
110 Daniel Oss (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo
111 Nikita Eskov (Rus) Team Katusha
112 Sebastian Lang (Ger) Omega Pharma-Lotto
113 Benoît Vaugrenard (Fra) Française des Jeux
114 Sébastien Chavanel (Fra) Française des Jeux
115 Matthew Wilson (Aus) Garmin - Transitions
116 Domenik Klemme (Ger) Team Saxo Bank
117 Jurgen Vandewalle (Bel) Quick Step
118 Stuart O'grady (Aus) Team Saxo Bank
119 Cedric Coutouly (Fra) Saur - Sojasun
120 Michel Kreder (Ned) Garmin - Transitions
121 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Garmin - Transitions
122 Floris Goesinnen (Ned) Skil - Shimano 0:13:10
123 Luke Roberts (Aus) Team Milram
124 Dieter Cappelle (Bel) Verandas Willems
125 Russell Downing (GBr) Sky Professional Cycling Team
126 Servais Knaven (Ned) Team Milram
127 Fumiyuki Beppu (Jpn) Team Radioshack
128 Michiel Elijzen (Ned) Omega Pharma-Lotto
129 Roy Sentjens (Bel) Team Milram
130 Romain Feillu (Fra) Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team
131 Stijn Devolder (Bel) Quick Step
132 Daryl Impey (RSA) Team Radioshack
133 Wim De Vocht (Bel) Team Milram
134 Markus Eichler (Ger) Team Milram
135 Kristof Goddaert (Bel) AG2R La Mondiale
136 Matthew Harley Goss (Aus) Team HTC - Columbia
137 Jeremy Hunt (GBr) Cervelo Test Team
138 Christopher Sutton (Aus) Sky Professional Cycling Team
139 Robin Chaigneau (Ned) Skil - Shimano
140 Ben Gastauer (Lux) AG2R La Mondiale
141 Steven Caethoven (Bel) Landbouwkrediet
142 Lars Ytting Bak (Den) Team HTC - Columbia
143 Yohann Gene (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
144 Pieter Jacobs (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
145 Pieter Vanspeybrouck (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator
146 Dario Andriotto (Ita) Acqua & Sapone
147 Alessandro Donati (Ita) Acqua & Sapone

Joe Parkin.

We interviewed Joe Parkin recently as part of our "Racing in Belgium" series.  Joe has written a great book about his experiences entitled "A Dog in a Hat", and is busy writing his second.

In case we've inspired any of you to head over to "the Heartland" and give kermis racing a go, we thought we'd present Joe's startline checklist...

Kermis racing is Belgian bike racing’s meat and potatoes. While we’ll get into other details later, you should understand some of the insanity that is bred by this type of racing, and European pro racing in general.

- by Joe Parkin -

For most riders, getting ready for a race is an incredibly ritualistic ordeal that would make Howard Hughes feel right at home.

Do you think you might have what it takes to be a kermis racer? Let’s see if you have the necessary changing room procedures.

1. Enter the changing room and choose your chair. In most pro kermis races you’ll be hosted by one of the many cafés that line the race course, in which case you’ll change in a banquet room or courtyard behind the café. There are typically chairs arranged in a large circle.
2. Place your gear bag next to the right side of the chair, ensuring that it extends past the front and back of the chair by equal amounts. Unzip all of the main zippers and any small compartments that you may need access to.
3. Sit down. At this point it is perfectly acceptable to make eye contact with and converse with other riders in the room. However, if asked how you’re feeling, the answer should always be something fairly negative. “Tired,” or “Not so good,” are perfect answers.
4. Wait. Starting to get dressed more than 30 minutes before a pro kermis is nearly a felony.
5. Check your watch. At 45 minutes before the start, it is okay to start pinning on your number. Reach into your gear bag and pull out the Sucrets or Altoids tin. This will contain large safety pins. The pins should be all the same size and in similar condition. If they have collected any scuffs or rust they should be discarded. If you don’t notice this until opening the tin on race day, you’re jinxed. You can pretend not to see anything, but it may be too late.You’ll now pin on the vinyl number, muttering “rugnummers links” (or rechts) under your breath as you parrot back the instructions you received at the sign-in, and prepare the first pin and position the number on the appropriate side for the day.Each pin needs to point in the same direction, no matter where it is located on the number itself.
6. Stand up and drape the jersey over the back of your chair, so that the number faces outward and behind you.
   

