Podium Cafe: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
New Blog: Cottagers Confidential for Fulham FC Fans!

Albertina does Koksijde!

After Krtek’s offering, here is my humble little report!

11264_612289357090_202903195_36590760_6724230_n_medium

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. 

 

Star-divide

 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: 

 11264_612287256300_202903195_36590525_6272704_n_medium

via photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net

Dieter Vanthourenhout?

11264_612287266280_202903195_36590527_5093346_n_medium

 via photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net

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:

 11264_612287805200_202903195_36590538_1896165_n_medium

 via photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net

In the absence of the stars, I made do with oggling their machines. Here's Stybar's:

11264_612287790230_202903195_36590535_7097465_n_medium

via photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net

And here is Albert's. I was quite tempted to nick a couple of those wheels....

 

11264_612287795220_202903195_36590536_471790_n_medium

via photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net

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!

11264_612287810190_202903195_36590539_882514_n_medium

via photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net

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.

11264_612289067670_202903195_36590746_3631250_n_medium

via photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net

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:

 11264_612289107590_202903195_36590754_1486053_n_medium

 via photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net

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:

 11264_612289352100_202903195_36590759_1156371_n_medium

via photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net

Thijs Al:

11264_612289337130_202903195_36590756_2805485_n_medium

via photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net

Ghostly John Gadret. I rather like this actually!

11264_612289357090_202903195_36590760_6724230_n_medium

via photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net

Some other people...

11264_612289347110_202903195_36590758_4719208_n_medium

via photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net

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.

11264_612289362080_202903195_36590761_7994167_n_medium

via photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net

1 recs  |  Comment 101 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

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

by majope on Nov 30, 2009 5:07 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

Indi-fricking-ana is the pits when it comes to bike racing.

And Texas getting snow before we do? Puleez.

by dansel on Nov 30, 2009 7:54 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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!

by civetta on Nov 30, 2009 5:13 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Ok I take this personal..

Where is the pic of Franzoi?

What do you fear most?
1. coup d’etat
2. putsch

by Frinking on Nov 30, 2009 5:23 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That pic says "Woosh!"

Sounds like a fun day was had by all. Thank you (again) for taking the time to share.

by ZoeRochelle on Nov 30, 2009 5:36 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Another great report, thanks!

Good to read you too had so much fun and are completely sold :)

The Rabo rider is Bart Aernouts (BEL).

by tedvdw on Nov 30, 2009 5:44 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

+1

the excitement shines through

Moo

by Willj on Nov 30, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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.

by Krtek on Nov 30, 2009 5:56 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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!

by Albertina on Nov 30, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Fab!

Famous Belgians…where to start!

by Albertina on Nov 30, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

How many cyclist can I use?

What do you fear most?
1. coup d’etat
2. putsch

by Frinking on Nov 30, 2009 6:17 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Whew, I was glad to find out that...

Koksijde is an event and not some dude.

No horn, watch for finger.

by sminer on Nov 30, 2009 6:09 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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

by tedvdw on Nov 30, 2009 6:29 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Wonderful job!

Now that you’ve gone and got hooked, are you going to be going for more Albert encounters?

by dansel on Nov 30, 2009 8:02 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That was super fun.

And I dig the Gadret photo – very cool and swishy looking.

by gavia on Nov 30, 2009 9:04 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Great report

Now I wish I could see some cross

Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill (F. Coppi)

by MathieuG on Nov 30, 2009 9:13 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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

by CycleGirl on Dec 1, 2009 6:32 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

"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?

by Drew... on Dec 1, 2009 8:07 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

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…

by Albertina on Dec 1, 2009 8:45 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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?

by Drew... on Dec 1, 2009 9:12 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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!

by Albertina on Dec 1, 2009 9:26 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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?

by Drew... on Dec 1, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

Crossing my fingers for some strong Pauwels showings

Or some more from Bartje, or even Franzoi.

by dansel on Dec 1, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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.

by Albertina on Dec 1, 2009 8:02 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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?

by Drew... on Dec 1, 2009 4:42 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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!

by Albertina on Dec 1, 2009 8:00 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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

by majope on Dec 1, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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?

by Albertina on Dec 1, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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

by majope on Dec 1, 2009 8:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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

by majope on Dec 1, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

The name is Bond...

