First race down

Well first race in Belgium for us yesterday, a 111km Kermesse in Otergem. Was about an hours drive away, but the only race on that day and we need some racing in our legs before the U23 Nations Cups start next week - first one is U23 Tour of Flanders on Saturday 9th April (6 days).

Always a bit nervous for your first race of the season, a bit unsure how race form is and how you'll get through the race! There was 267 starters, the sun was out and there was a bit of wind. Pace was on from the start, 19 laps, around 6km a lap, 3 short hills - 1 cobbled, and a bit of crosswind. Long story short, the break went, Cam ended up in the 2nd group and I was in the main bunch which was behind Cam. Happy to get through the first race, the last 2 years in Belgium I haven't finished my first 2-3 races so I'm in a better place than 09' and 10'. I'm lighter, stronger, eating better and training better.

I'm looking forward to the season here, starting with our first big race, U23 Tour of Flanders. 170km over a number of cobbled climbs and a lot of the same course as the ProTour, Tour of Flanders which was on today, we watched it on TV, was an awesome race! Looking forward to it, learning and hopefully coming off the Nations Cups with some good race legs.

Course profile for U23 Flanders, 17 climbs eeek

Ciao