{"id":23622,"title":"What's Belgian Cyclocross Really Like? Part II","description":"In Part I of \u201cWhat\u2019s Belgian Cyclocross Really Like?\u201d we reported from a round of the professional Superprestige series. In this concluding part, we\u2019re covering the other end of the Belgian cyclocross spectrum.","content":"

Published in<\/strong>: CYCLOCROSS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

In Part I of \u201cWhat\u2019s Belgian Cyclocross Really Like?\u201d we reported from a round of the professional Superprestige series. In this concluding part, we\u2019re covering the other end of the Belgian cyclocross spectrum.<\/p>

\"i5ywmcqgcdy8e7la5iodq7zlpakxddd8gxoy54n04gemwugt.jpg\"The Landelijke Recreatieve Crossers (LRC<\/a>) promotes low-cost cyclocross races for amateurs of all ages. It\u2019s not affiliated with the official Belgian cycling federation. It\u2019s short on bureaucracy and long on fun.<\/p>

Their events are not dissimilar to cyclocross league races in the UK. The event which I\u2019d chosen just happened to be their Belgian National Championships.<\/p>

\"mae4sbjfcs5jnwvqu8ppkf6jncfd5dyx98r4gfw8833ufqly.jpg\"<\/u><\/a>Although listed as the Belgian National Championships, my lack of Belgian citizenship was not a problem. If you want to find out how to race cyclocross in Belgium then read our article which covers both LRC and Belgian Cycling events<\/a>.<\/p>

Flandrien Hotel<\/h3>

This was going to be the third of three days in Flanders staying at the Flandrien Hotel for cyclists in Brakel. Day one had been spent watching a round of the Superprestige series at the Jaarmarktcross Niel.<\/p>

\"nmfhk21y8dgid9hh2c9tmixuwlmp9hgpkotwn5sy3u1absar.jpg\"<\/u><\/a>But what to do on day two? A bike ride was a possibility. I could have pottered around the tranquil lanes of the Flemish Ardennes on my cyclocross bike or borrowed a road bike from the hotel.<\/p>

Brewery Time<\/h3>

I was keen, however, to visit De Hoeve Brouwers (The Farm Brewers) in nearby Zottegem. I\u2019m always eager to try a new beer.<\/p>

At 10 am we found ourselves heading towards a sleepy industrial area on the outskirts of Zottegem. It didn\u2019t look at all promising. The quiet but immaculate dual-carriageway gave way to a rather drab set of squat, grey buildings.<\/p>

\"vavxccfwz9mqrj7zra4qmrj2gni6vhnkmijvnwuetn4z4ep7.jpg\"The rolling green pastures and the beauty of the Flemish Ardennes<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

We were less than five kilometres from the summit of the Molenberg, the rolling green pastures and beauty of the Flemish Ardennes.<\/p>

I\u2019d rather romantically imagined a farmhouse. Bordered on one side by ambivalent, dozing Belgian Blues and on the other by snug lanes and pollarded trees. But this wasn\u2019t remotely farm-like.<\/p>

God forgive the internet<\/p><\/blockquote>

I was beginning to doubt that the Ballingsweg was the true path of alcoholic, if not spiritual, heaven. And then my son recognised the logo from the De Hoeve Brouwers\u2019s website. God forgive the internet!<\/p>

Walking around to the back of the building didn\u2019t offer greater encouragement. We entered, what appeared to be, a low terrapin cabin.<\/p>

At one end was a small bar and seated around two tables were three retirees. They chatted quietly. Each one contemplated their beer glass between pauses in the conversation.<\/p>

\"5ixdwsexmsgoodwvufsrujwuk6uqhlkpqxoakgodfvbexzxa.jpg\"A man and his passion for beer<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

I approached the lady behind the bar and enquired whether we could try a sample of the beer. We were ushered to a small cabinet where bottles were on display. We poked and peered at the bottles before settling on a couple of Toria Blonds.<\/p>

We observed them with reverence<\/p><\/blockquote>

We sat down at the one free table and waited. It seemed an odd place to choose for an early morning beer. When our beers arrived, we observed them with reverence before sipping the light liquid amber.<\/p>

Definitely not sweet. But neither bitter. Distinctive and hoppy. It went down very easily, despite the hour. The beer\u2019s named after a local who ran the Toria Cafe. When it ceased trading he became a street sweeper and wrote weather reports for pigeon racers in the local paper.<\/p>

As we nursed our drinks, another gentleman joined the customers. Younger and with a great big bushy beard, he joined their discussion. It seemed impolite to sit in silence and we joined in as best we could.<\/p>