All dressed up for night out in Monte Carlo.

by gavia on Dec 1, 2009 8:38 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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

by majope on Dec 1, 2009 9:11 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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.

by gavia on Dec 1, 2009 11:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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?

by Drew... on Dec 2, 2009 9:39 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

lol

Yes, I feel certain that my friends who don’t surf would appreciate a surfboard.

I do have a new one coming, though :-)

by gavia on Dec 2, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

lol

Yes, this is a possibility. Just be careful putting down your glass, you’ll ding the table.

by gavia on Dec 2, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I told my mother I wanted a new track pump for Christmas.

She laughed hysterically. Was this an odd request?

by Albertina on Dec 2, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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?

by Drew... on Dec 2, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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

by majope on Dec 3, 2009 11:08 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I may be remembering things a bit wrong here

but didn’t the Brigadier have a moustache?

by Monty. on Dec 3, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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

by majope on Dec 3, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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)

by Monty. on Dec 4, 2009 5:38 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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

by majope on Dec 4, 2009 7:34 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Nah, he's not doing it for me.

Oh Niels…. :O~………………. Er, no, I mean Sven!

by Albertina on Dec 1, 2009 8:40 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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?

by Drew... on Dec 2, 2009 9:39 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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….

by Albertina on Dec 2, 2009 9:56 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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

by majope on Dec 2, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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.

by Albertina on Dec 2, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Is it alive?

The thing around his neck, I mean. Gah, that really is a quite hideous suit of clothing.

by gavia on Dec 2, 2009 12:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

What are you going to the party as?

“Urban Cowboy – steeped in gayness”

by Jens on Dec 2, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

I knew Nys was a talented athlete, but I didn’t realize he was also half of an ice dance duo.

by Krtek on Dec 2, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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

by plinytheelder on Dec 2, 2009 12:24 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Every sprint, every cobble, every mountain pass from the world of Pro Cycling
Start posting on Podium Cafe »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Dscn1038_small
The Flying Milkman: Frans Verbeeck
Hope_small
BOYCOTT ESPN... Until They Fire Tony Kornheiser

Recent FanPosts

Tour_de_ocean_road_and_sun_herald_tour_079_small
Whitmore Square crits.
Avatarfiets_small
Ronde van het Groene Hart Live Thread
Cowbell_small_small
MSR: Who Ya Got? Poll Time!
Small
SB Nation Survey + Chance to donate $500 to a charity of this community's choice
Small
Yeehoo’s Book Report, or Laurent Fignon goes to Milan-San Remo
Espresso_cup_small
VeloNews Reports David Clinger Positive, 2009 Road Nationals
Killer-whale_small
Cycling at The Greenbriar in WV
Hope_small
The Kornheiser Debate
Superted_small
Predict the Rabobank team lineup

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Our Sponsors!

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recent FanShots

Vuelta a Catalunya provisional rosters
clearchannel bans cycling talk on its stations
Support the Tour of Missouri
Armstrong to miss MSR.
PHIL WOOD, RIP
Aww, no Ricco at the Giro
Preview the beauty of La Primavera
Badger, Badger, Badger - Bernard Hinault version
The return of The Cobra - Riccò's back tomorrow
versus back on direcTV

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

SBNation.com Recent Stories

via pub.tv2.no

Floyd Landis, Computer Hacker? French Judge Issues International Warrant For Cyclist

cadel evans wins world championship

Cadel Evans Wins World Road Race Championships

valverde victory +12 updates

Alejandro Valverde Wins the Vuelta a Espana, His First Grand Tour Victory

More from SBNation.com >


Managers

Hope_small Chris...

Espresso_cup_small gavia