.......Christine ........"Peanut".......Vardaros.......

TOUR OF CYPRUS - are YOU ready for the challenge???

2012-01-19T16:00:00.000+01:00

Want to kickstart your season? Or get perfect preparation for an upcoming Gran Fondo event? Then this is the perfect workout experience!!

I did this two years ago. The memories i have from it will last forever which is why i am telling you about it!

It is a three-day stage ride/race from Friday through Sunday, March 23-25, 2012
Day 1 - 80km
Day 2 - 120km
Day 3 - 115km
Click HERE for the maps/charts

They offer two groups to join:

1. Cycling for glory - with timed sections where you can challenge yourself against the clock, claim the win of the day or even win the coveted leader's jersey
Each day, a timed section of about 20km or so is scheduled in the middle of the 80-120km ride.

2. Cycling for personal glory - same routes as the other group but no timed sections.

There are feed zones along the way with standard staples like bananas, etc but they also include exotic snacks that you'll want to stuff yourself with!

You can also extend your visit to make it a long holiday - contact organizer for help with this.

At the moment, flights are cheap to Cyprus so book NOW!!

Click HERE for Registration
Click HERE for more info

Christmas Period Racing = Overloaded, yet undercharged

2012-01-07T16:45:00.000+01:00

GVA Baal by Luc van der Meiren

The last weeks were the toughest of the season for me. I had timed my fitness so i would kick ass during the Christmas period of racing - even went to Spain a couple weeks previous for 10 days to get in the hard trainings. But the outcome was not to be the way i had planned it in my head.

Usually it wouldn't be especially difficult for me to have done those 7 races in two weeks (or 9 races in three weeks) as i recover quickly from hard efforts but i unfortunately entered this race period with a bladder infection. I tried to first treat it homeopathically for a few days with cranberry pills, lots of water, garlic, etc but only found out on the morning of Namen World Cup that my attempt had failed miserably. Not only had i missed out on sleep for a whole week from drinking an overload of water and having to pee every ten minutes through the night, but I 'woke up' that morning of the World Cup with a very strong pain in my kidney. Bugger! Now i had the infection in both bladder and kidney.

Namen World Cup

And if i didnt feel like crap enough, on the drive to Namen, while the other racers were downing their pre-race meals and drinks, i was sipping at a nasty-tasting super strong antibiotic drink. Needless to say, the race was a disaster.

Just after i crossed the finish line having only beaten a handful of gals, I was greeted by the sweetest group of folks who patiently waited there for me to arrive. Their enthusiasm was so infectious (no pun intended) that for a moment i thought that maybe i had done better than I thought. But alas, they were simply there to offer a bit of comfort to me on a very trying day. I got warm comments like, "Way to finish", "You looked great on the descents". On top of that, my press and media friends jumped in to take photos and even grab an inteview of me. I felt like a rockstar, a very sick one but nonetheless special. THANKS TO YOU ALL!!!! I held it together until i got back to the "Peanut" van before i broke into tears.

Essen by Johan Pelgrims

With only four days of semi-rest till the next race i didnt expect much, and i got exactly what i expected. I was 15th but on a course like that i should have been better if health were on my side. I knew things were amiss when on the first long climb almost the whole peloton passed me at twice the speed.

Three days later was yet another World Cup in Zolder, BE - on a Formula 1 track actually. Last year i cracked my pelvis on the track on an ice patch so with that in mind combined with my neverending recovery from the kidney infection, my expectations were not too high. Again, even though the course suited me, the best i could manage was 29th.

Two days later i was back at it at GVA Trofee Azencross (Loenhout). This course is never a good one for me and that day it was no different from the years previous. I finished in 19th and put the experience out of my mind.

Essen by Dirk Bruylant

By this point, I was feeling pretty tired but a bit more recovered from the hit my body took from the infection. I had one day of recovery before the next event so I used it to check out the upcoming course as it was nearby in Leuven. I was joined by some friends to help me with line choices, etc. Our party on wheels included of course Jonas, Jo Croonenberghs, fellow vegan Frans Claes, and Jimmy Eecloo.

The next morning after a night of heavy rain, the Fidea Leuven course was completely different. It was still fun to play in the mud the day previous though. As for the race, it was a real mudfest. My start was for the first time in a while not so disastrous. During the race i passed a couple of people and finished 12th. It was a solid race and even more importantly a good feeling that my fitness is still there and confirmation that i am indeed almost recovered from the tool that infection took on me.

Zolder by Krist Vanmelle

Again, with only one day of rest, I was at the venue of the last race of the Christmas period - GVA Trofee Baal (Sven Nys). To celebrate a tough period for us, Jonas and I prepared a bunch of Gluhwein and candy to give to all our friends/supporters/fellow racers. As we ended up parking 300 meters from the venue, almost nobody saw us to celebrate. Oh well, after the race we celebrated ourselves with a bit of gluhwein and a couple pieces of candy - our consolation party as we were in bed by 10pm the night before - New Year's Eve.

As for the race, again i had a decent start and again i passed a couple of riders to come in 14th. What thrilled me about this race was that for the first time this season i saw riders that i normally never see like Reza Hormes-Ravenstijn, Arenda Grimberg and even sprinted for 13th with Ellen van Loy. I cant say i felt like a superhero by any means, but it surely gave me hope for the rest of the season. The course was also a good one for me i must admit as it was technical and riddled with heavy mud - something that suits me more than the road-race on cross bikes style.

Namen by Patricia Cristens

With another week until my next race (Liévin World Cup-FR), i took a few days to rest and am now back onto interval/power training and feeling optimistic.

I know i've said it before but i feel like i cannot say it enough - I want to thank you all for your unwavering support!! It really makes the racing experience so much more managable on the bad days and memorable every day - a feeling that I am not alone at the start line but with my extended family of sorts!! It really means the world to me!!

GVA Baal by Filip François

Thanks Jonas (aka CakePie) for being the best husband ever, thanks to Jurgen Landrie, Sofie Piens, and Ernst van Looveren for being the best crew support, all my facebook/twitter/email friends, Jonas' and my families, all my excellent sponsors like BABOCO, STEVENS, 3T, ProBar, Challenge Tires, Mt Tam Bikes, and BikePure, and of course to all my friends and supporters who stand on the sidelines at the races to cheer their hearts out for me and to take such gorgeous photos of me; i hear - and sometimes see - you all!!!!!

Busy...busy...busy

2011-12-17T21:55:00.000+01:00

I am just back from GVA Essen - our first real mud race of the season! I finished 13th - again, i suppose its not so bad considering yet another lackluster start. must work on this somehow...
Anyway, since i have to get ready for the Namen World Cup tomorrow BUT wanted to update you on what i've been up to the last weeks, i figured it's easiest to give you a link to my CYCLOCROSS Magazine update online that was just published yesterday. Hope the stories help you to feel you've "been in the basket" through all my adventures including my mid-season trip to southern spain! Here is the LINK.

What wasnt included in the article is a link to the article i just wrote about Orange Babies Cycling Team - a pro cross team that promotes a non-profit (helps pregnant African HIV+ mothers and their babies). Here is the LINK.

And here is another link to the Het Nieuwsblad photo gallery give you an idea what our first muddy race of the season was like. if you look at the photos in the mid-30's you'll see my big head! CLICK HERE.

Guest appearance in UK Magazine - The Vegetarian

2011-11-22T16:53:00.000+01:00

In the UK Magazine The Vegetarian, I got to write about some of the common myths of a vegan diet - always a fun topic for me!
It was published over the summer. The face shot was taken by Russ Wright and the larger one was by Krist Vanmelle - just in case you cant read the photo credits.
If you want to read the whole thing, let me know.
Thanks!

As for my racing, it is finally going a bit better the last two races. I got 15th in Superprestige Hamme-Zogge and 14th in Superprestige Gavere.

This weekend is Koksijde World Cup then the next day Jonas and i are off to Spain for some mid-season training. I have never done a mid-season training camp so i am really super mega excited! maybe i will even get some color in my pasty white legs.

Highlights of the last two months

2011-11-11T18:10:00.000+01:00

My journal was just published on CYCLOCROSS Magazine. Enjoy!

My STEVENS bike is FAMOUS

2011-10-12T12:08:00.001+02:00

CYCLOCROSS Magazine just featured it in their "Pro Bike Profile" category. CLICK HERE to check it out.

Sleepy-eyed
by Willem Beerland

As for the racing, last weekend I was on the starting line yet again for the Superprestige Ruddervoorde event. It was a chilly rainy day so i was fairly excited about the conditions after last weekend's disaster in the heat. I was also excited to race an actual technical course - the harder the better for me it seems.
But much to my disappointment, I awoke that morning with debilitating middle back pain. It was a constant pain that jumped a few levels every time i took a deep breath - like when trying to ride a bike. Tears immediately filled my eyes.
I didnt figure out what it was from until Jonas and i were already at the race site 1.5 hours from home. It was from a burn in my throat that happened a couple of years ago when i drank an oversized bottle of SOBE energy drink thinking it was coconut milk. Who would have thought that milk and cream would be in that bright white energy drink. Energy and milk never went together in my mind.

not a good time to
fall asleep
-by Willem Beerland

Anyway, after mini camera crews and biopsy equipment were guided down my throat, it was discovered that the milk indeed left a burn mark on my throat and stomach. unreal. Well, they do say that milk is toxic and since i hadnt had any in over 15 years i guess my insides were not well prepared for it and i paid dearly. The burn seems to flare up every eight months or so.
So again in my race, i had one speed which fell just under the knife stabbing pain level - and only good for a finish in the high teens. bugger. It is amusing to see the photos of myself from the race - in half of them my eyes are closed. I took a handful of heavy duty painkillers (all legal according to doping control) to see if that would do something - it did almost nothing for the pain but it did put me in a dreamlike state. Again i heard so many cheers for me - all of which strangely sounded like they were yelled in slow motion. And the faces in the crowd periodically came clear but then in a flash they were gone. This is why i never even tried pot - i really dont like the feeling of being out of control!

Sleeping on the job
by Marc van Est

Good news is that the doctor put me on some pill i take for a month. Afterwards, theoretically the burn should be completely healed so this event will not be repeated. As of now, the pain is still there but thankfully not nearly as strong.
Friday we leave for Czech Republic for the first two rounds of the World Cup series. Fingers crossed i can ROCK IT!!

Cooking Demonstration NOW on Sidebar of Blog

2011-10-03T11:53:00.000+02:00

If you look to the left of my blog ( christinevardaros.blogspot.com ) you will see my cooking demonstration that was recently on tv. it is also with my friend and fellow vegan Tonya Kay. I didnt expect they would make my mini cooking demonstration a "stand-alone" show so it is a little informal - oops. Anyway, i make these when i run out of PROBARs. If you dont know what a PROBAR is, you can see them on the counter while i put together my homemade version.

Kalmthout in a Heatwave

2011-10-03T11:12:00.002+02:00

by Brecht Toelen

Last year this course was lined with ice covered in a blanket of snow. But this year the event was held under not just warm sunny skies but held in a full-on heatwave - yes, a Belgian heatwave in October. Completely unheard of. Usually the heat doesnt bother me too much - i can still function fine. But when it messes with my breathing that is when i go from my peanut version of a superhero to roadkill. Unfortunately this time around i was roadkill.
Within a minute's time, my mouth and throat was unbearably dry and my throat started to close as if it were responding to an allergy of sorts. It felt like someone shoved a bucket of dusty dirt in my mouth and down my throat.
From many years of experience, i knew i had two options under these conditions. I can either push above my very real limit and be run off to the hospital if i made it that far, or i could ride just below that limit and have a mediocre result but live to tell about it. I opted for the latter.
It was something i struggled with the whole race though as my legs wanted to ride full out - as did my will.

by Luc Van der Meiren

You'd think i'd feel a bit sorry for myself but i felt nothing really. What i did feel was a bit stupid that i had let down so many supporters around the course. That broke my heart. I had so many cheers that it was almost a constant string of "kom on christine" or "allez peanut" throughout the whole race!
With nothing to do about it, i just forged ahead and hoped for a miracle. While that never materialized the way i hoped for, i was able to at least pass a few riders before the end - finishing in 17th.
Just after i crossed the line, my part 2 of the day began...as a journalist covering the race for CYCLOCROSS Magazine. So immediately i rode up to Belgium's superstar Sanne Cant and did an interview - dusty throat and face and all. And i did it in Dutch nonetheless which surprised me considering i was a bit lightheaded from lack of oxygen the last 45 minutes. Luckily she was easy to understand - and remember for when i was back in the press room twenty minutes later.
Directly after my race i did the trainer for ten minutes, a bucket bath for three, changed into my tiniest clothing and sprinted to the press room to catch the start of the mens race on tv. After watching most of the race, i sprinted back out just before their finish so i could catch them for post-race interviews.

Official Christine Vardaros Supporter
jackets courtesy of Marc and Tai Van Est

The first guy i tried to interview didnt work out so well. it was Frenchman Francis Mourey. Either he didnt feel like speaking a couple of words in english or he knows absolutely none. And after spending a season on a French team, i did learn some french but the moment i left the team all my words were somehow lost. Strange how that happens. Oh well. After collecting a few interviews - only one in dutch, the rest in english (i was getting tired), i headed back to the press room to finish the job.

how i looked when i saw the jackets-
photos courtesy of Danny Zelck

On a side note, i must say that the highlight of the day happened in the pre-ride when i spotted a couple of my supporters sporting a special "Supporter Christine Vardaros" jacket. wow, that blew me away. I always thought that would be the COOLEST to have supporters like that - a real genuine Belgian thing. For the first time i felt like i made it, like i belonged both in the races and in Belgium - no matter my result (thankfully considering lately they have not been so steady). Thanks Marc and Tai!
The next event is this Sunday at Superprestige Ruddervoorde. The weather is supposed to cool down a bit so i look forward to it, although i am not quite ready for ice and snow.
Thanks for reading!

