Vlaamse Havenpijl 1.2 with the pros
Hey everyone, Just sending a quick update while I’m on the internet. I raced today and just wanted to tell you about it.
The race was Vlaamse Havenpijl 1.2 with the pros and 182km. It was quite a technical race with lots of tram lines, cobbles and traffic islands. Also a little breeze which was enough to keep it strung out most of the race.
Nothing happened in the first hour except attack after attack. I had been with alot of moves that had potential but were missing key players so they were brought back. Then finally a group of 21 got away and the race settled down a little, but unfortunately for me and the team we missed it.
I had a couple of attempts in the very early stages to get across but the pace was too hot and I didn’t get far. With 60km to go it became time to chase and with help from Cinelli down under we caught the break with 5km to go. I was quite tired but had a little left in the tank so thought I’d have a nudge at the sprint.
After fighting for position for a couple of seconds I got a call on the radio saying Fredrik, one of the sprinters in the team, also the bosses son and stagier with Quickstep was too far back for the sprint and needed help being brought forward. I dropped back found him and used what I was going to use for the sprint to bring him forward. With 400m to go I got him into position and just kept my head down for whatever position I could muster. It was 32nd somewhere but Fredrik managed 5th or 6th.
After the race I got a big thank you from Fredrik, his dad, the team management and his supporters.
I was a little disappointed but at the same time proud of my work…… with the boss being happy was a bonus too. Its always good to be liked by the Boss of the team!
Sorry the email is short I am a little tired and not really interested in typing. But I Have another race on Tuesday so you will hear from me again then.
Cheers
Clinton
