Formed in June 09, Here Come the Belgians is a non-elite anti-team celebrating all things cross, cobbled and Belgian.
Seeking a different experience to the traditional cycling club, its aim is to harness the energy of a vibrant internet cycling community with grass roots racing and riding based around Cyclocross and Spring Classics. There is no race programme in the style of a racing team, more a collection of individual experiences through rides and racing, in whatever location a member may be, that all can share in and contribute toward.

Friday 20 August 2010

New Signings...

So it's the silly season in the Pro ranks with various riders transferring, dopers being unwelcomed back into the fold (come on be fair, being ginger doesn't deserve that abuse) and the rumour mill working overtime. With that in mind following the recent successful kit order (thanks everyone for making it possible), I've some new names to introduce.

Andy Anderson - "Oh no, now I'll have to race cross"...oh yes, now you'll have to race cross. Having made that statement Andy quite easily justified it in my eyes by using cross as a way of burning off the Belgian beers... or giving him room to consume more, I can't remember which.

Andrew McPherson - Gravitating to HCtB via the virtuous route of Velocake and a very good cakey route it is. Does anyone else have misty eye nostalgic memories of coffee flavoured swiss roll? I digress.

Damon Largent - Bought a shirt, snagged a nice cross bike, all ready to race... apart from needing to fix two punctures on his first foray. Goes without saying he's feeling pumped about the whole team thing.

Gavin Long - Second year Cross campaigner. It's like your favourite band, can he surpass that breakthrough first album, will he be wearing KISS style facepaint to go with the spandex?...(spandex? sorry I meant Lycra and was getting all carried away).

Jason Miles - endurance racer who's probably ridden more in one race than some of us have ridden all year. Racing 8, 12, 24 (and more) it's all there... hours that is... I'll repeat that HOURS! He's a wrong un, well, maybe a right un as we might be able to learn something from him that's for sure. Fair play, Chapeau!

Jonathan Day - If you need a set of wheels consider giving Jonathan's site a perusal. Jon's getting his business, STRADA WHEELS, up and running and his handbuilt wheels look worthy of our interest. Welcome to the gang.

Mark Bradley - An Enigma. Can I buy a shirt? Yes. Here's your money. Thanks.

Murat Tasan - I'll admit it. Initially we were inspired by HUP United's style and antics...and now we converge. Murat, HUP rider and Boston, USA (soon to be Toronto, CA) resident joins the team. He made reference to Ex girlfriends, log distance classic riding and style in his emails so sounds like a strong candidate for the VDB character on the team. If the white oversocks and cut off cap comes out to play we know we need to employ a head doctor.
He's giving D2R2 a shot this year. I'm quietly jealous.

Nick Jardine - Another enigma. Greetings to the little isle from the big island... How's it? I feel like we're on Dog the bountyhunter. Actually we aren't and Nick's on the Isle of Wight. So there.

Richard Knowles - A strong rider with the air of just turning up and riding, without the sufferance of training miles...only to leave you behind. I know, I got left behind.

Russell Robson - Off to ride some Flandrians bergs, or so I've been told... make sure you tell us some more.

Steven Treanor - Is single speed cross a good idea?... Any cross is a good idea in our books. Welcome on board.

So there we have it, I need a sit down and a tea with 2 sugars. Blimey.

7 comments:

  1. Thanks for the warm welcome to the Team.

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  2. Mark Bradley has been called many things - but never an Enigma! ;->

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  3. SSCX? Steve, more convergence going on! What are you using for a rear hub? Trying to spec my wheels with spectacular levels of failure at the moment. Hoping that Jonathan can help me out though! Cheers, Andy

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  4. Ummmmm...well OtleyRich I would suggest that is mainly due to your ignorance and difficulties with latin; though come the winter X season I fear you will be proved correct. However while it lasts thanks for the welcome and 'Enigma' title; I will see you all at the second race in Northalleton on the 12th.

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  5. thanks for the introduction. Still struggling with punctures and a lack of locally available tubes though. Good to see another Enigma owner here as well, as I have an Ethos which has covered a LOT of miles since she arrived in April. Look forward to getting to know everyone here.

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  6. Can I grass up my friend Andrew who last year said something along the lines of "you'll never catch me doing something as stupid as cross racing". he likes to spectate though.
    Throughly nice bloke and a stalwart of VeloCake.

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