I'm in Het Nieuwsblad !!!

2011-09-30T22:29:00.000+02:00

photo by Danny Zelck

Yesterday an interview of me was published in Het Nieuwsblad. That was super exciting! It was placed on the same page as the feature article on Niels Albert.

For those of you who dont read Dutch, it basically says that i've been vegan for many years and that when i saw all the positive benefits of being a vegetarian i took the next step to veganism. Then the benefits of a vegan diet such as quick recovery and almost never sick were listed, and that everyone can benefit from eating less meat. In addition, it mentions that i am a journalist and a spokesperson for animal rights. Lastly, they quoted me saying that it was a dream to live in belgium because it is the center of cross and the public is really great!

On another note, i was just invited this mornning to race Kalmthout this Sunday - yippee! And look for my articles on the races (both race coverage and personal report) on CYCLOCROSS Magazine.

Oh, and almost forgot to mention that i spontaneously hacked at my hair today. It is now at least 5" shorter - in most places...I must admit that was a few inches shorter than intended.

Tour of Belgium: Neerpelt and Team Presentation in one day

2011-09-29T10:40:00.002+02:00

by Danny Zelck

And what a long day it was!
First was the Neerpelt UCI race - the international season opener for those of us based in the Benelux (Belgium/Netherlands/Luxembourg) region. Going into the race, i really had no idea what to expect but helping my morale was the course. If all else fails, i was going to enjoy myself! it was a very heavy course with much of the first half through the woods on pine needle trails. The second half was nonstop short steep hills - some of which were barely rideable and others that were runups - mainly all on sandy terrain.
My start was about average - nothing special. Others were not so lucky - like Hollander Reza Hormes Ravenstijn. She was caught behind a woman in an upside down position, bike perfectly upside down above her. For the first handful of minutes i felt like a rockstar but then i started to fade - maybe is was all the adrenaline from the start wearing off? For those moments of sleepiness, i was passed by a handful of folks - nothing i could do but try to keep up a minimum speed to stay somewhat in contact.

by Luc van der Meiren

Thankfully, my full senses came back in the second to last lap! It was like a turbo shot and i was back to normal speed. I managed to pass a couple of riders but the last one got away. I nipped at her heels for the full final lap, unable to find a spot to safely pass. She is one of the more agressive riders who has no problem elbowing you off the course so after a few tries that ended up almost disastrously i was relegated to finish just behind her in 13th position.
It may not be a victory but i had a good feeling from it - and i learned a lot, mostly what NOT to do in a race. If i had a penny for every lesson learned though...

Trying to get past - by Lucien Duquesnes

After the race, we did yet another 200km of driving to the little town of Aalter on the other side of Belgium for the team presentation. I showed up naturally with wet hair after my post-race shower - yet another lesson learned. When having photos taken that will be on trading cards for a full season, take a bit more care about what you look like. haha.
I was kinda dreading it because you never know what sort of questions you'll get while standing on the stage with a microphone to you lips. But they were mainly ok - nothing i couldnt handle.

by Dirk Bruylant

The MC guy named Chris is actually the tv personality for the Superprestige races on channel VT4. I must admit that i did feel a little uncomfortable during one of the questions when he said "Now that Superprestige is allowing women to race at some of their events, does this make you happy?" Happy? No, it makes me laugh. They were forced by the UCI to take a womens race at their Category 1 events. They had no choice. Anyway, i went on and on and on for many minutes with my speech on the inequality of women in cyclocross - especially superprestige. After a while i remembered that he represents the Superprestige and i added a "sorry about that". Was i sorry? not really. But i did feel bad that he probably had no idea what is really going on behind the scenes.

Overall it was a great day - during the race i got to see soooooo many friendly faces it was unbelievable. And the cheers i got were tremendous. I will never forget that last lap when i was trying to get around Nancy Bober, a belgian rider. The cheers for me were so overwhelming i almost felt bad for Nancy - but not bad enough not to try still to get around her! I have to add that it was very kind for all the spectators of our race to stick around that late as we raced after the men for the first time!

And in the evening, i was very happy to see yet another handful of friendly faces show up to see our team presentation. That really meant a lot to me!

Normally this sunday is my next race in Kalmthout but it is not yet certain if i am invited. No invitation yet and it is already Thursday. Fingers crossed that last minute email comes through.

SEE sidebar of my blog for video of TV show

2011-09-19T13:37:00.000+02:00

by Patricia Cristens

Wow, i dont know how i managed to do technical computer stuff but i got the video of my tv appearance last week on the sidebar of my blog. YIPPEE! Please check it out and let me know what you think. it was a very warm day when it was filmed so please excuse my shiny nose!

After my mini cooking demonstration is aired today, i will keep an eye out for the video version so i can post that on my blog as well.

Add caption

As for my third race of the season yesterday, it was a really positive experience. My final position was 5th but the real good news is that it was on my new STEVENS bike. Wow, what a huge difference from the bike i was on the last two years. For the last couple of years, i was always afraid of taking turns at speed for fear of hitting the ground but the new bike handles like how i would expect of a machine made for cyclocross. I am very pleased. As you can imagine, the race was a sort of experimentation for me. Every few minutes, i would gather the courage to take a turn or a technical section at a higher pace and it worked every time. it will take me a few more rides before i know my limits and become fully effective on the bike, but yesterday was a "tears of joy" moment for me.

by Patricia Cristens

And the TRP CX8.4's actually slowed the bike down - a new experience for me. By the last lap i started to figure out how to use them to my advantage by swinging the rear wheel around into turns to line the bike up for the next section. My tires were the usual Challenge Grifo but this time around i actually felt the side grips in action. Before i was too afraid to lean the bike enough to engage them. I actually felt like a technical rider for the first time in a while - a very strange but exhilarating feeling for me!

My new Ergoterra handlebar was also something new for me. I didnt hit my bar once with my long limbs - a first for me. and when sprinting in the drops i felt like i could actually manhandle the bike better.

No matter my results in the next races or even for the whole season, I know that at least i am on a top machine. And if i am slow in some of the races, then I can take all the credit. haha.

New Bikes & Another appearance on TV

2011-09-17T20:48:00.000+02:00

two down...one to go!

This has been a very hectic week for me and Jonas. Directly after my race on Sunday, we headed over to Hamburg, Germany to pick up the BABOCO team bikes from STEVENS. It was over six hours in the car. Worse yet, it rained most of the drive there!

sticker thanks to Christophe Podevin

By the next evening, we were on our way home. With only a handful of hours sleep, we headed back out in the morning to Baboco team manager Steven's house to drop off the goods. By evening, I was wiped.

My favorite Challenge tires with my fav TRP's

It has taken quite a few days to normalize from that stressful trip but i am almost there! It probably didnt help to continue to stay crazy busy all week with putting the bikes together, working out part compatability issues, get my workouts in - all while catching up on many other projects i'm taking on. I always thought of myself as multitasking queen but i am now realizing i really suck at it!
As for the bikes, they are gorgeous. With Jonas' help, two of the three bikes are ready to go!

Stickers courtesy of Ludwig de Troyer

You'll see a full bike review of my gorgeous machines on CYCLOCROSS Magazine shortly. And to check out my latest column as well as reviews on all the newest greatest cyclocross parts, race gossip and event coverage, you can subscribe to an online subscription HERE.

As for my next TV appearance, here is the info:
"Recipes for Athletic Excellence with Cyclocross Champion Christine Vardaros & Award-winning Actress Tonya Kay" is airing on Vegetarianism: The Noble Way of Living on Monday, September 19, 2011. Airing Time: 5:30am. 11:30am, 5:30pm - CA time.
Here is the link to see it on internet: http://suprememastertv.com/webtv/

First Cyclo-Cross Race under the Belt

2011-09-08T22:30:00.001+02:00

by Romina Tierlinck

by Romina Teirlinck

Well, it didnt go as wildly wrong as it did in my imagination the days leading up to the race. In fact it was almost pleasant - i say almost because sunny skies with 30°C temps and strenuous efforts don't really play well. It was a strange feeling to have cotton mouth within thirty seconds of the start of a cyclocross race, especially one in Belgium. Thankfully the temps qualified for bottle feeds, but by the time i made it to the pits my mouth was so dry i was afraid that the watered-down energy drink that Jonas especially made for this weather was going to be too thick. Good thing i trusted him as it went down very well.

Although delerious from the heat by the end, I ended up 2nd. I must admit it felt great to stand on a podium again...and to be joined by two strong gals whom i admire. I was also pleased with my general sensations on the bike. I am clearly not with any real form yet but this event gave me hope that i can have some decent fitness in a month from now for the first two World Cup events in Czech Republic.

by Robert Goedgezelschap

Thanks to all of you who continue to believe in me and a special thanks to those who made it to the race to cheer me on! I felt like a rockstar, albeit a sweaty soggy one!

by Patricia Cristens

First CX Race - present but not ready

2011-09-02T12:53:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow i race my first cyclocross event of the season. It is a low-key race - in fact it is so low key that the organizers can't bother to list the word "women" on their program even though i am sure they like when we show up. But this is Belgium - a reminder that i am no longer in the USA where women racers are given a lot of respect.

Here instead they have a handful of women-dedicated supporters (those who come out specifically to cheer for women or come out early to the races to catch the women take off just before the elite men). There are also a couple of race organizers here who find women worth highlighting. We females are forever grateful to their support!! And their support seems to be spreading to others who are now taking interest in female racing which of course helps the sport to grow faster.

Oops. I am off the topic. Yes, tomorrow is my first crosss race. Thankfully it is purely just for training as I am not especially ready for the speeds just yet considering i started training again on the bike about a month ago. I also have not received my new STEVENS bikes yet - they come next week, so i will be racing on my heavy bike from last season. But heavy legs, heavy bike and all, i will be there at the start with my typical goofy smile in place, happy to see all those friendly faces who come out to cheer for me!

Thanks for reading!

So Random

2011-09-01T22:58:00.000+02:00

I just found a photo of myself on a russion website. Very cool!! I only wish i knew what it said.
I know it has something to do with cycling but that's about all i can figure out. Still cool!
CLICK HERE to check it out.

The Race to Train

2011-08-28T22:57:00.001+02:00

first race by Marc van Est

Now that the summer is almost over i am finally getting in some racing to prepare for cross season. I would have started earlier but injuries got in the way. I was nailed with a nasty 3rd degree groin pull, while the other groin was only 2nd degree. Walking up the stairs to the bathroom became a workout in itself! I was so slow up the stairs that i had plan my pee trips well in advance! Getting back downstairs was a breeze - i was so fast i flew down...headfirst a few times when my legs just gave out. I used to joke about that chair lift that you can attach to the staircase railing, saying it was the perfect gift for an athlete but for that period of time i was really wishing one would magically appear. No such luck.

Once i was finally able to walk up and down stairs without falling on my face, i was ready for training again! My kickstart back to highered fitness was a training camp end of July in the Vogezen region of France. Jonas and I stayed there for eight days. It was cold and rainy some of the days but i didnt care - i got to ride basically painfree! But how slow was I!! It was humbling to suck so badly but i kicked my own ass knowing that it was for my own good.

Once back, we joined in for a couple of weeks on a collection of group rides for some low-mod tempo rides - the Old Mans ride (although their nickname is beginning to be ironic since they now attack the ride as if it were a race), the Kiek out of my hometown (an evening group ride that does a nice steady low-mod tempo that provides for an almost mindless training), and the Sterrebeeks (yet another steady ride where the hills are the only places they race each other.)

2nd race - pre-rain- by Jonas Brufffaerts

I knew i wasnt quite ready for training races but with cross season around the corner, i started up. Last weekend was my first race. The speed was super high but with not so many turns where interval training is required, i was able to easily ride it out with the peloton. Considering the last two years i was not able to finish this race, I was pleased.

2nd race (Affligem) by Jonas Bruffaerts

My second road race, which was today, did not go nearly as well as the first race. On paper, my 34th out of 80-100 starters doesnt look so bad, but I suffered badly this time around. There were just too many tight turns on narrow roads, which meant repeated intervals. Heavy rains that started up part way into the race did not help. It meant that on every turn, you had to go from now a mere 5kph to 50 in two seconds. That hurt - especially since i was sitting way too far back in the peloton when the rain started. After many many turns like this, combined with bridging too many gaps left by riders who couldnt hold the wheel, i was completely blown. It was a good workout but still i wanted to rock it for the folks who were kind enough to come out to support me today! I had yet again a very large cheering section - super cool!!

2nd race by Robert Goedgezelschap

Next week is yet another chance to dig deep in honor of the upcoming cross season so bring it on - that's what i always say (or at least when the optimism is still there.) :-)

I will have my cross season schedule posted shortly. I am almost done working on it. Hope to see you out there one of these races!!

Thanks for reading.

