Albertina does Cross-mas in Belgium (and Luxembourg!), Part 2: Petange and Tervuren

Grand Prix Hotel Threeland, Petange

You would like more cross pictures? Yes you say? Oh ok then. Our intrepid racers Gabby, Shaun, Davy and Craig, had a day off after Bredene. New Year’s Eve was a quiet affair at The Chainstay however, as the following morning we were up at the crack of dawn to make the lengthy drive to Petange in Luxembourg. Most of the cross world’s attention was on Baal on Saturday, but in Petange there was a women’s race which drew an excellent field, and our North Americans had contracts to start in the men’s race. Most of the snow had disappeared from Oudenaarde, but Luxembourg was under a blanket, and it snowed throughout the day. Once again, I did my ‘soigneur’ bit at the start and finish, and in between ran around the very hilly, very muddy woods with my camera, taking mostly pictures of our riders as Gregg knew he would have a hectic time of it in the pits and wouldn’t get the chance. Vos and Mourey were the winners of the day, both by a country mile.

Fidea Cyclocross Classics, Tervuren

And so, the last hurrah, and what a great event with which to bid my farewells to beloved Belgium, at least for now. The race in Tervuren is run in a beautiful forest, by a lake and a country house, bathed in both snow and winter sun. I made sure to soak up every detail and to commit it all to memory, and spent a great deal of time watching the riders warm-up and prepare. It was also a fantastic course for spectators, and I managed to see the race in several different locations. Kupfernagel won the women’s race, but almost more impressive was the stunning comeback from near last place on the first lap by Vos. We simply couldn’t believe it. In the men’s, Albert held Nys at arms length, digging deep for a valuable moral boost, one week before the Belgian Championships.

 And some of the people I met...?

I don't think I've ever been so upset about a holiday coming to an end. I'll be back.