Tour of Flanders Cyclosportive

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There was a great atmosphere on those last climbs, all bannered up, flags flying, campervans parked alongside, and supporters shouting encouragement for the riders as they struggled up. I got behind a few Belgians who took me up the climb at a good pace, parting the crowds shouting “up, up”. I managed to negotiate round the walkers on the steepest part of the Patterberg, and once over the top, it was a flat ride for the last 20km to the finish. I joined a chain-gang and we kept up a brisk 35kph into a crosswind – not quite matching Cancellara’s 50kph solo ride. Finally, I passed the last 1km sign and enter a wide corridor of flat road covered with banners ready for the pro race, and naturally sprinted with 200m to go, imagining I was going for the win in the Tour of Flanders.

Russell Downing tackles Flanders

One of the best things about cycling is that you can eat what you like afterwards, so we all enjoyed spaghetti, a plate full of frites and a well-earned cold beer; followed a just a while later with an evening meal of Pizza, a few bottles of wine, and a glass of Amerreto.

Getting ready for the pros!

The following day we made our way over to the Oude Kwaremont climb, where we cheered on the Pro riders with beer and burger in hand. The new spectator friendly circuits gave us a view of the riders on each of the three times up the climb which was a bonus.

Richard, Jesse and Monica wait for the race to pass by

After the finish of the pro race, we packed up the cars and headed back home to Blighty, a fun weekend had by all.

Pendragon Sports

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