CYCLOCROSS Magazine GOES DIGITAL

2011-08-26T11:26:00.000+02:00

CYCLOCROSS MAGAZINE NOW HAS A DIGITAL VERSION AVAILABLE– especially for those who live outside USA or on their computers! Order NOW to get a 12 month subscription PLUS back issues 8-12, for the PROMOTIONAL PRICE of $20 USD (in Euros this comes out to €13.85). Start reading EVERYTHING ABOUT CROSS and checking out the gorgeous color photos TODAY! Thanks! (I am one of the writers by the way)

Show your support by subscribing to CYCLOCROSS MAGAZINE !!!

CLICK HERE for the LINK

Why should you subscribe to CYCLOCROSS Magazine?

2011-06-14T11:08:00.000+02:00

Because rising superstar Nikki Harris is featured in the latest issue of CYCLOCROSS Magazine. Here is the front page, but to read the rest of her very colorful interview, including lots more fun photos CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE. You can also order an online subscription so you have it right away! Instant gratification rocks!!!!

BABOCO Training Camp

2011-06-06T15:58:00.000+02:00

The BABOCO Team training camp article is finally online at CYCLOCROSS Magazine. Click HERE to read the article and click HERE to subscribe to the magazine so you dont miss anything like Nikki Harris' Feature Story all about her chameleon lifestyle in the current issue. There is also an option to subscribe to the ONLINE magazine.

Mountain Bike Race #2

2011-06-06T15:53:00.000+02:00

by Danny Zelck

Well, result-wise it was not ideal. Even so, i had a great time and an even better workout. On the day before the race, Belgian MTB Marathon champ Kim Saenen kindly took me around the course to show me around. And on the day, Nancy Bober and her husband Andy saved a parking spot for us!

There were lots of other folks that i knew at the race which always makes it more fun. And thanks to all those who kindly cheered for me and took photos. Dat maakt mij heel blij!!

Next week is my first road race of the season. I go to Boutersem, BE Sunday, June 12. The elite men also race there so I expect the crowds to be thicker than normal. It is in an undulating section of Belgium so that should be fun.

The following week on June 18 i am back on the mountain bike for yet another "force-building" workout. It is held in Boom, BE - part of the Belgacom GP series.

On a completely different topic, it finally really rained today. The farmers (and our mini garden in the back) really needed it after a two-month drought. But now that the rain is gone, it is time to get on the bike! Till next post...

Offseason Tales

2011-05-31T22:52:00.000+02:00

courtesy of Peter Meere

Sorry it's taken me a while to update my blog. I've been busy with training, going to the gym, random writing projects, training camp, and other time-heavy activities.

(The published story BABOCO Team training camp should be published soon on CYCLOCROSS Magazine . I will post the link as soon as it is published just in case you want to read a funny story on my adventures with an all boys team. )

But of all the events keeping me busy, it feels like the Flemish classes are the most exhausting! It's three times a week for 3.5 hours each, plus the extra hour to get there and back. And once i am back after 10pm, it's hard to go directly to sleep so i find myself up way too late doing nothing but mindlessly watching tv since i am too tired to do anything real at that time of night. bugger.

The classes are done at the end of June so i cant really complain. But after taking this one class, i cannot see how people would want to go back to school later in life. Taking tests suck. I always want to be perfect so it is way too much pressure. I have had two tests so far. the first was perfect, but the second had a mistake so naturally i was ready to quit the class. HAHA. (I should be happy considering it's an advanced class, but that doesnt offer any consolation.) It's amazing that i can bike race with my feelings towards being judged. Anyway...

Aside from the classes, i have been training hard while simultaneously recovering from that nagging pelvis/knee injury. Progress is slow but at least I see improvement.

As for my offseason racing, i decided to change it up this season with a few mtb cross country races. I just did my first race last weekend (albeit a bit too early for my fitness level). It was a real shock. I dont know how it happened but i forgot how to ride a mountain bike. Considering i used to do National and World Cup events in this discipline, I am embarassed that i am now a complete neophyte of sorts.

No matter the outcome of the first race, the workout was great! I can easily see how it can be good cross training for cyclocross season. With that said, i will try it again this Thursday. The only drawback is that the next race will be in front of a few thousand people instead of only a few hundred in attendance last weekend. Ugh. Hopefully the crowds will be kind...

Curious what other cross racers living here in Belgium are up to in the offseason? Check out my story on Tour of Belgium where i ran into a few of them such as Niels Albert, Zdenek Stybar, Tom Meeusen, Vincent Bastaens, and Radomir Simunek. CLICK HERE for the link.

In the news, on TV and finally back on the bike

2011-03-17T12:09:00.000+01:00

As of a few days ago, I am finally back on the bike. It is hard to tell my level of fitness (which I expect is not too high at the moment with three weeks off the bike) but I dont care at this time of year.

Regarding the injuries, they are definitely improving. I started physical therapy in Leuven yesterday at the same place where Tom Boonen goes from what i hear, so they should be good enough for me!

I told them i no longer want to feel like a piece of wet smushed spaghetti on the bike. They both nodded and told me they had just the plan for me - yippee!!

Today, for the first time since that fateful day in Zolder, I feel hopeful - that i can be great again ;-) (ok, well maybe i was never great but "good" is great with me!)

In the news: I came across an article on BikeRadar.com where they included some quotes from me. I love their site so that was a huge honor. Click HERE for the link.

AND as for my tv appearance, when i find out more about it, i will let you know.

Thanks for reading!!

Offseason Blues

2011-03-06T11:28:00.001+01:00

OK, well not exactly feeling blue but it is strange to be off the bike for so long. I don't think it would be as strange if, with the bike, i also abandoned everything that comes along with it - the routine, habits and lifestyle.

Last night, Jonas called from work during a night shift. His parting words were, "Go to bed on time." Normally the unspoken words that followed were "so you can be fresh in the morning for training." But without a scheduled training the next day, I responded, "On time for what?" He tripped over his words and the phone call ended in confusion.

When i got off the phone with him, I remembered that it was a Saturday night. Shouldn't "Saturday night" have a special meaning during my three weeks off the bike? I read on Facebook all the exciting plans in store for everyone, but i was going to bed on time.

WTF?!?

The Season is FINALLY Over

2011-03-01T23:34:00.000+01:00

By Florent Bouchat

Part of me wishes it would go on, the other part cannot be any more relieved that the pain is over. Some - or maybe many - people think it was silly of me to race with hip pain but now that i have been off the bike for a week with continued hip pain, seems to me riding didnt make a lick of difference. So with that said, i am glad i continued since i had an immense amount of fun the last races!

If you want to read all about my last day on the bike this season, check out my story (with plenty of photos) on CYCLOCROSS Magazine.

A BIG THANKS to Baboco, my teammates, family, friends, supporters, Challenge Tires, PROBAR, Mt. Tam Bikes, Specialized, Concap, Coach Elmo and of course JONAS! The support is so immensely appreciated!!!

As of today i am off the bike for a full nine days. I thought i would go crazy without riding a bike but it's actually been easy. I've kept myself busy with house projects, writing articles, and catching up on emails and other stuff that's been put off a bit too long. I also finally got a new computer to replace the one that was stolen in Girona last year. It's definitely helped to keep me distracted. The hip pain also makes it a bit easier to stay off the bike :-(

The last two days Jonas and I have been up at 7am to greet the workers who are installing our new water boiler and "burner" to heat the water. Once they are done, another set of guys come to switch us over from oil to gas. A gas line was just installed on our street a few months ago, but before that, gas was not an option.

I dont mind the early rising but I must admit having no heat or hot water for what will be three whole days by the time the project is over is a bit inconvenient. I tried to take a "bird bath" this morning and found that after one minute my bitties were numb. Brrrr....

Next week they come to insulate the walls, then the solar panels go up by May. We got extra solar panels so we can heat our water on electricity - green electricity that is! It will also save us a bunch of money on gas. Our new fancy water boiler has a gas/electricity switch so you can decide what you want to use to heat the water - cool, huh.

Thursday i have another appointment for my hip - an x-ray and some other eco-something-or-other test to determine where i am in the recovery process. Fingers crossed all is back in order SOON, especially since Team Baboco has team training camp starting April 7th. It will be in Benidorm, Spain - the equivalent of Boca Raton but with hills for those of you who dont know the town.

Thanks for reading!

Back at it again...

2011-02-03T19:16:00.000+01:00

Since that fateful crash on my hip in Zolder World Cup, it's been a long road back to full health. Even now I still have a dull pain in my hip and my power is probably not fully back. BUT i will give it a little tester this Saturday at GVA Trofee Lille here in Belgium. I figured, why not? I learned that i wont be doing any further damage on my body and I'll get to play with others on the bike again. I really love racing! I love it more when i am doing well, but it's unfortunately still fun on days it doesnt go too well.

Before the storm...by Peter Schepens

One such day was two weeks ago when i tried to race a bit too soon for my own good in Hoogerheide World Cup, the last round of the series. Half-ass training on the road is one thing (all i was capable of at the time), but racing against the world's top riders on a heavy course with power climbs and ankle-deep mud is a whole different type of riding...one i was completely unprepared for. After a lap, i pulled out of the race. But that one lap i really cherished. I had an absolute blast. A BIG part of the joy was easily thanks to the VERY LOUD cheers i got from a few groups of folks out there!!!! I cannot thank them enough for making my one lap a real pleasure. THANKS GUYS for your cheers!!!!

The very next day after this saturday's race, I have a speaking engagement at ECOPOP, Belgium's ecological fair. I'm talking on the benefits of a vegan diet for the environment as well as for your health. My friend Jürgen started a facebook page yesterday on my talk. Very kind of him!! He runs Organic Athlete's Belgium branch.

Directly afterwards, Jonas and I head over to Aalter to say hi to the team at the "Eetfeestje" (eating party) of our teammate Pieter de Meyer. He races for BABOCO on the road.

Before the weekend, Jonas and I have a very special day on Friday. In the morning, while i do my training, Jonas will oversee the insulation of our roof. Our house will be a warmer place!!

And in the afternoon, a guy comes to give Jonas his prize. A few weeks ago, Jonas entered one of those random contests where you can win a week in Germany to a case of wine - or something like that. well, we got a call saying that Jonas gets his prize - and a wine tasting - tomorrow. Jonas and i have a bet. He thinks it is a legitimate prize and i bet it's a sales pitch. Anyone want in on the bet???

That's all for now. I gotta get back to working on my speech for ECOPOP and finish editing my feature interview on Nikki Harris for the CYCLOCROSS Magazine. It's gonna be a great read so dont forget to order your subscription to the magazine. They also have online memberships where you get the magazine online for those of you who live outside the USA.

On the Ground at Zolder World Cup

2011-01-04T15:58:00.001+01:00

taken by Chris Claeye

It was "game over" early in the first lap. Pity because i was actually feeling good about the race despite its treacherous nature as the course was covered with ice and snow. My slip and fall on the icy pavement damaged my hip, causing me to immediately lose power in my right leg. With only one leg, it was as if i were pedaling only to the right side the whole time. i cannot even count how many walls, barriers, snowpiles, and fences i rode directly into.

with only optimism on my side, i started the GVA Trofee's Azencross in Antwerpen three days later. Again, my start was great and was feeling solid as i rode in 15th position until the benefit from all the massages, icings, stretches, and osteopath appointments the last days ran out. Immediately both legs were without power thanks to an overcompensating lower back. I quickly slid back in the peloton until i finally called it quits.

taken by Krist Vanmelle

And again, three days later, with twice the amount of optimism i had in the previous race, Jonas and i headed out to Luxembourg to race the Hotel Threeland in Petange, LUX. It is more like a mountain bike course - one big uphill, followed by a downhill. And again, big mistake to attend. Not even my start was good. With a heavy uphill as a start, requiring lots of power, i was completely useless. The downhills were just as bad since the jagged pain in my right him once again made my right leg useless, causing me to continuously turn to the right on straight lines. i even managed to land in a ditch on one of the laps. but i did finish - kind of.

the following day, with no optimism left, i sat the next race out. Pity because it was Fidea's Tervuren right next door to our home. I did, however, go to spectate. What i found is that i really do not enjoy spectating a race that i really wanted to contest. As a very very nice consolation prize, I was awarded with great company that evening. Mo Bruno Roy, her husband Matt, and Lyne Lamoureux of Podium Insight joined me and Jonas for a nice dinner, drinks and bike race watching.

My next event is Pont-Chateau World Cup in France scheduled for 2 weeks from now. time will tell if i am healed enough to go. If there is any doubt, then i will sit this one out - especially since it is something like an eight hour drive away!

If you want to read the more amusing version of my last week, it is published on CYCLOCROSS Magazine HERE.

Thanks for reading and hope you had a very nice holiday season.
BEST WISHES FOR A MAGICAL 2011 !!!!!

Scheldecross and Kalmthout World Cup report...

2010-12-24T22:35:00.000+01:00

is now online! See CYCLOCROSS's website for my story or CLICK HERE to go directly there.

My next race is Zolder World Cup this Sunday. I wish you could be there because i am having a cookie party after the race for all my supporters/friends, and fellow racers! on the menu is toffee bars, tahini cookies, sugar cookies - all different shapes and colors, fudge with walnuts and my favorite - mexican chocolate cookies-hot, hot, hot!!!

Have a wonderful holiday season and have a glass of champagne for me please (since i am in the middle of racing season) !!

