Fine tuning

Bike path through the Ardenne

It has been three weeks now since my last update, there have been a few more races in that time, some frustration and some great moments. It’s nice to be getting to know my teammates a bit better and to learn how we can work together better and playing to our strengths. The weather has continued to be less than ideal in Namur and staying healthy has been a top priority; it is very important at this point in the season for me to avoid illness as this is approaching the time of year that I enjoy the most. Unfortunately, I won’t be taking part in the Under23 Tour of Flanders this year, but there are many other races that I will be targeting in the coming weeks.

Snow?!?

My last outing was the Handzame Challenge; the race is run in conjunction with the Handzame Classic for the Worldtour. It was a flat course that ran along the coast of Belgium, which makes it very nervous as the threat of wind destroying the race is always present. Staying at the front was the name of the game (it often is in bike racing). I managed to stay positioned quite well all day, as did a few my teammates.

Rolling on the Muese River

Unfortunately, a few did also go down. Special kudos to teammate and housemate Andreas Andersson for dealing with a crash, and two mechanicals to still make it back to the front of the race. The race went on and on with no definitive breakaway establishing. When the time for making the race did come, I was there. But the lead group slipped my grasp after a re-shuffle that I should not have been caught in. I spent the next 4-5 minutes trying, in vain to bridge the gap solo to the ten leaders, I came up short.

The very early season races are finished now, and our teams calendar takes a brief hiatus before resuming with the Under23 races that I will be looking to feature in and show myself. First up is Triptyque des Monts Chateaux, a staple race for young riders to show themselves and a race where big teams are watching. We were a late entry to the race and I am very excited to finally be going. Triptyque is a race that suits me extremely well; with four stages in three days. Some of the best Under23’s in the world will be present, and so will the rain. The dates of Triptyque are March 31st-April 2nd.

Had to sit down after intervals

After Triptyque I will have two weeks to prepare for the Under23 Liege-Bastonge-Liege, another race I am extremely excited to be in, and another opportunity to show what I can do against my peers. The remaining races of the Spring will be elite, and there are some more races during April and May that I am really looking forward to: Having said that, every race is an opportunity to get a result, or learn something, or try something new. Every race, whether it is a win or a terrible defeat, there is something to be learned, so I look forward to doing more learning and hopefully, more winning.

Serge Pauwels and the Mur Cycling Cafe in Huy Belgium.

As I write this I am working in the Spanish sun and getting some more crucial kilometers and big efforts in my legs for some goals later in the season. In my brief time down South in the Sun I have set a personal best 5-minute power, and 15-second power; they will be needed. Triptyque is at the forefront of my mind for the time being and I am doing all I can to prepare. I will be flying back to the terrible weather in Belgium in two days and I think I am ready to start leaving my mark on these races.

Triptyque studying and Spanish Falles Festival

Thanks for reading, the next update will be after the next block of Under23 racing.