Belgium Adventure: First Days

Sometimes things do not go as planned, as was the case with our departure to Belgium.

After we boarded the plane in Minneapolis, got the safety lecture, and prepared to push off, we were notified of a three-hour delay into JFK due to a low ceiling. We deplaned and they rolled the free snack cart into the gate area--always a bad sign. Since our one hour connection in JFK did not allow for such a delay, we joined the rebooking line. Our choices were two: take the flight to JFK and hope the Belgium flight was delayed, or redo the entire trip the next day: Christmas Eve. While I wanted to press onto JFK to get as close to Belgium as possible, my husband Michael talked some sense into me and we headed back home.

I suspected that our new arrival on Christmas Day would not be easy. Everything I had read suggested that Belgium was more observant of both Sundays and holidays than the U.S, so food might be hard to come by. Sure enough, I was correct. While we were able to check into our lodging without issue, our food-gathering trip did not go well. We drove about 60 kilometers (lost much of the time) and passed countless closed convenience stores and restaurants. As the typical female endurance athlete who needs to eat every few hours, I was freaking out!

Ultimately, we found an open McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and Old Country Buffet type establishment. We settled on the buffet, and while the food was definitely low quality, we enjoyed every bite. My meal even featured Brussels sprout and red cabbage, so it could be argued that I was even taking in the regional cuisine. On the way home, a mirage, no for real: an open convenience store! We were able to stock up on enough food to get through breakfast.

Based on our initial arrival date of Dec 24th, I had planned to race on Dec 26th. While waking up on the morning of the 26th (less than 24 hours after arrival) was a bit rough, I was not feeling too badly, so I stuck with the plan to race.

The race was in Beernem, about 45 minutes northwest of Oudenaarde. It was a "B-race," or a local race, scheduled on the same day as a World Cup. Being ineligible for the World Cup, it was the only opportunity for me to get a race under my belt and open up my legs before my first UCI C1 (international elite level) race on Dec 27.

The course was a delight, and totally unlike anything one would see in America. It was held on the edge of a river and had numerous eroded plunges to the water's edge, reminiscent of the drops on the Laddies Loppet course at Maplelag. In places the course narrowed to single track, including a section approximately one meter wide between two fences. Finally, there was a run-up that required hand-holds!

The women's field was similar to the category 2/3 fields at home, and I won by minutes. Awkward. As I raced, not a soul cheered or clapped, just stared and often smoked. At the top of a climb, I heard someone say "American." Michael's experience in the pit was equally chilly.

Nevertheless, their flower-ceremony was impressive and officials/dignitaries kind and welcoming. Some of the ladies introduced themselves post-race and were friendly and fun.

Since we raced with the junior mens field, I got to soak up the junior cycling culture in Belgium. Many of them arrive in mobile homes/conversion vans, often with their names printed on the sides. They are quite a bit faster and more skilled than our juniors, and each rider must dream of being the next Sven Nys. The young man I shared the podium was beside himself with pride and told me this was his third win. He was clearly on top of the world. As with any sport where the greats become national heros, I imagine that they feel the pressure.

Up next, my first Belgium UCI C1.

About the author... A former elite skier for Madshus, Corey Coogan Cisek is now an internationally-ranked cyclocross rider for The Fix Studio, Minneapolis. She was the 2013 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Champion in Women’s 35-39. Though skiing and cycling have taken her many cool places, this is her first trip across the pond!