Albertina does Koksijde!
by Albertina on Nov 30, 2009 4:43 PM EST
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PrintAfter Krtek’s offering, here is my humble little report!
On Saturday morning I got up at 4.30. Cyclingdiva and CycleGirl can attest to this in case you don’t believe me. Why, you ask, would anybody do such a thing? One word: CROSS. I have a friend who takes pictures of cyclists for a living and he persuaded (that’s totally not the right word) me to accompany him and a couple of other friends to Koksijde for the annual sandfest, because I couldn’t possibly live without experiencing Belgian cross firsthand. I was so excited I actually woke up BEFORE MY ALARM! Several life-restoring cups of tea later, we arrived in Koksijde where task number one was to find the press centre. Flemings…they ride bikes very nicely but signage is not their forte it would seem. No matter though, as Koksijde is lovely in a traffic jam, in the pouring rain, when you’re bursting for the loo! Friend duly accredited, he dumped us by the entrance to the course before disappearing with his cameras and such like, leaving us to find frites and beer.
We arrived just as the Under-23s were starting. One glimpse of the pack riding through the sand and I was sold; crazy, mad, ludicrous (have you ever tried explaining cross to a non-cyclist?!) but utterly, wonderfully delicious. I wanted a cross bike sooo much. After acquiring some good old Belgian stodge to eat (I had ketchup on my frites; does this make me a bad person?), we went for a walk around the whole course to get the lay of the land, stopping to cheer the U23s at various points. We somehow managed to find our way around all of it, though we never did work out how it fitted together. This was too much for out little caffeine fuelled brains. By the time we got round the other side of the beer tent, the women and elites were warming up. We watched them whizzing down one of the smoother of the sandbanks. Here are a couple of piccies:
Dieter Vanthourenhout?
Bart Aernouts
I was so childishly excited when Nys, Albert and Stybar rode past in quick succession. Apparently when I saw Albert I went 'all wobbly', according to one of the guys I was with. Great; I'd known him for just a few hours and already he'd sussed me as a shameless Albert fangirl. After this flurry of excitement followed more drinks (mulled wine was a very fine idea on what was such a horrible wet day) and then a wander over to the team area, which was very glamorously in the carpark of the local Lidl. I had hoped for some rider photo opportunities at this point (one rider in particular...ahem) but there was almost nobody to be seen. I guess on a day like that you can't blame them for wanting to huddle inside the vans. Bah. Dieter Vanthourenhout was inspecting his bike however:
In the absence of the stars, I made do with oggling their machines. Here's Stybar's:
And here is Albert's. I was quite tempted to nick a couple of those wheels....
So, no Niels photo but I did leave the BKCP-Powerplus area with a new hat. Now I really looked like a local. Hurrah. When we got back to the course, the women had just started. The crowds were not yet huge in every area so I took a few snaps. I was kinda hoping some of the big names would pass at this point, but no such luck. I don't know who this is but she persisted in wearing her helmet all lopsided and didn't look enamoured with the sand one bit!
We managed to squeeze ourselves onto the big dune, but unfortunately the scaffolding was somewhat in the way. Nevertheless, here are Marianne Vos and Daphny van den Brand. They would finish in this order and compared to most of the rest, looked awesomely good.
With the excitement growing and the crowds now huge, it was time to set up camp for the men's elites. We managed to find quite a good little spot where we could see the field go past three times per lap, as well as the big screen, which shone out against a mightily dark sky:
We found ourselves utterly surrounded by an extended family of Sven Nys fanatics, in front of some Bart Wellens fanatics (of which there were many). I'd read about Belgian cross and seen it on the web but the total commitment and passion of the fans left me staggered. It made me giggle to think how odd it would seem to go to a race in the UK with a special rain coat on, emblazoned with 'Kristian House' or 'Russell Downing'. It just wouldn't be done! In its partisan nature it was like a football crowd but much more friendly. I mused on whether some burly Nys hooligan might pick a fight when I bleated 'Niiiieeeels!' against the roar of 'SVVEENN!!!!' but not a bit of it. Good natured drunkenness abounded. The atmosphere as the race got underway was absolutely electric. I didn't get many pictures of the top riders as I was too busy yelling at them, but here is A Speed Blur Otherwise Known As Albert:
Thijs Al:
Ghostly John Gadret. I rather like this actually!
