Wambeek: Day 1

As the home of my team, 'Wielerteam Van Eyck Sport Wambeek', this race is naturally considered in high priority by the club, and so I was really after a good ride over the 2 day event.

The 2 races, one on Saturday, one on Monday, can be ridden as independent events, but in riding both you qualify for an overall general classification, based on finishing positions rather than time. There was a separate U22 category, and added to that a 'Bergklassement' (king of mountains) prize located at the summit of a long cobbled climb to be scaled 13times each race. Add all that up, and it's makes a fiercely competitive race!

With 99 riders signed on for Saturday's race, we went out slightly steadier than usual, everyone seemingly cautious of how the next 110 km would pan out. Of course it did not take long for the attacks to go, and on the first lap I jumped into a small yet futile break group...

With strong winds, the race became more of a race of attrition with the peloton splitting almost every time over the tough cobbled ascent. With a break group of 8 out front, although with a not uncatchable lead, I was eager to try and jump over the gap. However, paying for my efforts up the climb, I missed a split of 15 or so riders. Sensing the group was going clear from the rapidly thinning peloton, I attacked, and joined by 2 others riders, bridged the gap after 2 laps. With the leaders well within sight, it was not long before I went on the attack again, accompanied by 2, and then 3 others, we set about joining the leaders. Getting to within 20 seconds, the group upped the pace to ensure we would not catch them on the block headwind drag to the finish. After a few laps we were reeled back into the chase group. Nearing the finish, 2 riders clipped off the front, and coming second in the sprint by a few centimetres, left me 12th overall, and 3rd under 22 for day 1.

To be continued...