Cue in the Flandrians: The Lions will Roar!

Will we see the Arrow's bow, again?




The 'real' season, for your author, begins this Saturday with the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (Het Volk).


Time for the Lions of Flanders!


This semi-Classic has all the excitement a Belgian race can offer: long, hilly and full of lovely pave. Just over 200 kms over the Flemish Ardennes it will be nothing but exciting. The first cold view of the cyclists over the Belgium pave captures the start of the Classics. I can picture all the fans jumping out from the pubs before the riders' pass. The frites/mayonaise & beer will be popular.

Although, it's a semi-classic the true Flandrian will want to add this to his palmares. And it's a worthy race to win. There are many favorites but mine are; Thor Hushovd, Phillipe Gilbert, Juan Antonio Flecha (can he repeat?) & my darkhorse Dominique Rollin (FDJ).

Rollin will not be the only Canadian riding. Supporting riders, Michael Barry will be working for Mister Flecha and his hunt for win number 2. I'm excited that new Pro, 23 year old David Veilleux (Team Europcar) will ride his first race most likely for Sebeastien Chavanel. Good experience, getting his feet 'wet' on the pave.

With the build up towards the bigger prize of Flanders and Roubaix, the riders will want to test themselves that they're all on the right road or pave. After all, it's of prime importance, all these hardmen of cycling are true Flandrians!



Chapeau to the riders...



My darkhorse,
Dominique Rollin...


God of the rainbow stripes...



Gilbert the Flandrian

Comments

Empidog said…
hi Rich, I'm with you...bring it on....
Richard said…
Are you going over, soon?

this weekend will be a hum dinger with KunneBrusselsKunne on Sunday rocking on the pave!