Europe Trip

Early last week I returned from a two and a half week trip with USA Cycling to race in Northern Europe, cycling's homeland. Four other racers and I, all from different states and teams, raced four times. We raced throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. We were supposed to race five times but our first race got cancelled due to the horrendous weather conditions. We rode one criterium, in Roterdam, two kermesses, one in Rotselaar and one in Tienen, and the Haspengouw Tour which is a one day UCI race. In addition to the racing we rode in some amazing places including Valkenburg (where they held world championships last year) and parts of the Tour of Flanders course.

While we spent a lot of our time riding we also got the chance to sight see and visit many villages, towns and cities. We went to see the Tour of Flanders museum in Oudenaarde, got panekoeken (Dutch crepes) in Maastricht, and went shopping in Roermond. And on the last day of our trip we went to see Fabian Cancellara win Paris-Roubaix! From the caravan to the riders grimacing in pain, the experience was truly unforgettable. Watching a dust coated Sep Vanmarcke and Fabian float over the five-starred pavé sector at Carrefour was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

When we weren't out and about we enjoyed repeatedly watching the 6 or 7 episodes that make up the English TV. We got to know each other and the older riders who were over there with us. And even did our school work.

This trip taught me more than I could ever imagine. On the bike, I learned how important positioning and being aggressive is, from racing against 240 guys on single lane roads. Off the bike, I learned that everyone has something to teach you, whether that be something to mirror or something not to do.

I hope to return soon to do more racing and more learning. Thank you to Team Specialized and USA cycling for the support to make this amazing trip possible.

Jason S