Pre view FLANDERS U23

After our awesome performance in the Kattekoers aka Nations Cup U23 Gent-Wevelgem (6th place of James Fouche), we slowly getting closer to the next big one. The Ronde van Vlaanderen starts next Saturday 13th of April in the East Flanders cycling town Oudenaarde.This 168km race follows almost the same hilly zone as the pro race. With fiftheen hills it is one of the hardest races in Europe. When you see that seven climbs have to be conquered in the last thirty kilometers, this is not a race for "pancakes" (as we say in Flanders)

Right after the start (after 10km) there is immediately a cobble stone section followed by two more after 32km. Be sure that your drink bottles are sitting correct in the holders, usually a place for bottle memorabilia collectors.
The first hill follows after 53km (Leberg). From then on they follow up very quickly, Berendries (57), Tenbosse (62) and the famous Muur of Geraardsbergen (a beast after 73km).
Then some time for recup on an approx 40km long stretch from Brakel to Berchem (ENE wind?). Then time for the last 30km for the grand final with the Kanarieberg (101), Old Kwaremont (116), Patersberg (another beast at 119) and the Kortekeer (124). In between all another cobble stone section after 126km.
With 30km to go most of the groups will be formed, Taaienberg (131) and the Ladeuze (135) lead us to the Boigneberg, Wolvenberg, Achterberg, and again the first two.
After 168km we will welcome the well deserved winner!

Weather conditions? Approx 9°, dry, 3Bf, ENE.

Our line up?
James Fouche, (our national raod champ) and this week winner of the KOM in the hilly Triptyque des Monts et Chateaux, also 13th on GC and 5th in the individual time trial!
Paul Wright, rode also the Triptyque this week, went really well in this hard stage race. Finished 54th overall.
Ethan Batt, raced on Saturday in the Netherlands (on narrow Dutch roads he said, might be good experience for the Flanders roads too)
Liam Cappel, raced on Sunday
Ben Hamilton, this young fellow wants to forget his off day last week! Told him to have a rest this week.
Burnie Mc Grath, he replaces Matias Fitzwater who is racing in the Tour of Morocco.
(btw, Matias is riding very well in Morocco!)

Like I said we did a great job last week, with James finishing 6th, and Ethan working hard for James till the last minute, we need to continue the good work.

All we want is to get this young guys to start in big races, score points, that leads to races like Tour de l'Avenir. That is the race where you can work on your future.
And yes I dare saying that Cycling New Zealand should support this guys too. Which is not the case now!
I know these boys are "living" the dream now, but they also work hard to get their goal. and, be honest, that is not less then a pro contract. So if they work hard for it,they deserve all your support.

And that support must come from their parents, friends, volunteers, clubs...... and Federation!

Come and support them on the hills in Flanders!