Some other people...
I was annoyed about the result (I like Stybar but I like Albert more!) but Stybar looked fabulous, and so immensely powerful on the sandbanks where he was clearly more adept than anyone else. A well deserved win I'd say, and it was an exciting race all round with groups splitting and reforming constantly before the four up sprint at the end.
Race done and dusted, we reunited with our pro snapper and briefly visited the podium, although I found I was far too short to get any photos of it. Then began mission number 2: the search for a nice beer and a supermarket sweep of De Panne for some of this. There were four jars. We bought one each and all paid separately. The face of the checkout lady was a picture.
First impressions of live Belgian cross? Totally, utterly, crazily fabulous. Before I went, I wanted a cross bike. Now I need a cross bike.
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Where's the pic of your frites?
Apart from that odd omission, very nice report. Makes me wish I lived a lot closer to Belgium than Indi-fricking-ana.
It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro
Ketchup?!
When in the Low Countries … drown it in mayo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLtwFugudZE (end of the clip)
Agreed
Indi-fricking-ana is the pits when it comes to bike racing.
And Texas getting snow before we do? Puleez.
by Douglas Ansel on Nov 30, 2009 7:54 PM EST up reply actions
love the hat
shame it’s not really all that much more feasible to get to Belgium from Newcastle upon Tyne than it is from Indiana!
Ok I take this personal..
Where is the pic of Franzoi?
What do you fear most?
1. coup d’etat
2. putsch
Ok.. Maybe just maybe I'm a little frustrated that my story didn't get to the homepage...
What do you fear most?
1. coup d’etat
2. putsch
Haha, I did cheer for him too but as I said, I was simply too busy watching to take pics of everyone.
I failed spectacularly to capture Nys and Stybar too!
That pic says "Woosh!"
Sounds like a fun day was had by all. Thank you (again) for taking the time to share.
Another great report, thanks!
Good to read you too had so much fun and are completely sold :)
The Rabo rider is Bart Aernouts (BEL).
Is it? Oh. Woops! I knew it was one or the other but I got them the wrong way round...
I’m still learning ;-)
Cool to read about your day.
I agree that the lack of signage was ridiculous. Once I got there I didn’t feel so silly about being worried beforehand about finding it!
I’m a tad jealous that you got a hat, as I didn’t realize the teams were giving away swag until much later. That one is much cooler than the Lotto freebies some of the guys I was standing next to had. Also, omg that speculoos spread – the place I was staying had that out at breakfast, plus chocolate spread, plus chocolate sprinkles, not to mention three types of jam I’d never seen before in my life. What a country.
What a country indeed.
I get really incensed when people go on about Belgium being boring…it;s like nirvana! Most of the teams weren’t obviously giving stuff away (apart from Fidea who had a whole stall). I had to ask a mechanic for one and he directed me to some rather private looking campervan where some lady who looked very much like a rider’s wife fetched them out! I wanted one of those Niels Albert world champion ones but they’d run out :-( Still, I like the team one and it’s very cosy!
Boonen is not on the list!
Only a handful of cyclists are included at all…this guy needs a talking to.
It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro
Willy van der Steen, van Rompey, Leterme, Brell, Poirot(was with the pic, rest out of my head).. That's nonsport related famous Belgians I know..
What do you fear most?
1. coup d’etat
2. putsch
Whew, I was glad to find out that...
Koksijde is an event and not some dude.
No horn, watch for finger.
You know Thijs Al raced with a broken finger!
He broke it during warm-up, wasn’t sure it was broken but said it obviously impacted his race in a major way. He had it checked afterwards: http://twitpic.com/rfkkv
Wonderful job!