(photo by Ali Verleyen)

Racing with the Guys

2010-12-13T19:37:00.000+01:00

Last weekend was US National Championships, but as i am Belgian-based, i opted to skip the arduous trip around the world to Portland. Besides with Katie Compton on the start line, we'd all pretty much be racing for 2nd - or rather 3rd since Georgia Gould was also present.

Instead i spent my weekend competing at a local race against the guys here in Belgium. It was so incredibly worth it. Not only did i get an excellent workout in, but i had a very entertaining day of it.

The race was Vlaamse Wieler Federatie's (Flemish Cycling Federation) "World Championships" held by De Morelgem Vrienden as a memorial/fundraiser race for Danny Vettenburg who died from cancer. When i showed up at the start line, i could tell a few of the guys were confused. I am guessing the rest of them just thought i was a junior boy - as usual.

My start was fairly solid until we hit the dirt where our wheels sunk into the soggy ground. The whole course in fact consisted of soggy ground so i was in for a real power workout. Against guys, who naturally have more power, the only thing i could really do is race my own pace and hope it is good enough not to be too embarrassed. by the end of the race, i had passed enough to finish in a surprising 5th place. Naturally i was elated considering my goal was to not come in last.

A few moments after i finished, i got called to the podium for the awards presentation - an impromtu one for their only woman rider. I got a "Christmas Plant", a shirt, and 10€ prize money which i spent party on the post-race tombola (raffle where everyone wins.) As i stood up on the podium, i heard a loud roar from the beer tent - my cheering section that screamed for me, bringing a huge smile on my face every lap.

Once my post-race routine of trainer-riding, recovery shake and cleanup was complete, Jonas and i headed back to the race site for a relaxing drink while watching the womens category breeze by - some wearing belgian national jerseys and others with the european championship jersey. There must be some sort of agreement between the Vlaamse Wieler Federatie and some other organizations where they win these jerseys. I havent figured that one out yet.

while it could have been fun to be back in USA racing against friends, I made a few that day at my local race. And the organizers were exceptional - friendly and extremely helpful. Hopefully i can attend this race again next year. Anyone want to join me?? If so, here is the link: http://www.vlaamsewielerfederatie.be/totaal.htm

This foto came from the VWF's facebook page. If i can find more photos from the race, i will surely post them.

My next races against the gals are this weekend - Scheldecross this Saturday and Kalmthout World Cup sunday.
Today was a hard motorpacing workout in preparation for the weekend. The weather here is still unsavory so i equipped my bike with Challenge Grifo tires to combat the snow and ice and it really helped a lot. I felt very safe, even around the questionable turns.
Another bit of help i got to make my motorpacing a solid effort was from my Blueberry Fruition Bar - the sports energy bar from PROBAR. I ate one just before my workout, and a few bites during the effort and i really felt the difference!

Thanks again for reading!

Two Jobs Rolled into One Weekend

2010-12-10T11:27:00.000+01:00

by Danny Zelck

Koksijde World Cup earned its fame through its extensive sand sections that take the riders up, down and through the sand dunes on Belgium’s coast. But this year they changed the course so it could exactly match how they plan to run it for next season’s Cyclo-Cross World Championships – which turned into even more sandy sections – a feat I didn’t believe possible until I saw it.

As usual, my husband Jonas and I arrived on Friday, the day before the race, to check out the course and collect race numbers. I did my first lap with [CXM regular contributor] Vicki Thomas and her countrymate. It was a fast track where slick tires were ideal. For my second lap, I traded riding partners for Hanka Kupfernagel. Just before we took off, it started to rain hard. Even before I stepped out into the rain, I knew it was going to be an unpleasant one since the temperature hovered at the freezing point. It seems I wasn’t alone in my thoughts; as we took off to ride the course in the bitterly cold rain, Hanka muttered the words, “This is definitely my last season.” I laughed, and so did she since there was not a thing we could do about the conditions. Within a minute we figured out that slicks were no longer wanted. A few laps of frozen riding later, we were sitting in her mobilehome to warm up.

showing my frustration -

By Danny Zelck

The next day we awoke to dry sunny skies. We parked our van alongside the mini BABOCO fleet and were ready for a great day. My pre-race preparation went well, I was feeling good and ready to take names … until about five seconds before the light turned green when I realized I was in the last row – just like in Plzen World Cup. How was I to move up from there? I’m no Daphny, Sanne, Bart or Niels. There is only so far I can move forward.

by Danny Zelck

Unfortunately, what you focus on is what you create. When they took off, I was slow off the start and never really moved up. I could tell that my fitness was solid since I rocked it every once in a while when I was able to get out of my own head. But for most of the race, I just couldn’t get out of my own way. I must have fudged every single sand and mud section. Considering I rode almost every one of those sections almost perfectly in the pre-ride I knew it was not my technical skills that had failed me.

Lesson learned the hard way – again. I have made this mistake as recently as Plzen, but it’s time I learn new lessons. From this point forward, I have made a promise to myself to give it everything I have for the full race no matter what. Period. Let’s see what comes of it.

speaking at Paris Vegan Day

After some good old American screaming for my favorite guys in the men’s race, we headed home. The weekend was only halfway over. The next morning Jonas and I were waiting on the Thalys train to Paris where I was scheduled to speak about “the benefits of a vegan diet for sports” at Paris Vegan Day. (I am a spokesperson for IDA – In Defense of Animals.) When our train was almost two hours delayed, I immediately realized that my strenuous exercising for the weekend was not yet over. Once the train arrived in Paris we had 20 minutes to sprint three miles. We showed up late, looking like two sweaty rats. Immediately I stripped my clothes, put the hair in a ponytail and stepped on stage to address a waiting audience.

Gentle Gourmet B&B Table by
Jonas Bruffaerts

With the idea that I had to make up time, I talked faster, which produced some confused faces in the crowd since I was speaking in English. But once I brought it down a few notches, it seemed everyone followed me nicely. I even got quite a few nods of agreement and some of surprise from the audience in reaction to what I said, which helped me to know that I was understood. And for those folks who didn’t follow the English, I had some help from a fellow athlete Christophe Berg who translated for me. Once my hour was over, I focused on recovery from the sprint by stuffing my face with all sorts of tasty cakes and brownies courtesy of The Gentle Gourmet – a vegan bed & breakfast.

famous falafel

That night we returned for a concert by three-year vegan rockstar Princess Superstar. I was really excited to see her since I expected her to perform my all-time favorite video, “Bad Babysitter.” It’s so stupid-funny that I must have watched it 20 times. But no such luck. Even so, I was glad I went.

Jonas as tour guide

The next morning we slept until noon, walked around Paris all afternoon, had the famous falafels at L’As du falafel. From the first bite to the last, I was teary-eyed, as it was simply incredible. We finished our sightseeing with a stroll down the Champs-Élysées, only seven months early to watch the Tour de France.

in Notre Dame

Since that weekend it has been snowing here in Belgium. While half of the peloton took off for a couple of weeks of sunny warm training in southern Spain, the rest of us are toughing it out. As for me, most of my training has been done indoors for safety’s sake. But yesterday, I finally cracked from all the trainer rides and bolted outside with running shoes. I quickly found that running in heavy snow is like sand running, but you have no idea where your feet will land. I slipped twice. And today Jonas and I took the ’cross bikes out, equipped with Grifos. Our timing was a little off as a snowstorm hit right in the middle of our two-hour ride – the third hour was done indoors. Now I know what it must feel like to live in Michigan or Canada. Brutal. My next big race isn’t until December 18th, so I have time. No Nationals for me – too expensive and too far.

Superprestige's Asper-Gavere - A Tough Day Out

2010-11-24T16:51:00.000+01:00

Last sunday was supposed to be one of the most special racing memories of the whole season for me. Partly because of the course design - stunningly gorgeous views with some technically demanding bits, some power climbs and speedy mud descents.   It is also one of the most famous races of the season which brings out tens of thousands of spectators; that always makes racing it more exciting!

But it was not meant to be for me as was determined by my crap first lap. While hovering somewhere around top ten early in the race, my chain popped off on the outside due to a bump with another gal. Once on the bike again, i quickly moved through the field, but got nailed again. This time i was completely taken out by a nervous-nellie who got a bit too fidgety in the mud before taking herself out and knocking me under the course tape. Once back on, i pedaled 500rpm until i realized that something was amiss, namely my chain which again fell off on the outside.

By the time i was back on track, the whole entire peloton was out of sight. For the first few minutes, my motivation flipped between giving up and digging deep. As i passed riders while hearing the crowds kindly cheering for me, my enthusiasm increased....but only for a bit before finally settling into frustration, knowing that i will never ever reach anywhere near the top ten by the end of the race. Just before the finishing straight, I heard a stream of cheers for me which gave me one last bit of encouragement i needed to pass one more gal to finish 19th.

Poor Dan Seaton, journalist for CYCLOCROSS Mag and VeloNews, had the unfortunate opportunity to be the first person i spoke to after crossing the line. Immediately i dumped on him in my finest NYC slang exactly what i had gone through. Once done, he pulled out his recorder and asked me to repeat it all but maybe make it more appropriate for family reading. Oops. (you can read all about the race - and my quotes given to Dan by clicking HERE.)

As i turned the corner to the parking lot and spotted our van, i saw a group of people hovering about. And shortly after, more and more came by - all to say hello to me! They dont know it but thanks to their visit, i went from feeling totally dejected to feeling like a real racer again.  You'd think after all these years of racing, i wouldnt be so fragile. I suppose that is just how i am wired - a blessing and a curse.

The next race up is Koksijde World Cup this saturday. It is most famously known for its extensive sand sections, where we are normally weaving in, out and over the coastal dunes. But this year the course will be different. It is their trial run for next year's World Championship event. And the difference from what i am hearing is that there will be even MORE sand. I dont see how that is possible, but i shall find out on Friday when i pre-ride the course.

Instead of sticking around after our race on Saturday, i have to go home to pack for Paris the next day. I am speaking at Paris Vegan Day.  My speech is naturally about "A vegan diet for optimal health and performance."  Wanna come?

As always, thanks for reading!
ps photo courtesy of Danny Zelck - you can find him on facebook or flickr .

Superprestige Zonhoven and GVA Koppenberg - back to back BABY!

2010-11-09T10:49:00.000+01:00

After a week of the stomach flu that started in Plzen World Cup, ran through Nacht van Woerden (NED), and ended just before the powerhouse weekend of Zonhoven and Koppenbergcross, I had no idea what to expect of the weekend.

read HERE to find out how it turned out. It will bring you to CYCLOCROSS Magazine's online site where I am a columnist and writer. I must warn you that the story you are about to read contains devastation and pitfalls but wraps up with a happy ending...or at least i am happy with it!

Next race is this thursday at Fidea's Niel in Belgium.

Thanks so much for reading!!

Sand foto by Patricia Cristens
top foto by Dirk Verhelst
bottom foto by ronny de lange

First Win in Baboco Cycling Team Kit

2010-10-17T18:55:00.000+02:00

There's something special about winning in clothing that is attached to good people. I have been lucky enough over the years to have that special feeling quite a few times. And again i had that feeling yesterday, when I won my first race for Baboco Cycling Team. It was a small race but, as they say, a win is a win!

The course was a combination of long gradual uphill pavement, millions of muddy s-turns, a mini mud bump and sand pit, finishing on a fast grass descent. With the high winds, it seemed best to ride in a group but i knew that if i rode in a group i'd have no chance of winning and possibly not even podium thank to my (not so) glorious sprinting skills. So when the gun announced our departure, I immediately worked hard to get to the front. After an ok start, i found myself in fourth place heading into the first set of S-turns. I tried to already start making my way to the front but i found out the hard way - - after having to slam on my brakes - those S's stand for "single file only."

Luckily the extended gravel descent was next up. There i passed the gals until I was in the lead, then slowly worked on building a gap. At one point, they were looking like they were on top of me but i kept the pressure, extended the gap and it paid off with a win.

It may not have been a big race but it felt satisfying nonetheless. I got an excellent workout in, made a bit of pocket change, got a trophy and flowers (that I immediately handed over to Jonas' mom) and had the chance to finish ahead of gals who were kicking my ass this year.

On top of that, it was a very special feeling to work well with Jonas in our pre-race routine. He is now at the point where he's wisely choosing my tires and tire pressure, and even my undergarments so i am best suited for the elements.

Yesterday was also the first win i had on Concap nutrition supplements. I just started taking a couple of weeks ago. Thanks Concap!

(podium shot by Jonas; other photos by Kris Claeyé)

Racing for BABOCO Cycling Team and LOVING IT!!

2010-10-02T16:30:00.000+02:00

Yesterday, in one day i switched from the newly formed Champion System - LBS to Baboco Cycling Team. It was easily one of the best decisions I'd made in my life. The atmosphere of the new team is friendly, kind, easy, respectful of me and of women in racing. I cannot be any happier! I will surely miss my almost former teammates but look forward to flying the colors of the new Baboco kit! More info soon.

My next race is tomorrow at the opening round of the GVA Trofee in Namen. It is considered the first "real" race of the season. I am so emotionally drained at the moment that i am not sure of my result for tomorrow. But i am hoping that my newfound enthusiasm turns out to be a driving force of sorts.

Thanks to you all for your support!! It means a lot to me.

Gearing up for CYCLO-CROSS

2010-09-07T12:00:00.000+02:00

As of a few weeks ago I started racing on the road again to get my speedwork in for cyclo-cross season. Motorpacing only gets me so far. It also helps to get the racing rhythm dialed in, get my pre-race routine down and prepare my body for the pressure of racing - as my coach reminds me.

