29 January 2007
It was a few years ago now that my buddy Michel and I were talking shit that I should race the world cyclo cross champs... and now we've gone and done it! So I have (please correct me if I'm wrong!?) become the first ever New Zealand representative in Cyclo Cross Worlds!
Realistically, we were only there for the fun and to be part of the atmosphere. Michel and his friend Vincent came to be my mechanics, which is necessary in cross races because of the ability to change bikes 2x per lap! So, with such great support, two beautiful matching cannondale's and 'THE' tubulars... Vredestein 'Dugast Rhinos', I had no excuses!
TEAM NEW ZEALAND ! (Michel, Vincent and I)
We stayed in Michels fathers house which was close by. It was very funny to watch an old video of Michels brother finishing 2nd junior in the 1979 cross worlds. It was without sound.. a real classic piece and showed the passion and history they have with the sport.
These worlds were on the famous track in Hooglede-Gits, a regular world cup site. It was of course a complete mad house with 30000 spectators all getting completely drunk. As usual many people wore clothing saying they were part of 'such and such' riders fan club... so cool.
It was quite different to line up at a world champs with absolutely zero pressure. I was dead last in the call up, due to my lack of any UCI points or starts. The course, normally famous for its deep mud, was in good shape. But there were still lots of slippery ruts which caused many crashes. I was trying as hard as I could, but couldn't help having fun and take a moment to appreciate the massive crowd.
Considering I hadn't done any specific work and had only done 3 small local races before, I was very satisfied with my ride. I felt good and was passing people from start to finish. I made it without getting lapped (which was my main goal) and my 39th place was better then most of the USA team (always a bonus) and also the one Swede (hehe). Only, one Japanise beat me.. dam!
Realistically, we were only there for the fun and to be part of the atmosphere. Michel and his friend Vincent came to be my mechanics, which is necessary in cross races because of the ability to change bikes 2x per lap! So, with such great support, two beautiful matching cannondale's and 'THE' tubulars... Vredestein 'Dugast Rhinos', I had no excuses!
TEAM NEW ZEALAND ! (Michel, Vincent and I)
We stayed in Michels fathers house which was close by. It was very funny to watch an old video of Michels brother finishing 2nd junior in the 1979 cross worlds. It was without sound.. a real classic piece and showed the passion and history they have with the sport.
These worlds were on the famous track in Hooglede-Gits, a regular world cup site. It was of course a complete mad house with 30000 spectators all getting completely drunk. As usual many people wore clothing saying they were part of 'such and such' riders fan club... so cool.
It was quite different to line up at a world champs with absolutely zero pressure. I was dead last in the call up, due to my lack of any UCI points or starts. The course, normally famous for its deep mud, was in good shape. But there were still lots of slippery ruts which caused many crashes. I was trying as hard as I could, but couldn't help having fun and take a moment to appreciate the massive crowd.
Considering I hadn't done any specific work and had only done 3 small local races before, I was very satisfied with my ride. I felt good and was passing people from start to finish. I made it without getting lapped (which was my main goal) and my 39th place was better then most of the USA team (always a bonus) and also the one Swede (hehe). Only, one Japanise beat me.. dam!
