My Time in Flanders
This weekend is “Opening Weekend” in Belgium, where pro cycling's Classics specialists line up for Het Nieuwsblad on Saturday, followed by Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Sunday. And I'm excited. Having read the memoirs of adopted Flandrians Joe Parkin and Aussie Allan Peiper many moons ago, I always wondered what the cycling life in Belgium would be like, not to mention the heritage and culture. Well, life certainly throws one curveballs at times and I finally got to realise this aspiration almost four years ago.
Being taken on as a soigneur/verzorger (carer/slave) on an international cycling team in 2017 allowed me the privilege to immerse myself in the world of Belgian racing. Based in the East Flanders town of Oudenaarde right below the Koppenberg forest, our racing schedule saw us competing at least four times weekly all over Belgium. Kermesses formed the backbone of this program along with a few criteriums and U23 Classics. Racing program aside, it was more living and breathing in the culture and mixing with the locals that really stood out, not to mention their benevolence.
When our staff accomodation was scheduled to be taken by another team, hosts Christian and Hilde graciously found us an alternative in nearby Markedal. No more sharing rooms – we each had our own space in renovated private bar on a semi-palatial estate! Then there was our trusty team car literally conking out in the middle of the N60 after another race. Christian came to tow us and found a garage in Ninove that would take care of the specialist repairs. Time was tight but the car got fixed. Or when I needed some osteopathic help with some our riders. Step in Michiel Van Aelbroeck and Alice Pirard who fit us in at their practice in the cobbled centre of Ghent (a great city by the way).
Time certainly flew by, as it tends to do when you are super busy in pleasant environs and it was time to move on to the next assignment in Italy. I did manage to make it back to Belgian the following year with another team, although this trip was somewhat fleeting and saw a chicken lay an egg whilst taking a sip out of my cup of tea. But that is separate discussion altogether.
