Chocolate, Waffles and ‘Cross – The big times

Ouch!

Today was the World Cup cross race in Hoofstade and it was a tough one. I was the last rider to get called to the line and one of first few to get lapped.

Regardless, the race was one I will likely never get to do again and one I will never forget. The crowds were unbelievable. They lined every section of the course, sometimes five or six people deep. There were young children to some long time cycling fans and everywhere in between.

It’s difficult to describe, but I would compare it to a Division-I college football game. An event with more than 25,000 paying spectators. Some arrive alone, others with their entire family, but everyone is there to eat greasy food, drink some beer and cheer for their favorite team. In this case, they are rooting for their favorite rider. And, this was a Monday, a workday! Most of these people were skipping work to watch a cross race! There were times in the race today when I just had to look up in order take it all in.

Another interesting thing is how well educated the fans are about the racers. I had a kid come up to me and with a thick Belgian accent ask, “Brandon Dwight? Are you racing today?” He noticed that I was on U.S. squads substitution list and wanted to know if I had been entered in the race. I told him I was racing and he wished me luck.

He then asked for a photo or card of me. Apparently many racers have a type of trading card or photo that they give to fans. He had a photo of each American rider copied from the web and was seeking autographs. He had a photo of Erik Tonkin, Jon Baker, Jeremy Powers and others, all waiting for a signature. Later on I noticed some of the U.S. riders that had been to Belgium before had cards and photos to hand out. Powers was even handing out Jelly Bellies.

I know that most of you understand how fast the top crossers like Nys and Vervecken ride, but until you see it (or get passed!) in person you will not understand the power, skill and finesse that these guys possess. It is amazing.

Thanks to Geoff Proctor from USA Cycling for his help and to Michel’s assistant mechanics, Julien and Vincent for their help at the race.

I know it is sad to say, but I have been in Belgium for five days now and I just had my first Belgian beer of the trip. Here’s a quick report on today’s sampling. Leffe Blonde is golden yellow beer similar to the color of some beer in the states, but the taste is much, much better. It has a deep, rich flavor with a little touch of sweetness. According to out Belgian friends that helped us today, it is one of the most celebated beers in the country. I’ll toast to that.

Did you know?
Did you know that Belgium has more than 450 different types of beer, some which may only be served in specific glasses in which that beer, and only that beer, may be served. The shape of each glass is made to enhance the flavor of the beer for which it is designed.

Brandon Dwight lives in Boulder, Colorado and is part owner of Boulder Cycle Sport as well as a member of the TIAA-CREF/Clif Bar Cyclocross Team. He is also the founder of Doperssuck.com.

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FILED UNDER: Cyclocross / Rider Diaries