...or Tour of Flanders as it's more commonly known amongst British cycle racing fans. This is one of the biggest events in Belgian sport, a 260km epic bike race over farm tracks and steep cobbled climbs, or 'bergs'. A race for the true hardmen of the sport. The day before the pro's race, the public is let loose on the course, with 17,000 taking part this year. Thankfully, I wasn't one of them. I had entered, but decided not to ride through lack of fitness. 260km is painful when you're fit, hellish when you are not. Phil though, took part. I think his face says it all.
 |
| Phil after 260km - M9 with Zeiss 35mm f/2 |
The pro race is often run off in winter-like conditions, but the 2011 event was blessed with good weather. There was still plenty of tension at the start line. George Hincapie, one of the few riders my wife recognises looked a touch stressed beforehand. Maybe it was the tv crew shoving the camera in his face?
 |
| Hincapie - Nikon D700 70-200mm VRII |
|
The crowds for this race are pretty huge for a bike race. 10,000 at the start, thousands more along the route.
 |
| The Depart - M9 - Zeiss 35mm f/2 |
|
We decided to watch the finale in a bar in Brugges. Probably the best decision we made, as the atmosphere was great, with locals and amateur riders from the day before crowding the bar. The finish line looked chaotic from the tv, a stark contrast to the day before.
 |
Finish Line - M9 Zeiss 35mm f/2
I love Belgium. I love their beer, I love their bike racing, I love their attitude. What a great place to spend a weekend! |
|