Now that you’ve gone and got hooked, are you going to be going for more Albert encounters?
the Gadret photo is first class...
well done. Would you believe in sunny southern California they don’t do ’cross… ??
by Christopher See on Nov 30, 2009 8:18 PM EST reply actions
Great report
Now I wish I could see some cross
Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill (F. Coppi)
Thanx for the report..and sweet pics..
Was looking forward to it, especially after chatting to you before you left..
"the rest was over 30. And that doesn't mean old and useless, but experienced and with the stamina"
Jens! Voigt, Crit Intl Interview, 2009
"I had ketchup on my frites"
This is our concern, Dude.
Aside from that, truly a first rate report and day Albertina. I’m so glad you’ve decided to join the cult. Unless you’ve ridden or attended a race, it can be hard to communicate just how exciting the whole thing is to someone. But when you add in beer and frittes, the awesome factor goes up by a level of 10.
Niels looked like his effort on Saturday wore him out a bit on Sunday, eh? I haven’t seen him fade in a race in over a year, so you know the WC course must have been harsh. Looking at all that sand makes my legs hurt. Fantastic pics.
I mean uh... hasn't that ever occurred to you, man? Sir?
Niels hasn't been in great form two weekends in a row now.
Seems like he’s having a mid season dip which I sure hope he comes out of soon! I guess these things happen. He didn’t look great in Koksijde but was always up there. He made a big effort or two which I think probably tired him out for the sprint. Not sure he’s the kind of power rider (like Stybar) who’d take to thick sand. He certainly looked knackered on Sunday but at least he managed to hold on for 3rd. Hopefully a couple of weeks in Spain will freshen him up…
Oh sure, all the guys go through it at some point in the season
Hard to stay peaked for 6 months. Stybar is probably going to to through it now since he’s been completely amped for the last 3 weeks.
Nys is the only guy who’s really not gone through it too much in the past, at least until Worlds. That’s been the one critique of him before this year, that he was so dominant during the season that he was at less than 100% for Worlds. I’d like to think he’s a little less dominant this year by choice (and not age), and that he’ll peak for Worlds and take the rainbow jersey.
I mean uh... hasn't that ever occurred to you, man? Sir?
Yeah, Stybar too looked rather tired on Sunday and said he felt it! Hardly surprising.
Nys looks scary good at the moment. He had a slow start to the season while Albert went on the rampage (I enjoyed that ;) and I guess a summer of mountain biking must have left him a little less than fresh. I know Niels did a bit of road racing in the summer but not too much I think. He sure looked strong on Sunday, Nys. Personally I hope Niels can build it up again and defend his crown. I do like all three of the top guys though…nothing against the others apart than the fact that they’re Albert’s rivals!
Cross is in a great position right now
Where a number of guys can win on a given weekend, and some dark horses can challenge. Plus, Wellens is back. Yay!
I mean uh... hasn't that ever occurred to you, man? Sir?
Eh I wouldn't say that...There have only been 3 winners this whole year when everybody shows up...
So it is pretty easy to guess right now, since Albert is a bit off-form, who will win. I will take this back if Pauwels or somebody else shows them up soon.
by Vlaanderen90 on Dec 1, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
Crossing my fingers for some strong Pauwels showings
Or some more from Bartje, or even Franzoi.
by Douglas Ansel on Dec 1, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions
Vantornout's looked good of late as well.
I’m looking forward to seeing what Franzoi can do in the years to come now that he’s focussing soley on cross.
I should be clearer - Nys isn't winning every race.
But, Stybar is winning more than 1 race a season, and Pauwels and Vantournout are showing up on the podium. At least it’s not a foregone conclusion that Albert or Nys will ride off by themselves on the first lap.
When you compare this season to say the previous 4, it’s a little more exciting for more of the race. I’m a huge Sven fan but it did get a bit boring and predictable waiting for him to drop the hammer and leave everyone a minute + back. Now the races are competitive longer.
I mean uh... hasn't that ever occurred to you, man? Sir?