The first couple of races were a disaster in my opinion. Nothing clicked from my pre-race routine to the power in my legs. But the last two thankfully went decisively better. I even started to feel like a racer again, like i was part of the race instead of watching it happen around me.

There are a couple more road races to do before my first cross in Neerpelt, Belgium. It is the first UCI race of the season for women so i expect most of the big gals to attend. I may not be in cyclo-cross race shape (which i find to be completely different from road race shape) by this first one but at least I will have an idea of my starting point moving forward.

Even so, no matter the result, I expect it should be a lot of fun; not just the racing but the early season socializing!! It has been many months since I have seen most of the folks. I'd bake cookies and hold a party for the first race but I'm trying to refrain from counting myself out before the race begins. Knowing me, if i bake cookies, I'd eat about thirty cookies as my pre-race meal. Sometimes i wish I sucked at baking...sometimes.

This weekend will be a full one for me. Friday is my next race, then it's back home for a nap and out the door to the first of three party days in celebration of Nossegem's 900 year birthday. This town is 5km from us and is where Jonas grew up. Friday is the full-blown party, Saturday is a couple of concerts - one of Jonas' friends named UDO is performing, followed by one of my favorite belgian bands DE KREUNERS. And on Sunday they are holding more parties, a tour of the town, and a parade where i get to heckle a few of my friends participating in it.

Stay tuned for details and photos from the weekend now that both Jonas and I now have cameras.

As always, thanks so much for reading!

My New Zannata Z45 Frames

2010-08-30T15:35:00.000+02:00

Now that you know what frames I'll be riding, you can spot me easily at the races!
I am so excited!
THANKS ZANNATA!!!!

My 2010-2011 Cyclo-Cross Season

2010-08-29T20:27:00.000+02:00

Just in case you're in the neighborhood and want to cheer for me - or meet up after the race for a spot of Jenever, here's where I'll definitely be over the winter. There are a few more events that are still up in the air.

Cyclo-Cross Schedule

26/09/10 Neerpelt

03/10/10 Namen

09/10/10 Sint Niklaas

26/10/10 Woerden NED

31/10/10 Zonhoven

01/11/10 Koppenbergcross Oudenaarde

06/11/10 Middelkerke

11/11/10 Niel

21/11/10 Asper-Gavere

27/11/10 Koksijde WORLD CUP

18/12/10 Antwerpen

19/12/10 Kalmthout WORLD CUP

21/12/10 Surhuisterveen NED

26/12/10 Heusden –Zolder WORLD CUP

29/12/10 Loenhout

01/01/11 Pétange LUX

02/01/11 Tervuren

15/01/11 Huijbergen NED

23/01/11 Hoogerheide NED WORLD CUP

05/02/11 Lille

13/02/11 Heerlen NED

19/02/11 Valkenburg aan de Geul

20/02/11 Oostmalle

I am nominated for "Favorite Vegan Athlete" in 2010 VegNews Veggie Awards

2010-08-28T19:45:00.001+02:00

Please help me win by voting for me!! Thanks ever so much!!
Click HERE for the link.
I am on page 5. you can skip the other categories, just vote for me then fill in the last bit of info for the survey.
Thanks again!

Marianne Vos article on CYCLOCROSS Magazine

2010-08-28T11:16:00.000+02:00

My Article on Marianne Vos is now online at CX Magazine: http://www.cxmagazine.com/marianne-vos-focus-olympic-track-2012#more-13381

Its' title is: Marianne Vos to Focus on Olympic Track 2012

As for me, my first cross race is 26 September. Photos of the new frame to be posted shortly as well as more regular updates now that the season is here!

Pool Parties

2010-07-16T13:29:00.000+02:00

OK, well not yet but we're getting there. The last weeks we have had the worst heatwave here, with temps hitting the nineties (F, and in °C about 35) which is more than this country can usually handle. Heck, the houses arent even equipped with air conditioning. Due to the piercing sun combined with the abnormally dry spell, the roads are falling apart, the whole country is sleep deprived and the farmers' crops are wasting away. The crops are either dying or turning ripe way before their time. The latest crop to get hit is wheat. It's now being harvested - way too early and way to small.

Every time the weather gets too high, the rainstorms come. Our last was a couple of days ago. It rained so hard and so fast that the streets were completely flooded. After weeks of being hot no matter what you did, we were tempted to play in the flood - until we noticed a manhole in the middle of the street with water spewing out, sewer water to be exact. While we didnt take our planned dip, it did get us determined to buy a pool.

After two days of combing through all the stores and online, we realized every single pool in belgium is sold out! It is just never warm or sunny enough here to have a pool so the stores dont stock many of them. Just when we gave up all hope, we were handed a pool by Jonas' mom - a kiddy pool but beggers can't be choosers.

So this morning our priority has been to get the pool ready to go. I wish i had a camera to show you how absurd it looks in the backyard. We have one of those traditional belgian backyards - thin and long. So we put the mini pool center square in the lawn. If you squint - a lot - and use a little imagination it looks like a miniature backyard of one of those mansions where the pool is the highlight of the yard and the landscape is built around it. (no, it's not the teeny tiny pool pictured at top. I just thought it was funny and had to unclude it in this post.) Now all we need are miniature friends to have a pool party.

Speaking of friends, one of my closest friends in the world has finally made it to belgium for a visit. We are like little kids when we hang out so now my jaw and abs are super sore from laughing so hard!

Gotta go ride now! Thanks for reading!!

Tour de France and World Cup soccer on TV...

2010-07-07T23:07:00.000+02:00

life couldnt be better! Well actually it could be, and it is! The weather has been fabulous, I've gotten to do some amazing rides and even took a little time out for playtime - fitting it in between the Tour and soccer of course.

The last week definitely had more than its share of playtime! Last friday, the weekend started off with a trip on the scooter to Leuven for a night of jazz concerts. It was already past 9pm but the weather held at 30°C so i was sporting my tiniest spaghetti strap sundress and 3" sandals - still plenty warm on the ride into town. (I wish i had a camera so i could have taken a photo of myself. You would never have recognized me!) Every Friday in July, there are mini concerts given in each of the six squares in the center of Leuven. We concert-hopped until coming across Pim Toscani & The Dixieland All Stars. They were playing more of the classical jazz style where half of the songs were winged.

While Jonas and I sat at a table in front of the concert, with my glass of chardonnay in hand, I was instantly reminded of the magical evenings I've spent at Grant's Tomb in NYC watching the jazz concerts in the summer where the old-timers like Dizzy Gillespie would frequent. Chills ran down my spine as i replayed in my head all the wonderful memories I've had there.

The next night it was off for the concerts in Tervuren. The town was having a weekend celebration in honor of the Tour de France which ran through their town that Monday. But first I had to do my training ride of 3.5 hours on the MTB. Unluckily we were caught in the only rainstorm in a couple of weeks. It hit us ten minutes into our ride. While the cold rain felt good on a day where temps were over 35°C, it totally sucked for the horseflies. For the next few hours, i was chased by various collections of horseflies who took bites at will. By the time i was home i looked like the red polka dot jersey. That meant no sleep for a few days since I am fairly allergic to insect stings and bites.

But i didnt let that stop my evening out. Once showered, we were out the door again. On the docket was Das Pop and Zornik, both Belgian bands. We had a prime standing spot only fifteen feet from the stage, which I expected would be wasted on me since they were bands I'd never heard of. Then in walked the Das Pop lead singer and i was mesmerized. That guy spewed energy all over the audience. Watching the rest of the band was an entertaining experience as well. While i expected to stand at that spot for only two songs, we ended up planted firmy in place straight through to their second encore. Another surprise was that I knew most of the Das Pop songs and even a few of Zornik's. They play them a lot on Studio Brussels - the major pop radio station here which we have blaring in the backyard while we work on our bikes.

With no sleep that night - no, not due to a late night out but rather thanks to the itching bug bites - our day on the bike was subdued. We rode first to visit our friends Ronny and Livy to wish Ronny a happy birthday. Then we continued to Grimbergen to watch the Tour de France. What a spectacle - not the race but rather the caravane that passes about an hour before the riders arrive. There were guys driving oddly shaped vehicles like oversized furry lions while people hung off the sides and out the windows throwing free stuff to the crowds. We scored a couple of buffs (cloth tubes that can be shaped into hats, neck warmers, etc), cookies, candy, water and some other stuff i can't remember. But we didnt score nearly as much as the handful of cute little kids five meters in front of us who jumped up and down for the freebees - it worked. By the time the gift-givers re-loaded, they were already past us.

(photo taken by Livy on our way to Stage 1 TdF)

Of all the giveaways, the one that painfully eluded us was that polka-dot cycling cap that you see dotting the sidelines during every stage of the tour. We went back the next day to try again, but this time on the scooter so we could find a spot void of all cute little kids. We also brought backup in the form of our friend Jo. He was on motorcycle so he could intimidate any little ones that might think to stand near us. Mission accomplished. We left with two coveted polka dot caps and even a few other treats that we didnt expect like a white Skoda bucket cap and some glow ankle bands among other goodies. Oh, and we also scored an official Tour de France course arrow which hangs proudly on our wall pointing below to the TV.

As for the racers, they go by so quickly that by the time you figure out who someone is, it's way to late to cheer. All you see - and hear - is woosh... After that, we headed back to Tervuren for some more concerts. First we watched a kid band. The singer was so awful in both her singing and dancing that my eyes stayed glued on her as if watching a train wreck in slow motion. Pity because i think the other band members were possibly quite good. Next was a band made up of previously famous Belgian musicians. While the music may not have been my taste, I could appreciate their talent. They seemed to have had the most fun on stage of any band i'd seen in the last days. Their enthusiasm was easily contagious as it was the first time i saw Jonas dance outside of our house.

By the end of the day, I was "social-life'd" out! I expect it will be a while until i go out again. But then again this is Belgium where there is an unusually large emphasis on quality of life. Oops, come to think of it I have a wedding to attend Saturday. It's Ronny and Livy, so I can be sure there will be some partying going on. Better get some rest....but first I have a few trainings to do. Tomorrow is Begijnendijk. Maybe i will see some other crossers on the ride like Sven Nys, Niels Albert, Helen Wyman, Vincent Bastaens. Always fun.

Thanks for reading!

Best and Worst of Times in Girona & Mt Ventoux

2010-06-19T18:52:00.000+02:00

I am finally back from a 3 1/2 week training period in Girona. It was the most dreamy trip - aside from the tiny detail of being robbed. One week into our holiday, while traveling between campings, we stopped off in the little town of Angles (just west of Girona center) and parked our van square in front of the entrance to the sports center while we took off for a three-hour ride. When we returned wet and frozen from an 18km descent in the rain, we found that the passenger-side window of our van was broken. My heart sunk. Then it sunk even further when Jonas tried the doors and they were all unlocked.

We opened the doors to find that everything had been ransacked. They had gone through everything of ours and took a bunch of stuff like BOTH our laptops, our new fancy camera with both lenses (and all hookups, accessories, toys that went with all these electronics). All my articles including a super important one to me on women in cycling (that took 12 interviews and a bunch of research to complete and was in its final editing phase), my book that i've been writing, and a bunch of other stuff that had not been backed up is all lost forever. Also, all our photos that we've collected over the years are lost. Jonas took a major hit as well with his Garmin stuff, saved favorites and a bunch of other stuff. They even took my passport and my favorite pair of sunglasses. bugger.

There is absolutely no way they will catch the thieves. When the cop asked around the sports center if anyone saw anything suspicious or even heard our car alarm blaring for a couple of hours, nobody saw nor heard anything. No surprise. Further reality is that when you're robbed, don't expect the CSI treatment. They take no fingerprints and do absolutey nothing to find the culprits. Nothing.

Sadly we probably could have avoided it by telling each other that we felt unsafe in the area BEFORE we left the van alone to go for a bike ride. But neither one of us wanted to appear to be a "racist." Damn. From now on, we promised each other to express our concerns to each other no matter how insensitive it makes us look. I tried to ignore my instinct by replacing it with thoughts that i was just being a racist for thinking that way and that people who exercise are well-adjusted and don't steal. That experience really made us feel like the naive tourists that we were - vulnerable and violated are horrible feelings to have.

Immediately after we opened the van doors, I sprinted the few meters to the police station and fell as i tried to dismount in sand and got bruised all over to add insult to injury! I tried to immediately open the door to the station to talk to the guy sitting just behind the desk but the door was LOCKED! Even more strange was when he told me that nothing like that ever happens in Angles - then why was the door to his station locked, i asked. And all this was said in Catalan. The guy spoke NOT EVEN ONE WORD of Spanish.

After Jonas and i attempted to file a police report in the neighboring town of Santa Coloma we drove to the nearest major store parking lot with shops like Media Markt, Decathlon and McDonalds to sit for the night. With a broken window on a Friday night we were not able to leave the van until Monday. Every time a slight wind would rattle the thin piece of plastic we taped over the absent window, the two of us would jump out of our chairs while adrenaline pumped through our veins.

By the next morning we were so shot. No riding. Instead we went to a luxury camp site in Platja d'Aro on the coast and layed out on the beach all day with our bottles of Sangria and Port. We spent almost the rest of our time in Spain at this campsite where you can get fresh bread daily and the support staff actually speaks Spanish. By the time we left, I was starting to get ever so slightly better in communicating in Spanish. Catalan remained way out of my reach.

