Race Recap: Triptyque

Just like last year it seems that Belgium almost skips Spring weather and has gone straight from winter season to summer. After starting at Le Samyn in -2 degrees, the weather now is averaging around 25 Celsius here in the Ardenne. My form has been progressing nicely over the past few weeks, and at the last few races I have really felt much more in control. I was able to be where I want to be and to have larger impacts on the outcomes of these races. The team has also been coming together more and more and our teamwork is starting to collect results, now it is time to do so at a higher level.

Finishing fifth (White helmet) Not happy.

But first here is a recap of the Under 23 race Triptyque des Monts et Chateaux. This is a race that a lot of the biggest teams have their eye on for up and coming talent. It started off with two road stages and ended with a double day featuring a TT in the am, followed by one last hilly road stage in the afternoon.

Cobbles everywhere!

I had some designs on the KOM competition, and when the break-away of the day was forming on day one, I was the one to let them go. There were only two riders and I thought that was not enough to stay away, sadly they did. As there were only two riders, the KOM competition became quickly out of reach. The first day ended with a sprint and I was following one of Belgiums top sprinters, Lionel Taminaux. We were going into the last corner and he was nearly put into the barriers, it was close, but we stayed upright. The finish position was not spectacular though, 21st.

Planning

Day two, and I was a little bit angry and eager. I saw an easy opportunity to slip into the breakaway and decided to do it. Rain was on the menu, so I wanted out of the sketchy U23 peleton. We were a group of four in front and we stayed out for 125 km, only to get caught when the cross winds picked up on the final circuit and the echelons came across to us. I had no problem getting into the lead group and continuing to rotate through the line (its always easier to work in echelons then try and sit behind). I was pretty tired when we approached the line and having picked up some time bonuses and KOM points, I rolled into the finish easy.

Leading up the KOM

Starting the last day, I could feel the effort of the break-away from the day previous, but I was determined to say the least. Now sitting 11th on GC. I wanted to ride a good TT and try to stay top 20 before the difficult afternoon stage. Now TT’s are my Achilles heel, and I learned a lot from this one, mainly that pacing is my weak point. I started out so fast - way too fast in hindsight. The 10km course had two climbs, one halfway and another to the line. I ended up losing 1:20 to the winner after saving next to nothing for the last 2-3 km because for the first 5 km, I had the fastest time. I only found this out afterwards. It helped take away from my disappointment, but not too much.

Finishing just behind the leaders

Onto the last stage, and as a result of setting the fastest time at the time check, I was given more KOM points; combined with being out of GC now, my plans came full circle and the KOM jersey was back on the table. I would have to be in the break-away. It was a short and hectic stage. I was doubting that there would even be a break-away at one point. But I made a move with one other rider to bridge up to another duo which was going for a time bonus sprint. We made contact just after the sprint and started to roll; hesitantly, as a group towards the first KOM.

Sponsors!

I was fully committed because I knew none of the others would really fight for the points as they were nowhere near in the competition. The most time we got was about 20 seconds. We reached the first KOM and started the climb, the peleton behind was going full speed and caught us half way up. I tried to hang on for the points but was unable to score any. I didn’t have a whole lot of energy left. I tried one more time once the peleton calmed down, but it also came to naught. With survival mode activated I just rolled home with the peleton, no energy left to have impact on the race anymore. I was upset that I was not able to do more on my one and only try at the famous Under23 race, but I was also happy for the impact I did have, and I’ve also found some things that I need to work on.

Meuse River

Since Triptyque I have been racing some Kermesses and Interclub racing with the team. I’ve stacked up two top tens in the past week and I am feeling quite a lot stronger now than I was just a few weeks ago; probably all that resting I’ve been told to do! Be sure to check out my Strava page where you can see all my rides and races. There are a few more races on my calendar now that I will look to make the most of before returning home for a break.

Thanks for reading!