99th Scheldeprijs

Again, another Belgian cycling race, and one that's held in the middle of the week.

Under blue sunny skies, we headed out from Gent for Antwerp for the start. Along the way we found ourselves alongside the LeOpard-Trek team coach and cars. Our guide, Jimmy, wasn't entirely sure of the way to the start, (nor an adept with a GPS), so we took to just following the team. This had a dual benefit that we didn't expect. The obvious of going directly to the race start, and the second was getting waved on into the start area with all the team coaches and cars. We still had two bikes in the back of the van**, so we guessed that because we were behind team cars with bikes on board the gendarme thought of us as part of the crew.

We proceeded to wander the start zone amongst all the team buses, crew and riders. Kinda like being in the change rooms with football teams before a big league match. It did all seem quite casual, yet you could still sense the intensity of the riders and soigneurs as they prepared for the day's Semi-Classic [race].

A small stroll through the main street took us to a town square where the riders were presented before the start. Quite a popular event this, and just how many folks were there on a Wednesday was rather interesting. Can't say I've seen anything like it for a weekday.

Once underway, we left the race to do it's 200kms, and made our way to the finish area - again with a small share of navigational challenges. Yet another gendarme assisted us, and we made our way to where the finish was. The race itself heads out for a large loop into the Belgian countryside before returning for three short loops (or laps) of part of the city, and passing us spectators three times before the final sprint finish.

As you can see, there were plenty of folks out enjoying the midweek sunshine at this event. We had a good wander about the course taking it all in. I also experienced 'curry ketchup' when I got a hamburger from one of the burger vans about the place - it's interesting. Anyway, we watched the amateur race do it's finishing laps, and they weren't slow.

We found a good position about 300metres from the finish line and settled in to watch. Most of the main contenders for both last weekend's Ronde van Vlaanderen and next Sunday's Paris-Roubaix were riding. They finished well back in the bunch and were most likely just out for training than racing, but that didn't stop the sprinters and lesser team members having a proper go.

Most sprints open up in the last few hundred metres, at which time the peloton is really flying as the teams all try to get their sprinter in the best position to win. Unfortunately,( or fortunately depending on what you like to see), there was a crash about 200m from the finish, which meant that the final result was made easier for the two riders that were in front of the crash and didn't have to swerve to miss it.

Disappointing that the final sprint wasn't head to head for the top guys, but then that's racing I guess, anything can happen. Just like fluking your way into the start area.

All up, a fun and casual day out in the sunshine in Antwerp to watch a bike race.

** See the "Spring Classics Week" post for why the bikes were in the van