   Typical kermis racing on closed, cobbles roads.

7. Sit down and check your watch once again.
8. Remove the small towel that you will use on the floor and place it neatly at your feet.
9. Check your watch again.
10. With 30 minutes to go you may remove your street shoes and socks, placing each sock in its respective shoe. The shoes should then be placed underneath your chair.
11. Remove your race shoes from the bag. You will have packed them with the bundled pair of socks in the left shoe and they should stay this way as you remove them from the bag. Place the shoes together, heels pointing back, approximately 10 inches from the left front leg of your chair and at a 45º angle, but not touching the foot towel.
12. Remove your base layer from the bag and place it on top of your race shoes, being careful to keep it from touching the ground.
13. Take off your pants, fold them in half and then in half again. Sit back down and then roll up the folded pants. Put them in your gear bag.
14. Remove your bib shorts from the bag and turn them inside out. If  you’re using any kind of chamois creme, this is when you would apply it to the chamois, not your body.
15. Lay the shorts on top of your bag, trying not to get any chamois goo on it or the shorts themselves.
16. Take off your outer shirts, fold them then roll them up and put them in your bag.
17. Quickly pull on your base layer.
18. Tuck the front of your base layer into your underwear and cover your private parts.
19. Remain sitting and take off your underwear. Do your best to keep the base layer in place. There are lots of women, kids, café owners, café workers and other folks who wander through these changing areas. Sure, they’ve seen it before but even though we’re semi-sociopaths, we don’t want to embarrass or offend anyone.
20. Grab your shorts and pull them on until the leg gripper is in just about the right place on your thighs. You’ll put the same side leg in first every time (yes, they are still inside out).
21. With your feet clear of the bib straps, stand up, spread your feet slightly and pull the bibs on the rest of the way, rolling them from inside out as you go.While this technique may seem absurd, there is actually a reason for it. Kermis races can be entered individually but in many of them you’ll be with your team. When this is the case there might be 20 riders to just 1 soigneur, so he might have to smear some sort of nuclear embrocation into your legs before you have a chance to get your bibs on. Rolling them on ensures that you will not get any of the caustic ointment onto the chamois as you pull them on. I don’t think we need to discuss why this would be a bad thing.
22. Adjust your shorts so that everything is in the proper place. I’ve seen the placement of the leg gripper/bottom leg opening of a pair of bibs take 10 minutes.
23. Sit down and check your watch again. You will not get dressed further until 20 minutes before the start.
24. This is the best time to eat all of the food you’ve brought with you for the race. This is a kermis race and will not last longer than 4 hours so you eat everything you have before the start. My tart of choice was frangipane - 2 to 3 of the suckers before every race.
25. With 20 minutes to go, put on your socks and shoes, being careful to remember which side goes on first. This is the only time that it’s acceptable for the shoes to come into contact with your foot towel.
    

    If you don't do these things, you just get changed on the street.

26. Next, pull your helmet from the bag, check to see that your Saint Christopher is still attached and place it in front of your feet on the floor. We wore leather “hairnets” and nearly every rider, catholic or not, had a Saint Christopher medal sewed to the front of his helmet.
27. If you wear gloves, this is the time to pull them from your bag and put them on top of your helmet.
28. Grab the jersey from the back of your chair, put it on and zip it all the way up.
29. Put on your gloves, if you wear them.
30. Grab your helmet and stand up. Make your way to the bathroom one final time and then walk outside to find your bike.

Though kermis races are blazing fast, no warming up is ever done before the gun goes off. It is just get on the bike and go!

This article first appeared on Joe's blog - read more of his great stories on 6 years in a Rain Cape.