\"jehjcgejy3m7jstjsjlcrlkkairfwthgmubbac2i41dhqpgi.jpg\"De Hoeve Brouwers<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

We discovered that he and the lady behind the bar were not only husband and wife but also the owners and sole employees of the brewery. They explained how they started making home brew before renting time in another brewery and then moving to these premises at the start of the year.<\/p>

A passion for his craft<\/p><\/blockquote>

As well as running the brewery, Hilde and Kjell both have other jobs. Hence the brewery shop is only open on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Kjell spoke with a passion for his craft. And soon we were ordering a beer hamper for my son-in-law\u2019s birthday.<\/p>

The next thing we knew, we were on an impromptu personal tour of the brewery. It\u2019s tiny by most standards but still required a \u00a31M Euro investment.<\/p>

It might not have been a farm but it had been thoroughly enjoyable. Good beer, a personal tour and proprietors who love what they do. It\u2019s well worth a visit but check their website<\/a> for opening hours.<\/p>

Geraardsbergen<\/h3>

It was almost time for lunch so we headed for one of the most iconic places in cycling, Geraardsbergen. Home to one of the world\u2019s three most famous walls.<\/p>

China has its Great Wall<\/p><\/blockquote>

China has its Great Wall. Berlin had a wall that stood on the border between corrupt capitalism and cruel communism. And Belgium has De Muur van Geraardsbergen. The wall of Geraardsbergen.<\/p>

\"cauf8gsngaya2uz8ytwujshp7e4tsbwtommozyevof7zqnjp.jpg\"De Muur van Geraardsbergen<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

At 910 metres, it\u2019s slightly shorter than the other two but has legendary status. So many Flemish classics have been won and lost on its 20% cobbled gradient. But we weren\u2019t here to ride up it. I wanted to check out the Bar Gidon in Geraardsbergen\u2019s Market Square.<\/p>

Remco Evenepoel Fan Club<\/h3>

It\u2019s about the last opportunity for a drink before you hit the start of the climb proper and is home to the Remco Evenepoel fan club.<\/span><\/p>

The interior is festooned with cycling memorabilia and faces onto the road. A steady stream of cyclists headed up towards the climb in the fading afternoon sun.<\/span><\/p>

\"ow2ngih8bc5awdb3by8csf1zrh8hdpjpdji9ihk8ixew2zxk.jpg\"The interior of the Bar Gidon<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Many would return, having climbed or walked to the top where you\u2019ll find the neo-baroque Oudenbourg <\/span>Chapel of Our Lady<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>

The Bar Gidon has a very limited food offering but we happily munched our way through meats and cheese as we soaked up the weakening amber rays.<\/span><\/p>

\"4rsarlgkecxgwruawmkioyxk4rl9nzw2qx7ov3qdpa75iy28.jpg\"It\u2019s home to the Remco fanclub<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

I didn\u2019t find time to ride my bike but a brewery visit and watching other people cycling seemed perfect preparation for Sunday\u2019s race.<\/span><\/p>

Cyclocross Time<\/h3>

The next morning it was time to check out of the Flandrien Hotel and drive the 60 kilometres to Aalter. Aalter lies twenty kilometres northwest of Ghent. It was a perfect stopping point for our journey home as it\u2019s just off the E40 motorway on the way back to Calais.<\/span><\/p>

The race headquarters for the event was the impressive-looking Sports Centre. What was less impressive was the available car parking. LRC events cram in races for all categories and age groups between 12:30 and 16:15.<\/span><\/p>

I was just beginning to despair<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>

That ensures lots of people arrive at the same time. We drove around trying to find somewhere to park but to no avail. I was just beginning to despair when my son spotted an unlikely-looking entrance. Try in there, he insisted.<\/span><\/p>

Right in the far corner, we found enough room to squeeze ourselves in. We\u2019d wasted precious time on our curb crawling so I needed to move up a gear.<\/span><\/p>

Parcours<\/h3>

The largest gap between races is twenty minutes but most only have 10-minute gaps. The best time to pre-ride the course is before the very first race for the under-8s. I rode over to the Sports Centre to locate the sign-on. A huge queue snaked out of the hall.<\/span><\/p>

\"o5t6uaxyr2rb0srssihur5fuudijzg9rsobvormgwwuleqrk.jpg\"My pit crew undertook his own pre-race preparation<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Passing on the queue, I hopped back on my bike and joined the circuit. I found myself riding with all age groups travelling at differing speeds. The teenage boys were bombing around the course with bravado, whilst those of us of a more mature age were rather sedate.<\/span><\/p>

I quickly concluded that the course was to my liking. Several long straights, virtually no inclines, four points where I\u2019d have to jump off and run, some sand and a twisty section in the middle. The whole course ran around the Sports Centre and provided ample spectating opportunities.<\/span><\/p>