It took us quite a few days to get back into a routine after the robbery. Our riding definitely suffered
which is why we took a whole 3 1/2 weeks to get the training done - almost a full week longer than our intended trip...and it felt good to be under the warm sun the whole time! (Coincidentally, the only day it rained was when we were robbed) Most days it was almost 30°C and sunny - a real treat for me after having spent months and months in dark, dreary Belgium - aside of course for our mini stint in Cyprus for Tour of Cyprus which was also an amazing trip.

Once back into solid riding mode, we continued to conquor the mountains. We traveled over all the famous roads such as Els Angels - Lance's favorite road, Puig d'en Carreres, Romanya de la Selva, Coll de la Ganga, through the Baix Emporda tiny medieval towns like Madremanya, and along the coast from Platja d'Aro to Tossa de Mar. Although Els Angels is gorgeous, I'd have to say my favorite of all the climbs was the one Sant Grau one from the coast to Llagostera. Another ride that was spectactular was in the Montseny area where you can climb from 250m to over 1700m in one shot.

As for the food, I expect the flavors are fabulous but Spain doesn't exactly cater to vegetarians - except for one spot we found. We celebrated Jonas' 37th birthday in B-12 Cafe, a full organic vegan restaurant in Girona. We dined on a collection of tapas, salads, wines and beers that were all exceptional - absolutely divine. Surprisingly the restaurant is co-owned by a Southern California native so they spoke perfect English - a rarity in Girona. The only other restaurant we visited was Subway oddly enough. Aside from B-12 it was the only place we could find vegan food. The owners were British and were so sweet to us, especially after they heard our horror story of being robbed. When she told me she knew what it felt like, at first i was sceptical...until she told me her story. While she and her husband left with their two babies to attend her uncle's funeral, a couple of moving trucks completely cleared her house out. The neighbors didnt think anything of it since the couple being robbed had just moved in a week ago.

But back to the food, the one item we couldnt get enough of was Allioli - literally translated to "garlic and oil". They have a jarred vegan version made without eggs. It was so tasty that we ate a jar of it every day on fresh bread. As long as both Jonas and I BOTH ate it, all was OK.

To cut our thirteen-hour drive back home to Belgium, we spent a few days in a tiny town called Bedoin, located at the base of the infamous Tour de France climb of Mt. Ventoux. When i checked out the town the evening we arrived, I was instantly in love. All the cafes were filled with cyclists from all over the world. In a span of ten minutes, I heard accents from USA, UK, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, and of course France. Bikes everywhere. By the look of it, people rode just about anything up the mountain from clunker mountain bikes to fancy road bikes more tricked out than i knew were possible.

After a good night sleep, we had our coffee, pasta, fresh bread and allioli, then headed up the hill. I was so incredibly excited to ascend it for the very first time. Unfortunately my ass and lower back didnt share in my enthusiasm. They finally hit their limit of mountain climbing. I found this out 300m into the 22.7km climb with over 1600m altitude. Jonas rode ahead so i could suffer in peace. Every few meters I had to manually shake the knots out of my lower back and ass so I could pedal a few more strokes before repeating the whole process. I can't even tell you how long it took because I dared not to time it. Once i got to the Chalet Reynard where you are emptied out of the woods and onto the white limestone section, I knew i had 6km to go to the top.

I didnt know at the time what it was - maybe the view of the limestone landscape, spotting the swarm of cyclists congregating at the cafe, not wanting Jonas to wait too long at the top for me, or possibly wanting to firmly hold onto my somewhat tenuous track record thus far of not being passed by anyone - but i started flying up the hill. A surge of energy perhaps from some unknown source not questioned by me pushed me straight up to the top like a rocket. Just as I am approaching the final turn only a handful of meters from the top, a guy jumps out at me from the side of the road yelling profusely, "Stop, pas op, attention, gevaarlijk!" I thanked him for his support - not - and continued on my way, writing him off as one of those crazies who doesn't believe a woman should be allowed to ride her bike to the top. Whatever. So i turned the corner and was nailed by winds of over 200kph. Damn. I forced the pedals to turn against the sidewind but didn't get very far before I was a centimeter from the wall. Luckily I was able to get off the bike safely.

The wind was so intense that I couldnt help but laugh at myself as i tried to bring my bike back down around the bend. My laughing while holding the bike by the top tube as the wheels hung in the sky must have been such a sight because a couple came over to help me safely down the hill. It was so incredibly strong even around the turn that if you didnt sit on the ground you'd be taking a chance that you'd be whisked off the mountain. While sitting on the ground trying to put on my windbreaker/kite, I then realized how i flew up the hill for those last kilometers.

Getting down was a whole other project not taken lightly. Jonas rode the first few of kilometers with both feet clipped out, while i felt safer clipped into both pedals so i could put more pressure on the bike to keep it on the ground. Most were not so brave, we realized as we weaved in and out of the cyclists walking their bikes down the hill. Shortly after we departed, the top was closed down to the public. We found this out while sitting at a cafe in Bedoin, eavesdropping on all the war stories of other cyclists who dared to conquer nature's obstacle. Bikes were blown around, helmets broken, skin scraped. Of one group of eight cyclists, only a single soul made it to the top. The stories go on and on.

The next day we instead rode Gorges de la Nesque - a gorgeous road that weaves in and out of a very deep valley. From there we continued on to Sault and ascended the mountain once more. My ass and back were feeling better so I was able to fully focus on the scenery. If i lived in Bedoin, I can see myself riding the Gorges every day.

Inspired by the Provence flair, as soon as Jonas and I returned to Belgium we quickly got to work on transforming our backyard to match the Provence theme. We got the paints already - the Provence creme and the Provence blue. Once the painting projects are complete, we will work on our lavendar, oleander, olive, grape garden. If we get a new camera, I'll be sure to take lots of photos.

Now that my week of easy recovery riding is complete, it is back to training next week. At this point, it looks like I should be back to the racing scene first part of July. Now if the weather here in Belgium can do a better job of mimicking that of Southern France - sans the floods.

Thanks for reading - this was a long one!

Cheers from Belgium!

2010-05-15T17:55:00.000+02:00

As of today, the sun returned to Belgium. Jonas, Ronny and I decided to follow newly painted "figure 8" markings on the ground (one of a million bike-route markings on the streets of Belgium) so we didnt have to think about where to ride. Our plan went brilliantly until we passed a guy holding a spray can in one hand and a "figure 8" in the other. Even though we had to then decide for ourselves where to ride, it was great. I think everything is always better with a bit of sun.

With all my updates on twitter and facebook, I am sorry to admit that my blog has become the red-headed stepchild regarding my time management plan (if i could get around to making one, that is!)

Since Tour of Cyprus, I've been mainly just training and catching up on little projects. The weather hasnt been too good here in Belgium yet so there havent been too many super long "epic" rides.

After Cyprus, Jonas and I did get to go to the Ardennes for a week (courtesy of his parents) of riding and relaxing which was nice. But of all the days there, i think the sun only came out once. We made the best of it, though, by riding many of the famous Liege-Bastogne-Liege climbs with our two friends Angela and Doug from California.

Our next mini trip was to Houffalize World Cup to watch the 4x and Cross Country mountain bike races. We went as "press" for CYCLOCROSS Magazine (click HERE for the story) and also wrote a story for Dirt Rag Magazine - my first published article for them! (click HERE for the story). (See passes above - The Rabobank pass was courtesy of Jan ten Tusscher - Manager of Rabobank Offroad Team, VIP courtesy of our friend Jo Croonenberghs) It was super strange to watch a race without participating - especially when there are other girls riding. But i got over it after i witnessed the 30th crash. But even though i didnt race, i still got a bunch of cheers, gave autographs, and had my picture taken. Clearly cyclocross fans were there to pass the time until cross season gets going.

As for my own racing this season, I've only done Tour of Cyprus (which i was thrilled to win), and three mountain bike races (1 win and 2 DNF's - my bike broke both times. The photo of Jonas above was taken by mtblily.be at the start of the one race i won.) I think my next mtb races are in late june or early july. But i surely wont be bored until then. Jonas and i are currently packing for our training camp in Girona, Spain. We leave in a few days and will be gone for about three weeks. It helps to have Jonas' mom down the block to collect our mail and check on the house when we go away! She is super woman!

We still have to find rides to do in the Girona area. I think we are also heading a little west from there towards the high mountains for a few days as well. If anyone has any riding ideas...or even ideas where we can find Garmin tracks... We think we found a co-ed road race that we can do there which could be a lot of fun.

On the way back from Girona, we are planning to go to Bedoin to ride Mt Ventoux a few times. I've only seen it from afar when i was on training rides with my old Pruneaux d'Agen teammates Tiina and Sandrine in the Marsailles and Aix en provence area. They were awesome hosts to me! I should have internet during part of the trip so I can post some photos and little stories about our trip.

Thanks for reading!!

TOUR OF CYPRUS stories published on CYCLOCROSS Magazine

2010-04-19T18:54:00.000+02:00

Oops. I just realized i didnt list the links here on my blog. There are lots of fun stories and MANY PHOTOS!

Click HERE for TOUR OF CYPRUS - PART I

Click HERE for TOUR OF CYPRUS - PART II

Enjoy!

Tour of Cyprus a strange but magnificent experience

2010-04-13T20:10:00.001+02:00

Jonas and I recently returned from Cyprus where we competed in the strangest but most fantastic road stage race of my life called Tour of Cyprus! The event was held from 25 to 28 March. It was a co-ed event with guys and gals racing elbow to elbow competing against each other. While we all challenge each other for the overall, the gals also had their own separate ranking which I obviously really appreciated.

But the co-ed aspect wasn’t the strangest part of the race. Instead it was the odd racing setup. Each day we would cover about 100 to 120 kilometers through the gorgeous mountains of Cyprus, but only a set portion of those kilometers were for actual racing. We’d ride some distance for a warmup, then race anywhere from 28 to 55 kilometers, and cool down afterwards for some more.

Before we arrived in Cyprus we didn’t really get the race setup so we assumed it was normal-style racing where you go full blast from the first to last kilometer, with some intermediate sprints along the way. On the first day, we quickly found out that we weren’t the only ones who didn’t realize the racing style. When we rolled out of Larnaca on our way to tackle 120km with 2700m altitude, the pace picked up to a ballistic level three minutes into the stage even though it was still another sixty kilometers before the actual race portion started. I remembered hearing something about a fifteen minute cutoff where if you don’t make it to the feedzones within fifteen minutes after the first guy arrives, you’d be relegated to the cyclotourist group that followed behind us on every stage. So we had no choice but to race the non-racing kilometers too even though it did nothing for our race result.

(photos: 1st - view from feed zone held at a winery, 2nd - Team Malta and Team Belgium, 3rd - me at the start of Stage 1, 4th - second feed zone on stage 1, 5th - Andy Hadjivasiliou at final awards ceremony wearing my Leaders Jersey signed by all riders and support crew with Thomas Wegmüller by his side, 6th - Motorcycle guys, 7th - Louis Princess Beach Hotel in Larnaca - our first and last hotel on the trip, 8th - local kids cheering us on. photos 1-4, 8 taken by Phil Saussus, photos 5-7 by Jonas Bruffaerts)

We arrived at the first feed zone within seconds of the leaders, but we weren’t so lucky getting to the next feed zone. We must have been within the time limit because we – and the many behind us – were able to continue on to the timing section that was immediately after our break. By then, though, all our legs were already toast. Getting up the last mountain pass was like a death march, carnage everywhere. When it was finally over and it was time to get off the bike, it took me about five minutes to muster up the courage to swing my leg over the bike knowing that there’s a good chance that I’ll have a full body cramp.

That evening, I heard some of the racers complaining about the race setup but by the second day every single one of them took full advantage of the unique style and even started to really enjoy it. Instead of racing the non-race sections, they joy-rode it, getting the kilometers in their legs while using the unique opportunity to socialize with the other riders from countries like Germany, Israel, Lebanon, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Poland, New Zealand, Greece, Cyprus and of course Belgium. By the end of the stage race, we were all bonded like one cohesive group – friends on a ride. That didn’t mean that they took it easy on each other during the timing sections. But when they ripped each other’s legs off, they did it with a smile.

Since it was only an hour or so of racing a day, it was perfect for me as a cyclo-cross racer. I was just getting back into riding after an especially long cross season. That combined with the crappy Belgian weather, I hadn’t ridden much in the last month. I needed the kilometers but racing all of them would have buried me, so it was as if the combination of “base” training with one-hour interval training was custom designed for me – or I guess for anyone who needs to build their fitness before summer race season.

I’m sure it was because the racing time block was similar to a cross race that I was able to be effective in the results, which was an exciting surprise for me. The leaders jersey was something I never expected so it was even more special for me. I was also part of the winning mixed team, “Team Belgium”, consisting of me, Jonas, Quentin Finné, and Phil Saussus. We surely earned it as we worked very well together during the event.

Overall, Tour of Cyprus was run perfectly. This was the first time it was run as an international event but you couldn’t really tell. We had seamless support the whole time thanks to Andy Hadjivasiliou – a certified cycling fanatic and supporter. He was also helped out by his wing man Thomas Wegmüller , a former Swiss top road racer in the ‘80s and ‘90s with an impressive palmares consisting of successes like 2nd in Paris-Roubaix, 2nd in Tour of Flanders, 4th in a stage of Tour de France and National Champion.

