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.

Sunday, 10 July 2011

G' day all!

Howdy folks,

For those members who don't know me, I moved from the UK to Australia (Sydney) late last year as a consequence of the impending recession gloom and as a reaction to general itchy feet. So far I've adapted and of recent months have started to enjoy things.

Riding wise, I've become more of a roady since arriving with cross still in its infancy and MTB enduros (a plenty) being a possible longer term but expensive substitute. I never thought I'd ever race a criterium but thanks to my new local road club I've jumped in head first and with some good support, I seem to have gotten a bit faster thanks to perseverance!

More recently I came across a hardcore cross group from Melbourne who were staging a series over the winter months (May - September here) so decided to part with some cash and fly over to check things out.
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect race wise as the group seemed more focussed on the beer and frites. Further, I'd no idea of the fellow competitors I'd be facing. On the day I was pleasantly surprised to find a well organised event with 3 categories to choose from including open, A category and B category. Having done plenty of cross last season with progressively improving results I decided on A category and joined the remaining field of 50 or so including some national level road and MTB lads.

The race was set at 50 minutes plus a lap and took in a 4 minute lap comprising of a predominantly lumpy, grassy circuit with a far dosing of barriers and off camber sections. Having learned the hard way last season I ensured I'd dialled the right lines during the many practice laps and made sure I was well gridded. The race got under way with a decent start and after what seemed like forever I managed to secure 10th spot which I was happy with having mentally aimed for a top 10 place.

Here's a great little video of the event creatively compiled by the gorgeous Kathryn Feldmaier who I couldn't miss snapping away pre race - props to Dunc for the good looking kit!

http://vimeo.com/25482981

Posted by Rick K at 21:11

4 comments:

  1. crossjunkie11 July 2011 at 06:30

    That's not Melbourne - more like BoggartHole Clough with all that mud.....

    Can tell you are a roady now - bling yellow shoes.

    Keep us up to speed with things your way, but make sure you don't beat us when you come back to the UK :-)

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  2. Rick K11 July 2011 at 19:54

    The mud will keep me sharp A!

    Yes, I have succumbed to a bit of bling - must be this sunshine making me a softee....

    Plenty more races before crimbo so will keep you all updated

    Keep me updated on peaks progress - I'm having major withdrawal symptoms over here :(

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  3. Dave Haygarth14 July 2011 at 04:14

    Great read Rick. Oz will be the next growth area in CX. For sure. It suits their persona.

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  4. Rick K17 July 2011 at 20:33

    Aye up Dave
    The seeds are sown for Aus cross. Just need the Aus cycling board to get behind and establish nationally. NZLD have a national champs so we shouldn't be too far behind now.
    I'm enjoying your peaks training posts so keep em coming and best of luck with prep

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