Off to another race, I packed my bag and bike and got ready for the Kontich Kermesse - 120km consisting of 12 laps, with one small climb and 18 corners. Sound like fun?? Oh yeah!

I started next to my British chum Brad who was looking pretty keen to get started. Within 300m of racing (yes 300m only!) he was flying up the road with some of the big guns in one of the more surprising moves of the day. I doubted they would stay clear, but 4 laps later and I was swallowing some pride, and gunning for Brad hoping he would keep clear of the field. But as is racing, his bunch was reeled in on the 5th lap.

With 7 laps to go, an organised attack was launched with several big names working together to get clear of the field. They succeeded in escaping, and over the next 5 laps they consistently extended their lead. With 2 laps remaining I made a jump for it, through one of the more dangerous sections of the course and was joined by 9 other riders with the same idea - trying to sneak into top 30 and earn some cash... Just for fun.

The groupetto I was in actually started to take chunks of time out of the breakaway group's lead! I was suffering like a dog and felt pain more than I have in a while... It was 110% all the way, averaging 54km/h for the last 2 laps! We never caught the leaders, but finished 1 minute ahead of the main peleton. I hoped I was in top 30 but in fact I was sitting only 34th or something like that...But as I said, that's racing hey? I'm racing again in Weelde tomorrow so I'll try my luck there!

Til next time, Tot Ziens