More Bad Luck

With Bierbeek a total write-off with terrible legs, my attention shifted back towards the 'second-leg' of Hoxem – a repeat of last Sundays race featured at either end of the week long Kermesse. Despite the forecasted rain, the race stayed relatively dry until the final lap of proceedings. After a poor start, I missed an early move, with the 16 riders holding a 30 second deficit to the bunch. Realising the danger of such a move, and with the relatively slim time gap, both myself and team mate Dom, decided to try and bridge the gap. After what seemed an eternity of attacking, often forcing splits on the main climb of the circuit, only to be absorbed back into the peloton on the long descent, we eventually went clear, with 1 other rider tagging along but never willing to do any work. Working in part of a 15 man break, we jostled for position coming into the final corner of the race – a very tight bend, now covered in standing water. As we were caught by the peloton, Dom led into the bend, with me in 5th wheel ready for the hill sprint top the line. However, somewhat inevitably, the rider in 2nd wheel crashed out halting the sprint. Dom got away to win the sprint, and starting from a standstill I managed to hold off the late charge, finishing in 17th position.


Yesterday, I returned to Stok, again for a second race around the fast circuit. However, after just one lap, a spoke failed in the rear wheel. Riding to the car, where my spare wheels were, the only option was to stop, change the wheel and try to chase back onto the rear of the peloton Despite a smooth change, the task was too great, with the circuit delivering average speeds for the bunch around 45kph. However, all was not lost as once I was out of the race I continued riding behind the 'green flag' – a car denoting the rear of the race, and so at least got some speed training in my legs.


Next race is this Sunday in Lembeek, and promises to be a hilly one.