This morning I reached into my bag of supplies and pulled out my last two Clif Shots, which means this must be my last race in the cyclo-cross motherland.

Today’s event took place in Saint Niklaas and once again, it was a memorable one. The course was pancake flat and extremely fast, very similar to the Hoofstade World Cup, minus the hellacious sand. And, like the World Cup, the fans were out in full force.

Tens of thousands, young and old lined a majority of the course to see the Sven Nys show. Yes, there was music. Yes, there was beer. Yes, it was a party. I think I inhaled more second-hand smoke during the race than I have in my entire life.

The under-23 riders raced with the Elite Men, so it was fun to line up with the U.S. youngsters once while over here. The Rabobank train got most of us with one lap to go, but some of the Americans had a great day. I think the U.S. team is going to have a strong showing at world’s, which take place in Holland at the end of the month.

We parked next to second place finisher Gerben De Knegt of the Rabobank team today. He had three mechanics with him. I found it interesting that each Robabank rider has their own personal support staff even though they share the same sponsor.

Each rider is on the Rabobank payroll, but they are all responsible for their own support and mechanical staff. At this level, with the harsh riding conditions and the fact that racers use multiple bikes it is absolutely necessary for each rider to have at least one designated mechanic. Gerben had three.

Most of the top racers have their own camper van, too. Each van has a large storage compartment for bikes and wheels in the rear and some type of device to carry and spray water. I didn’t get inside one, but I’m sure it’s a nice warm place to relax before and after a chilly race.

Upon crossing the finish line today, I just pulled off to the side and took a long, hard look around just to take it all in. I can’t really describe how impressed I am with the ‘cross scene is over here. The sponsor and fan support is monumental. Every racer gets the utmost respect, even those at the back of the pack like me. Even Erik Tonkin (Kona) has his own fan club!

The two words I said more than any other on this trip were, “Thanks Michel.” His support on this adventurous week has been amazing. From race logistics and travel schedules to impeccable bike maintenance and race day preparation, every little detail has been covered. I have been lucky to work with some of the best race mechanics in the business, such as Scott Daubert (Trek), Gary Wolff, (Maxxis), Matt Opperman (Gary Fisher) and Nick Legan (CSC), and Michel is right there with them. He has worked with the likes of Miguel Martinez, Kashi Leuchs, Anne-Caroline Chausson and Jerome Chiotti. His attention to detail is extremely thorough. He has been keeping a record of our tire choices, widths and pressures, as well as the course conditions for each race, just in case we come back next year! He is looking for some work on the road or mountain bike circuit, so if anyone has any leads feel free to e-mail Michel Bajorek. Thanks Michel for all of your help and making this whole adventure a reality!

I also need to give my sincerest thanks to Michel’s mother, Elisabeth. She hosted numerous people throughout the week, cooked amazing meals and treated us all like we were one of her family. There were late nights when I tiptoed to bed and she was still awake setting the table for next morning’s breakfast. Thank you Elisabeth for opening up your home and delicious cooking for us all to share!

I learned a lot about racing cyclo-cross while on this trip, but more importantly I experienced a new country, a new culture, and met new friends. On top of all I learned plenty of tips and tricks that should help me back in the States next cyclo-cross season, but to get those out of me you’ll have to swing by BoulderCycle Sport and bribe me with a bottle of Belgian brew!

Speaking of beer, my last review has to be for Stella Artois. I know this is a common beer in the States, but it was the beer my girlfriend had waiting for me at the car after today’s race. It was cold, refreshing, damn tasty and now has sentimental value. Yes, I think I’ll have another.

Au revoir and thanks for reading!

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Did you know?
Did you know studies have shown dark chocolate has some excellent health benefits? Dark Chocolate, not milk or white chocolate can lower blood pressure and it contains valuable antioxidants, too. It’s apparently better to choose dark over lighter chocolates, but this doesn’t mean you should go binging on dark chocolate. Unless of course it’s the end of ‘cross season!

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Brandon Dwight lives in Boulder, Colorado, and is part owner of Boulder Cycle Sport as well as a member of the TIAA-CREF/Clif Bar Cyclocross Team. He is also the founder of Doperssuck.com.