The Belgian Project

Thursday, August 4, 2011
Ballymena junior Matthew Brennan rode his first race in Belgium on Wednesday for Cycling Team Deschuytter. The race was a 70k kermesse in Kooigem .
 
Matthew Reports:
"After training well on Tuesday the team decided to enter me in my first race, a 10 lap kermesse around Kooigem. I was a bit worried at the start as I was the only junior and this is all new to me, but after a couple of laps I settled in well. The pace was fast but suprisingly my legs felt really good even though I am not really suited to this style of racing. However, a large twitchy bunch, cobbled sections  and very narrow streets are very hard to get used to.  The atmosphere was really good though.  Unfortunately, on lap 7 of 10 there was a large crash mid bunch on a very narrow section. I was not involved, but myself and numerous others couldn't get past...  and at the pace they ride at here, we were never gettin back on; effectively game over. Oh well... at least my form felt ok.
Next up is a large interclub on Saturday with the other juniors on our team. There is an opening circuit around the town, then a big loop and finally 4 laps finishing in the town center. I am really looking forward to it!"