Inschrijving<\/h3>

Having worked out my lines, adjusted my tyre pressures and generally satisfied myself with my preparation, I headed back to the Sports Hall. The queue had disappeared and I found myself talking to a polite lady. Unfortunately, her English was as good as my Dutch. We waved our arms about in an incomprehensible manner.<\/span><\/p>

Fortuitously, her unoccupied colleague spoke perfect English. She translated between the two of us. As our three-way conversation continued, it crossed my mind that it would be easier if the English-speaking lady took over. It seemed an impolite suggestion. And maybe there\u2019s an unwritten rule. Like going to the first taxi in the rank.<\/span><\/p>

I handed over my twenty Euro and they helpfully explained I\u2019d get 15 back when I returned my number. At no point did anyone ask why an Englishman would wish to ride the LRC Belgium Championships. I wasn\u2019t alone as my British teammate and sometime Flemish resident, Andy Roberts was also on the start list.<\/span><\/p>

\"hhekrrrcnfp2qdzyn8fftlc3vi5acj2r0n5lhsehj333m46x.jpg\"Andy \u2018Flanders\u2019 Roberts was on hand with useful advice <\/em><\/strong>Image: Andy Roberts<\/em><\/p>

I heard quite a few French voices too, so perhaps it wasn\u2019t as parochial as I\u2019d imagined. There are many independent federations in Belgium and each one seems to hold its own National Championships.<\/span><\/p>

Materiaalpost<\/h3>

I swiftly returned to my car, jumped into my race gear and headed with both bikes back towards the Sports Centre. My pit crew was nowhere to be seen. Apparently, he was sampling the beers on sale. It wouldn\u2019t be cyclocross in Belgium without beer.<\/p>

I knew there wouldn\u2019t be any pits at this race as they don\u2019t feature in LRC events. But I wanted to put my spare bike somewhere sensible. I found someone who looked like he was involved in the organisation.<\/p>

Where was my pit crew?<\/p><\/blockquote>

\u201cMateriaalpost?\u201d I enquired. He called to a colleague in Dutch. Both shrugged their shoulders. I just lent my spare bike against a fence and hoped it would be there when I returned. Where was my pit crew?<\/p>

The Race is On<\/h3>

I headed over to the start area. A large number of riders were circling a field to keep warm and stave off the inevitable nerves. For November, however, it was quite warm with only a gentle breeze.<\/p>

\"oqz4vzuqyrs6qfdzjbybv0prqsljy5ztfltnihxlv9ekphcn.jpg\"Overtaking is an important skill in LRC races<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

The start would be staggered with the \u2018youngsters\u2019 (46 to 55 year-olds) going off first, with us \u2018old timers\u2019 (56 years old and above) next and finally all the women.<\/p>

Whilst there were only 17 riders in my race, combined with the youngsters and women there would be nearly 100 competitors on the course. It\u2019s worth mentioning that the ability and experience vary from ex-professional to complete novice with at least one lady riding on flat pedals.<\/p>

Being ungridded I started at the back, but with only seventeen competitors that meant I was on the third row. I lined up behind Andy Roberts and hoped he\u2019d make a good start. And he did. Thirty seconds after the preceding race had started and the whistle blew.<\/p>

I\u2019d planned to take it steady on the first lap<\/p><\/blockquote>

Andy found a gap and I followed through. By the first corner, we\u2019d made up several places. I\u2019d planned to take it steady on the first lap but the following straight was long and I managed to overtake a few more. Through the twisty part of the course, I snuck past Andy to move up into the top six.<\/p>

I was growing in confidence and thinking about trying to reel in the front runners. My progress, however, became hampered by a pair of mountain bikers. There were four sections on the course where I had to get off and run. The mountain bikers could ride three of them.<\/p>

\"muuyroshihv5kabgng2i5t09pegefykypfvtifepnyke1dyr.jpg\"Mountain bikers are common in LRC races<\/em><\/strong> Image: Mario Lammens<\/em><\/p>

Every time I got ahead of them, they would re-overtake me. Then I\u2019d be stuck behind them as they were considerably slower on the straights and corners. It was frustrating and prevented me from catching the leading three who slowly drew away.<\/p>

Finally, I managed to get clear at the start of a long straight. I hit full gas to make sure I could gap them enough before my next dismount. I rattled across the firm ground up to the leading three.<\/p>

I found their pace quite sedate and, worried about being caught by the mountain bikers again, went to the front. I sprinted out of the next corner and gave a thirty-second hard turn. I eased off as we passed through the finish line and took in the fiddly twists and turns that followed.<\/p>

