Whats it with Belgiums and Cyclocross !! Does any small country dominate a sport like they do, with riding bikes around muddy fields.
Success breeds success I guess?
Donkeys years ago it was the Swiss.
they don't win it every year. 🙂
Two of the best cross riders in the World aren't Belgian (lars Boom and Zdenek Stybar) but both are focussing on the road now. Part of the reason os the abuse they get from the Belgian crowds and another is that they get less start money at the big races than the equivalent Belgians.
I think it's a shame that the Belgian crowds and organisers are so partisan though I'm sure it won't be long until the US dollar starts to talk.
the Dutch wren't so shabby in the ''support races" 🙂
which goes to show that the talent is there from other countries (France last year for example) but the Belgian organisers aren't interested in bringing them over for the big senior races when they move up.
They dominated because of the sand. Similar to motocross, if it's a sandy track you can always guarantee the Belgians would be at the top end of the field.
LOLZ
other36. Ian Field (GBR) @ 3 laps
Paul Oldham (GBR) dnf
They do love it though - my flemmish workmate is a general sports fan rather than a cyclist, and his knowledge of 'cross is astonishing, it's like the pub football bore but with extra frites, Duvel and mayo.
70,000 spectators according to CyclingNews.
Would love to go out there and see some races - must be a good atmosphere (especially fueled by beer and frites).
If you want to soak up the atmosphere at a race in Belgium, try the Ghent Six (6 day indoor track race), an amazing experience. [url=
organic355 - Member
LOLZother
36. Ian Field (GBR) @ 3 laps
Paul Oldham (GBR) dnf
Apparently there was some sickness bug that swept through the GB team hotel (Alex Welburn one of our Jnrs suspects food poisoning). All the Jnr team pulled out before they raced, as did Steve James from the U23s. Paul Oldham started the race but was vomiting while on the bike so pulled out.
Our ladies managed ok because they're based out in Belgium, so I guess they weren't staying at the team hotel.
Our ladies managed ok because they're based out in Belgium, so I guess they weren't staying at the team hotel.
only OK?! Nikki Harris had a fantastic ride for 6th, getting involved with the group racing or 2nd for a lot of the race.
Managed OK, as in they weren't ill LB (with the exception of Gabby Day, but hers wasn't related to the sickness bug), not their performances.
gotcha