When on the bike, we had lead Volkswagens, support VW’s, video and camera VW’s, and a fleet of Harleys and one BMW bike (on a side note, the biker guys were too cool. On the last day they treated me to a shot of Ziverna (kind of like a Greek version of Italian Grappa liquor) at the last feed zone on the last day, just after I secured my leaders jersey). Off the bike, there must have been at least fifteen folks helping us out with anything we needed. This didn’t even include the people who gave talks and presentations during the event like Volunteer Doctors-Cyprus who travel the world offering help to those in need like in Haiti.

The meals were all buffet style so I swear I gained a few kilos on yummy Cyprus-specific treats as well as typical food for that region like hummus, potatoes prepared twenty ways, breads, rice dishes, Cyprus wine and vegan desserts. I also pigged out at the feed zones that served a variety of tasty regional treats in addition to the standard bananas and such.

If I have the opportunity to go to Tour of Cyprus again next year, I’ll definitely extend the trip by at least a week or two. Cyprus is absolutely the ideal place for training. The terrain is perfect. They have everything a cyclist could desire – long climbs, both steep and gradual, flat and undulating roads, and cobbled ones for the Belgian in all of us. Although there are no actual bike paths in Cyprus, I felt completely safe on the roads – even on the days before and after the race when we rode around without the group. The few cars that passed us gave us lots of room.

As for the weather, it is more reliable than most places that cyclists go for training. We wore short sleeve jerseys and shorts the whole time and was maybe chilly at most at the start and not too warm on the hottest moments under the sun during our hard efforts. I left with a nice suntan and fond memories of the most magical experience.

The only thing I didn’t get while I was there was that elusive umbrella drink on the beach. There is always next year.

First Mountain Bike Ride in SEVEN YEARS

2010-03-14T19:47:00.001+01:00

Today Jonas and I joined our friend Ronny for his birthday on a mountain bike group ride - they call them toertochten here in Belgium, organized rides with feed zones attended by usually one to two thousand riders. This one was a semi-hilly 60km one.

I did ride the mountain bike for two times last week - both for about an hour each, but it wasnt any preparation for what i did today. I thought since i hold a pro mtb racing license, even competed in World Cup races back in the day, it would feel completely normal. I was so wrong.

As we hit the dirt for the first time, it felt like both wheels just sunk into the ground and it took all my strength to push the bike forward, along the false flat straight line. My heart rate hadnt been that high since that Hasselt Indoor cyclo-cross race a few weeks ago. I must admit that part of the reason why i probably felt like crap was because i had been sick for over a week now and my lungs are still filled with that gooey stuff. But i can easily blame a lot of my sinking sensation is due to the heavier big-wheeled machine.

It took me about thirty kilometers to get over that "cross bikes are so much easier to ride in the dirt" feeling, but only the feeling of additional friction. Steering that thing was a whole other issue i had to work out. It felt so incredibly strange to ride offroad through trees while on the "tops" so i ended up riding a lot with my hands on the bar ends. It felt like i had limited control over the steering since it's rare that i ride on the tops of my cross bike while riding in the woods.I think i was the only one doing that though.

My descending wasnt the best either. After the first descent, Jonas gave me the niener-niener gesture since he beat me on a descent. I definitely got better by the end after i worked a bit on descending on the tops. It also helped me to finally realize that i can mow over mostly everything with those big wheels and suspension - that is once i had the courage to push that button that activates it. I must admit it was also a lot more comfortable to ride on the bike once i figured out just how much stronger disc brakes are than my dainty little cross model that never really stops you, only slows you down.

Climbing was also on a learning curve. When i see mountain bikers climbing, they are always in these tiny gears so i thought that is what i was supposed to do. but every time i did that, Jonas and Ronny were gone - way up the road. I felt like a loony toon spinning like a mo' fo' but going in slow motion. Eventually i worked out the gearing a bit more towards the end. And then there were the super steep climbs where you actually needed that tiny chainring in the front. That surprisingly went well - really well, so that gave me hope that one day i can ride a mountain bike again without making a complete fool of myself. Fingers crossed that "that day" comes by next Sunday, my first mountain bike race. uh-oh.

Here are a couple of photos of me in the backyard taken by Jonas last week, when i was optimistic.

US Cycling Report just published an interview of ME !!!

2010-03-12T14:25:00.000+01:00

yippee!! Lately i have been doing more interviewing than being interviewed so this was a treat - and as always a real honor!

Check it out on uscyclingreport.com HERE!

Looking forward to hearing your comments!

I met former runner Miel Puttemans today

2010-03-11T22:16:00.001+01:00

I have been sick the last few days which is always unnerving since it is rare that a bug gets me like this! But anyway, i have been taking it real easy the last days so i can recover quickly. part of my recovery protocol had me riding with the old mans ride today out of Kortenberg - the one where i met jonas millions of years ago it feels.

On that ride, Jonas pointed to some random guy dressed in Merckx clothing with a bike to match and said that he was Miel Puttemans, the famous belgian runner. This guy has held the world record in most distances including and over 2000meters. He also won the silver medal in the 1972 olympics.

Naturally i had to ride alongside him to tell him that i am a member of his facebook fan club. Based on his reaction i dont think he knew one existed. About two hours later, he rode alongside me to chat. Turns out he is super friendly! He told me that he used to train and race with Steve Prefontaine. He said that there were three of them who would often be well ahead of the others when they'd compete. The third guy was probably the Olympic champion Lasse Viren, who is now better known in history for having introduced blood doping to athletics during the Munich games. He's in fact the guy who finished in front of Miel when he won his silver. Bummer that they werent tested like cyclists are nowadays. If so, Miel would have been Olympic champion.

What i am certain of is that I couldnt imagine running half Miel's speed! When i asked him if he still runs, he said that he's too old at 62 years. He added that anyone over 50 shouldnt run any longer.

Six years ago he took up cycling and seems to be a natural at it! I dont think the other guys on the old mans ride are as happy about it though, as he speeds up every hill before them. Even so, I personally am thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet someone of his caliber. (Of course i also appreciate that i had the opportunity to meet many amazingly talented cyclists - too many to name!)

If you want to join Miel's fanclub to check out his photos, CLICK HERE.

The photo was taken by Geert Keyaerts. It is of Miel's trading cards - just like we have in cycling - too cool!

My First Week of "Off-Season"

2010-03-03T21:47:00.000+01:00

Last Saturday was my last hard effort on the cross bike with a number pinned on my back. It was at 3x World Champion Erwin Vervecken's retirement race party. As it was more of a retirement than a real race, it felt really good to play on the bike without any pressure to ride hard. Watching Erwin hang the bike up for good was a tough moment for many of us who have admired him for a long time now. For the full ten years i have raced cyclo-cross he has been one of the top guys in the sport. Thankfully he is staying in the sport in some capacity. His new job it with Golazo sports, setting up cyclocross and mountain bike events for them.

You can CLICK HERE to read it on CYCLOCROSS Magazine's website. Of course there are lots of photos too so you can feel like you were there.

My first week of "off-season" has been busier than i would have thought. I had all of one day to recover before starting for mountain bike season. Today was my first day on the new (second-hand) mountain bike and it felt strange. I think the last time i rode a mountain bike was six or seven years ago. Jonas joined me on his road bike for this momentus occasion. As i watched him soft-pedal alongside me, i realized how he must have felt all those times when I rode with him on my skinny-wheeled cross bike while he chugged along on his monster truck mountain bike. Big difference.

Tomorrow we will join the Begijnendijk ride for the second time this week. we ride there and back too so it turns out to be about four hours on the bike - perfect for "base training" I suppose. I gotta do something so i am not so out of shape for long rides when it comes time to do 400 mountainous kilometers in 4 days when we compete in the Tour of Cyprus later on in the month. That ought to be an adventure! I do look forward to riding with the sun warming my quads. I'll be the one with my sleeves and shorts hiked up real high to let the sun shine everywhere! Luckily i dont have to worry about sunburns thanks to Doc Martin's of Maui sun block which is sweatproof - and smells like pina colada to get me in the holiday mood!

And More post-season parties after Hasselt Indoor CX race

2010-02-26T16:24:00.000+01:00

I finally finished my last hard effort on the cyclocross bike for the season. It was at an "exhibition" indoor race in an arena in Hasselt, Belgium. I never knew exhibitions could hurt so much! It was two days ago and i can still barely walk around normally from the pain in my legs. Part of it is from doing a somersault in the sand pit when i t-boned a gal who crashed right in front of me and the other part was maybe from all the running, jumping, etc...or from the extended post-race time of standing on my feet in celebration of the season's end.

You can read all about it HERE on the CYCLOCROSS Magazine website. It is complete with photos. You can also find additional photos on my facebook page for your amusement!

Tomorrow is the last time the Zannata cross bike goes out for a stroll. I am taking it to the retirement race for 3x World Champion Erwin Vervecken. A few of us racer chicks are on a heated discussion on facebook as to whether or not we will race it with skinsuits or do the cyclotourist thing. I told jonas i will do what he does that way i dont have to decide. But maybe if all the gals go with one-pieces i may join in. Wanna come too?

Last International Race of the Season Complete...with PARTIES

2010-02-23T23:07:00.001+01:00

Last Sunday was my last big "official" race of the season. It was GVA Trofee's Oostmalle event. The course was lots of fun - very mountain bike-style, the crowds were incredible and the aprés-race parties a blast!!!

I wrote all about it on the CYCLOCROSS Magazine website that was just posted today. Click HERE to read it. There are also a million photos to see as well.

Tomorrow is my last big "unofficial" race. It is called Cyclo Cross Masters - an indoor cyclocross race. Even though it is not internationally ranked, i am fairly certain it will be the hardest! Only twelve gals were invited - and most of them ranked in the top ten internationally. But as for the course, I just saw a video of it and it's like no other!! Click HERE to see all the crazy jumping ramps, sand pits and stuff.

Photo of Jonas, my new official photographer, was taken by Marc Van Est, the one of me holding the incriminating evidence as well as the top photo the was taken by Francois Buyssens. The last was by Dirk Verhelst.

Krawatencross and ECOPOP talk update on CYCLOCROSS Magazine

2010-02-14T20:23:00.000+01:00

I finally got around to submitting my article to CYCLOCROSS Magazine on my action packed weekend. CLICK HERE to read all about it.

Oh, and my interview with Zdenek Stybar is published in the newest CYCLOCROSS Magazine. Very good stuff!

And did i mention already that Jonas got a couple of new toys recently? the first is a fancy camera that takes awesome action shots. The other toy is the Garmin Edge 705 GPS bundle. He is super excited and has been playing with it all day long for the last week. We've even gone on a couple of downloaded rides already.

(photo of me by Dirk Verhelst, photo of jonas by Florent Bouchat)

This weekend was a week off from racing since Saturday's event was "too small" to support a womens event and Sunday's race was Superprestige which isnt particularly supportive of women - not yet. Instead Jonas and I joined our friends Ronny (pro mtb racer), and Tony (who has a mtb that weighs only 7kg) for a mountain bike cyclotourist tour. What a blast! They must have had at least 1000 riders show up to play in the snow and ice. For a good part of the tour we didnt even have to pedal as we'd just slide along on the ice.

On a side note, I ran into another cyclocross racer at the start - Nicole de Bie. I finally got to find out how she went from crap to superstar all in one season. Turns out she and her husband bought a house and they'd been working day and night on it, making her exhausted and giving her no time to train. But now that the house is done she is on fire. Maybe jonas and i need to do some major renovations on the house and time the project to end just before the next cross season begins.

My last official races of the season are this weekend. It'll be a bitter sweet time. But thanks to the Erwin Bolt Uit event the following saturday I wont have too get too emotional over the season end.

Thanks for reading!

ECOPOP and other things...

2010-02-04T20:59:00.000+01:00

This Sunday is my next speaking engagment. Its at the ECOPOP fair - basically a celebration of everything GREEN. On their facebook page, they describe this event as "ECOPOP / bio lifestyle fair / is the first mainstream fair about everything that comes close to bio - eco - sustainability or organic stuff..." What an honor to speak there! I am going as a spokesperson for Organic Athlete and In Defense of Animals.

I am actually very excited about it even though i havent really settled on what i am to talk about. It is at 3pm in Kortrijk, Belgium for anyone who wants to send me good vibes or, better yet, show up and pretend to be entertained!!

On another topic, I just received my international press/media ID card in the mail this week. It is nice to now have all access to events. Then again, i have always had all access to events without the card so I guess not much will change now that i have it. Even so, it's fun to have.

There are only three races left to the season then it's off the cross bike for a bit of time. It will be strange to ride a road bike again after all these months. I wonder if i remember how to clip into the bike with my road shoes. What will be stranger than getting on the road bike after a few months will be getting on a mountain bike after MANY years!! That's right. I am once again making use of my pro mountain bike license. My first mtb race is March 21st, and April 4th is my first UCI mtb race. Depending on how they go, I may or may not race the Houfalize World Cup in Belgium. We'll see.... Either way if feels invigorating to be doing something other than the usual road racing over the summer.

With the mtb races so soon after cyclocross season, I'll be skipping the usual post-season break off the bike. There is also another event that i want to have some fitness for - Tour of Cyprus which is from 25-28 March. They have two separate events - one for cyclotourists where you ride your own speed, and the other is for racers - men and women, everyone together. Jonas and I are doing the latter, which means that we will be standing at the start line every day with pro riders and pro teams like Turkish national team, Greek teams, etc. I still havent seen the start list so I am a little nervous, especially since most of the stages are climbing-heavy.