Neils actually raced a good amount on the road this year...He had good placings in the Tour of Belgium and some short
French stage races. He needs to take a break and just rest a bit before the Igorre World Cup but it is definitely not going to be as one sided as it was in October/November
by Vlaanderen90 on Dec 1, 2009 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, Mi Aout Bretonne and the Tour d'Alsace?
He had 4 wins on the road I think, albeit in not fantastically important races. But he didn’t exert himself too much I don’t think. I certainly hope he has a rest this week!
Uh oh. I sense a trend.
Benna: top sprinter, until Albertina got a crush on him. Now she’s into ’cross…be afraid, Niels. Be very afraid.
It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro
So what are you saying?
That cyclists are psychic and can feel the pressure of my expectations, which becomes too much for them? Should I pretend I fancy Sven Nys?
Albertina and the Crush of Doom
If I ever branch out into kids’ books, that’s my first title. But leave poor Sven Nys alone. I mean, not when there are guys this hot around. Muy caliente, right?
It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro
Oh, is that Bert?
I was convinced such a suave character could only be James Bond himself. So elegant, so smooth…why, he’s almost well-groomed enough to be from Liquigas! And such dreamy eyes! No, no, perfectly innocent, of course. I quite forgot whatever it was we were talking about.
[psst—shut up, gav! I think it’s working!]
It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro
I'm behind on the Barbie Barbie thing, I know.
Stupid holidays and Doctor Who conventions! Should be able to have time to play with dolls again in the next day or two (but will try not to conflict with your Wednesday Sesh, as too much entertainment on one day might prove fatal during the off season).
It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro
lol, yeah
Holidays make the creating difficult. Gah, we can’t have the Sesh and Barbie on the same day, what would we do on the rest of the days?
Oh… tomorrow is Wednesday, isn’t it.
Holiday shopping made easy
Don’t you just give surfboards to everyone Gav?
I mean uh... hasn't that ever occurred to you, man? Sir?
lol
Yes, I feel certain that my friends who don’t surf would appreciate a surfboard.
I do have a new one coming, though :-)
I told my mother I wanted a new track pump for Christmas.
She laughed hysterically. Was this an odd request?
I would use it as an ironing board
Shall I send you my address?
I mean uh... hasn't that ever occurred to you, man? Sir?
Ha!
No, but my son does do Doctor Who action figure movies on Youtube.
It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro
I may be remembering things a bit wrong here
but didn’t the Brigadier have a moustache?
Like his mother, he's constrained by what's in the toy box.
He finally had to ask for a Donna action figure, because poor Rose had to play all the female roles.
It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro
So the two boxes of, erm, "spares"
in the garage are out of bounds then? (and I don’t think I would have told my mum if I had put up some of that stuff)
Totally different scale on the figures.
Unless the TARDIS visits the Planet of the Giants, they just won’t work together.
We have a deal: I don’t watch (most of) his stuff, and he doesn’t read my books.
It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro
Ever seen Sven's wife?
Their kids can pretty much sign up for model stardom right now.
I mean uh... hasn't that ever occurred to you, man? Sir?
Yes I have!
Actually, I find Sven quite alluring in an odd sort of way. There’s something about his eyes and his tough image….
Congratulations, Albertina.
You may have found something worse than Tony’s white suit. What the heck IS that around his neck? A mini black-and-white cravat? A semi-formal bandana?
It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro
I can't believe you didn't know about this picture!
It’s a classic in my collection. Personally, I wonder if it’s one of those things that boy scouts wear around their necks, only without the woggle.
Please tell me those are sequinsvdown the middle of his shirt?
That would be so fitting on Drew’s hero.
Is it alive?
The thing around his neck, I mean. Gah, that really is a quite hideous suit of clothing.
my Danish grandpa
used to eat Speculaas all the time, I always assumed they were Danish. Haven’t had them in years, thanks for bringing back the memories.
I'm feverished, or the way you want to spell it
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