I belatedy realised this was a serious attack<\/p><\/blockquote>

Mario Lammens overtook me just before the planks. I was unconcerned. As we rounded the final corner before the dismount, he was off his bike like a shot. He sprinted across them and I belatedly realised this was a serious attack.<\/p>

Either through tactical genius or fortuitous good luck, he\u2019d managed to put a back marker between us. I couldn\u2019t attempt a pursuit until I\u2019d cleared them. Even as I accelerated hard, I realised it was likely to be a forlorn pursuit.<\/p>

I saw the glow of his after-burners<\/p><\/blockquote>

Ahead of me, I\u2019m sure I saw the glow of his after-burners as he lit up the course with his increased pace. The way he was rapidly disappearing into the distance was disconcerting, especially as I knew my adversary had already raced and won that morning.<\/p>

Super Mario Lammens<\/h3>

I\u2019ve raced against Mario Lammens a number of times in Belgium on the road and in the field. He\u2019s bested me every time. I\u2019d like to claim it\u2019s because he\u2019s younger than me but only by three years. The reality is that he\u2019s just better.<\/p>

The Flemish rider raced as a professional against top riders such as cyclocross legend Paul Herygers whom he beat in 1996 to win his home cyclocross in Eeklo. The same year Mario also won the famous Koppenbergcross.<\/p>

600 victories<\/p><\/blockquote>

According to Mario\u2019s website<\/a>, he\u2019s won ten world championships (UCI, LRC and WVF) as well as chalking up over 600 victories.<\/p>

Backmarker Etiquette<\/h3>

Realistically, unless Mario had a problem, I was racing for second place. I realised I needed to ease up or I\u2019d blow up. This allowed the following pair to close the gap as I recovered.<\/p>

By this point, we were starting to encounter quite heavy traffic as we lapped riders and caught riders from the preceding race. It was not just enough to lap quickly but also to negotiate these riders deftly.<\/p>

I was maintaining a similar pace to the chasing duo and the gap would open and close as we wound our way around the backmarkers. Belgian cyclocrossers are notorious for how robustly they\u2019ll defend a position.<\/p>

In England, I\u2019d call \u201cleft\u201d or \u201cright\u201d to indicate which side I intended to pass a rider. I wasn\u2019t sure this would work so well, so I just spoke English, clearly and slowly. \u201cExcuse me, rider coming up.\u201d I doubt anyone understood.<\/p>

\"2miycvjrzh1buj7fzzyvidvpq4rrrlrebxrdhuub8vyspxjc.jpg\"<\/u><\/a>It was a pleasant surprise, however, that when riders realised I was lapping them that they\u2019d pull right off the racing line to let me past. I caught two riders from the race ahead of me that were having their own private battle.<\/p>

Taking a chance I dashed ahead of one on a short straight and ended up sandwiched between the two. The rider now on my wheel called out something in Dutch to the rider ahead. He glanced around and quickly moved right over.<\/p>

This is how the rest of the race panned out and I was glad to hold on to the second place and cross the line. Quite a crowd were watching and I was welcomed home with polite applause.<\/p>

A little while later Andy Roberts crossed the line for eighth place. As we stood and chatted just past the finish line, a fully dressed Mario Lammens walked past. Had he really been that far ahead? I offered him my congratulations.<\/p>

\u201cYou were hard to beat today,\u201d he replied. I\u2019m sure he was being generous because if it was hard, he\u2019d certainly made it look easy.<\/p>

\"g37nfrd4kbactzps2m6n2zvh3md5ew7kmjvnujxzxftrtk13.jpg\"My haul of prizes including a Dutch manual for laminating floors<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

There are no cash prizes at LRC races but I received not only 5 euro back when I handed in my number but a voucher for a free gift. I swapped this for a spirit level, something that looked like an ice scraper, a dodgy-looking energy drink and a manual on laying floor tiles in Dutch.<\/p>

As we drove out of Aalter and joined the empty motorway, the sun was beginning to sag on the horizon, casting long shadows across the fields. I smiled to myself. It had been a great weekend.<\/p>

8 February 2023, Tim Costello<\/p>

\"grrbpemyywmusal5merxugim70nijvc2vqzqxpkx6vlx83lu.jpg\"NEVER MISS OUT<\/strong><\/h3>

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\"e4csubwckhg8szzln5ubes5dpwxwl5bey21wrlfbncih5zeg.jpg\"<\/u><\/a><\/p>

More Cyclocross<\/h3>

\"ud13n4jobdzmses7ek5pmisji2csvc3gktetrhqgwmqa7f12.jpg\"<\/u><\/a><\/p>

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