But even if we finish behind the race, we will at least finish before the cyclotourists which gives us more time to sit around and do nothing, maybe drink a couple extra glasses of wine while we wait for everyone to arrive. To greet the cyclotourist riders upon their return is Jonas with his camera. He is one of the official cameramen for the event. He is even upgrading his camera for the event.

My next race is this Saturday in Lille, Belgium. It is the penultimate round of the GVA Trofee. It is the most sand-heavy event of the season. It will be a total Challenge Grifo XS tubular kind of day! CLICK HERE to see a video of the race. After my race i will be interviewing the new U-23 World Champion Pawel Szcepaniak of Baboco-Revor. Coincidentally he rides on the same bike as I - the Zannata Z45 Cross bike designed by 5x World Champion Roland Liboton.

Thanks for reading! And by the way, we almost hit 10°C here in belgium - a first in many months!!! I think i even saw what resembled a sun.

A Few Spots Left in Tour of Cyprus 2010

2010-01-20T20:02:00.000+01:00

Wanna join me???

Here is the info in CYCLOCROSS Magazine

Vardaros Looks Ahead to Tour of Cyprus

Here’s what regular Cyclocross Magazine contributor and World Cup cyclocross competitor Christine Vardaros will be doing once her season wraps up. She encourages any ‘crossers with a hankering for competition in warm weather to come out and join in on the fun.

Read the Press Release for the Tour of Cyprus below:

A Few Spots Left for Tour of Cyprus 2010

The 6th edition of “Tour of Cyprus 2010” to be held on March 25th through 28th has a few spots left in both their competitive and cylco-tourist tours. The ToC Stage Race offers amateurs the unique opportunity to race with the pros. It is also an important fundraiser for charities such as “Make a Wish” Foundation.

There are two groups to choose from:

Group A – elite/competitive riders. They will complete a tour of approximately 400 km with intermediate sprints. Three leaders jerseys of yellow, green and red will be awarded, in addition to top prizes.

Group B - amateur riders and cyclo-tourists. They will do the same routes but at a more relaxed untimed pace. They have the option to complete as many ToC stages as they wish. In addition, they can step into the follow vehicle at any time to rest and continue later whenever they choose.

Each stage takes riders through the beautiful landscape of the Republic of Cyprus, with sections of the stages climbing into the Troodos Massif and along a number of coastal routes. There are also sections of the Tour that include rides through major cities and picturesque villages. The entire ride will be fully-supported, including energy food, gels, drinks, clothing/luggage transport, mechanical support, security escort motorbikes, police escort and traffic management.

Tour of Cyprus offers all-inclusive packages for the event. Included are: housing, meals, feed stations, farewell party, service and mechanical support, medical support, event tee, event DVD. And the experiences and friendships you make are priceless.

Team and charity sponsorships possible. Last day for registrations to the Tour is January 31, 2010 For those wanting to raise money for the official ToC charities, “Make a Wish” Foundation and "SYKANA" Larnaca, there is the possibility of a “Free 3-nights extra” in Cyprus.

The temperature in Cyprus is expected to be about 70°F (22°C) at this time of year.

TO REGISTER before January 31, or for more information on the tour, visit http://www.tourofcyprus.com/.

You can also visit them on Facebook HERE.

The “Tour of Cyprus” (ToC), is a large scale international cyclosportive event in the Republic of Cyprus. ToC is a multi stage endurance event and is open to elite, amateurs and cyclo-sportive riders.

“Tour of Cyprus 2010” is aiming apart from local participations to encourage international cyclists to live their passion outside of their country and enable them to discover new horizons, in terms of both sport and culture.

The Week of the Yin-Yang

2010-01-19T22:29:00.000+01:00

Actually i guess it would be the "weeks" of the Yin-Yang. Since my last race a couple of weeks ago, i've bene working on balancing my life - equal work and play. The problem is that my work and play is often the same. Sometimes writing seems like a job, other times it's a riot! Same goes for bike stuff. Some workouts i just want to throw the bike off the proverbial cliff and others I never want to end.

Lately I've been doing a bit more writing than usual which mostly felt like fun because i really enjoyed the topics - and the interviews. I've gotten to write about some of my favorite cyclocross riders like Sven Nys, Tom Meeusen, Marianne Vos, Daphny Van den Brand, Sanne Van Paassen, Lars Boom, Gerben De Knegt, Bart Wellens. And of course my off-the-cuff personal column on CYCLOCROSS Magazine (click on the names to read the articles.)

As of this week, I am back up to a semi-normal training program that was once again halted due to an untimely rib break. I honestly dont know how World Champ Niels Albert can race so well only one week after breaking his rib. He is incredible.

As for the fun, Jonas and i actually went shoe shopping - something we've been meaning to do for a while now. We went into about fifteen stores in search of that perfect pair of knee-high boots, or at least a pair that wasnt so wide it swallowed my teeny ankles and calves whole. No luck, so that outing i guess was actually work, now that i think about it.

We've been watching more movies on tv which has been fun since most movies niether one of us has ever seen. This really opens up our movie-watching options. In belgium, on basic tv, you have at least six movies to choose from every night. To further get into the movie-watching spirit, we got electric blankets at the local ALDI discount supermarket so we can watch TV in bed. It goes on the bed under the fitted sheet and you turn it on about an hour before you get into bed so it's nice and toasty. This is a magical experience for us since the heat is never on upstairs where the bedrooms are located. So instead of my normal agony of sliding into a frozen bed that turns my back into a stiff wooden board, it's now like a sauna under the blanket. Now it's not uncommon for us to be in bed by 7pm for "movie night".

Tomorrow is offroad day. Thanks to the warmer weathers hovering just above freezing, all the snow and ice has melted. I expect it will be a muddy day - yippee! Actually today was a muddy day too! When i got back from my morning workout of motorpacing, i was covered in spatters of mud from helmet to bootie. I dont mind the mud but I could have been happy to skip the steady stream of salt-water that nailed my lips thanks to the immense amounts of salt they've used on the roads here for the ice. The salt also did a number on the roads. Belgian roads are not made for salt, so there are now a million more potholes scattered throughout the country. Some i swear are as big as the ones in NYC where cars fall in and cant come out.

Photo is taken by Krist Vanmelle (thanks Krist!)

As always, thanks for reading!!!!!

Pétange, Tervuren, New Writing Gigs, Parties and Workouts (of course)

2010-01-09T20:02:00.001+01:00

If you want to know what i've been up to at the last two races, CLICK HERE. It will take you to my latest stories on CYCLOCROSS Magazine.

I also started writing for a new client, http://www.cyclingnews.com/ .

My first article was on Holland's Gerben De Knegt. Click HERE to read it.
My second article was on Belgium's Bart Wellens. Click HERE to read it.

I also wrote CYCLOCROSS Magazine pre-Nationals exclusives on Belgium's Sven Nys and Holland's Lars Boom . The Sven Nys one is HERE and the Lars Boom should be HERE shortly.

Scheduled for next week are a few more big cross names so keep your eyes on CYCLOCROSS Mag and cyclingnews.com.

As for the workouts, they are going a bit better. The rib is healing nicely, eye infections are almost gone, pancake-sized bruises on the legs are fading and spirits are lifted. Jonas has been especially helpful with that last one, keeping me entertained during the workouts. Thanks to the neverending rain that's keeping the roads covered with a shiny layer of ice, all my rides lately have been indoors. Most trainer workouts jonas has been riding side by side with me on the trainer while we play the music real loud and sing offkey at the top of our lungs - when i'm not burying myself in intervals, of course. He even joins me on the snow runs. The last run yesterday we chased each other a bit, had an impromptu dance contest while skipping to the beat of different iPod tunes, and made shapes in the snow with footprints. Two of Jonas' shapes was a heart and a rabbit while two of mine were a dinosaur and a drill.

Tomorrow is Belgian Championships so i have the day off. I really like racing in this kind of weather so i'm a little bummed but that's how it goes. I'm probably better off so i can have a few more days of non-racing to let the body rebuild - or whatever it needs to do. My next race is January 13 in Surhuisterveen, Holland.

Thanks for reading - AND for all your kind words of support!!!

Zolder World Cup and GVA Trofee's Azencross report online at CYCLOCROSS Mag

2010-01-02T20:51:00.000+01:00

Click HERE for the link to the article.

Tomorrow is my last of 6 races in 16 days and thankfully it is one on home turf. It's about 8km from here - Fidea's Tervuren Cyclocross. After that, i have a full TEN days before the next one.

Thanks for reading!

Scheldecross, Kalmthout World Cup, and Zolder World Cup report

2009-12-28T19:48:00.001+01:00

Sorry it's been a while since i have updated my blog. It does not mean, however that i have been lax in life! You can always catch up on my racing adventures on CYCLOCROSS Magazine. They just published my last report today. Yippee!

The last few weeks i have been busy training, racing, recovering from training and racing, and recovering from a few health incidents like a really bad saddle sore and an eye infection in both eyes that I apparently had for a few months! Here's a photo of what I look like with eye infections. Not pretty. Two of the last three races have been unusual by Belgian standards. We've had a lot of snow lately, something that doesnt happen much here. It completely shut the whole country down with 300 mile traffic jams extending well outside the country limits. But the races continued as planned. Maybe not completely as planned as the first race in Scheldecross (18 Dec.) had a bomb scare. They found a granade just before the mens start, causing the guys to stand - or rather run back and forth - at the start line for a full 45 minutes before getting on with the show. As for my race, it was over within the first lap due to a crash that claimed my bike and some body parts. I had modest designs going into it. Finishing it was the goal since i hadn't trained the last two of the three weeks due to the saddle sore gone awry. But on the first snowy sloppy descent, i couldnt clip into my pedals that turned to ice balls, flew down with both legs sticking out on both sides and took myself out at the bottom. Shockingly enough, i would have made the descent if it werent for a gal running it in front of me. it was either take myself out or smack into the back of her. I'm too nice sometimes. Then again it wasnt her fault my pedals were frozen. The next race, Kalmthout World Cup (20 Dec.), was even more unusual regarding nature's elements. We raced on a full track covered with ice, blanked by a thick layer of snow - in the middle of a blizzard. On a course that had only one good line throughout almost the whole course, wherever you started in the race is where you mainly ended up. The only way that most riders passed each other were when crashes happened. Even so, it was incredibly fun to race in that stuff! What really made it the best race ever, though, was the wonderful cheering i got throughout the course, especially from my loving supporters club. Ever lap, they did a "mexican wave" and popped a confetti bottle just before i arrived so i'd ride through a colorful shiny party in the air! THANKS GUYS!!

Since i am throwing out the gratitude, i want to extend a big thank you to all the wonderful photographers who were kind enough to catch me on film! On this post, i included photos from Cindy Nagels (#'s 3,4,7), Mario Toussaint (#6), Marc Van Est (#2)

My latest race, Zolder World Cup (26 Dec.) was missing the pizazz of white glistening snow but made up for it with muddy, slippery sections including one death drop where i managed to avert death, but only just barely. On one of the laps, i hit a rut at the wrong angle causing my front wheel to turn and flip me on my face - and hip, shins, quads, shoulder and back. After i straightened the helmet and glasses, got over to the pits to get a non-broken bike, i got on with the job.

Tomorrow is yet another race - GVA Trofee's Azencross. The race is famous for its washboard section where the riders bob up and down - great for photos! Fingers crossed for great sensations - makes the racing a lot more fun!

Thanks for reading and have a super merry holiday season!

Koksijde World Cup last Saturday

2009-12-03T19:47:00.000+01:00

Going into the race, I knew I was finally coming onto some real fitness based on my last two races. Unfortunately, the concept that evil always balances out good applied in this case and my race was a bust.

It was a real bummer - no pun intended. To fully understand the pun, CLICK HERE for the details of my trip posted on CYCLOCROSS Magazine.

And while you are on the site, DO check out CYCLOCROSS Magazine's Fantasy Cyclocross. You'll see that I'm presently on top of the leaderboard - not a small feat considering there are 340 teams! I even chose myself for the team!! It may be silly to be excited about it but I AM!

Thanks for reading!

Ereprijs 'Albert Van Damme' Cross

2009-11-24T12:32:00.001+01:00

Last Saturday I had one last chance to test my legs before Koksijde World Cup this weekend. The race was held an hour from home in a tiny town called Laarne in East Flanders. I went there in support of Dan Seaton who is a fellow racer and CX Magazine journalist and in support of my teammate Veerle Ingels who was there to win the East Flanders Provincial Champion's jersey.

As it was a small race, they ran the women in conjunction with the junior guys. The start was super fast, especially considering the course weaves in and out of a farm that just harvested their corn, leaving little 10 centimeter stalks protruding from the ground. Veerle and I got away from the rest of the gals from the start and rode at our own pace till the end. Veerle finishing a bit ahead of me to win the jersey!

What i took away from the race was confirmation that my body is continuing to get stronger over the season. On a power course like that, it is easy to judge your fitness. I was also thrilled to hear again so many cheers for me - even at a local race! What a difference that kind of support can make.

But the highlight of the day was the excitement on Veerle's face when she won the race. When you compete in a country like Belgium where most of the big guns come to race, victories are hard to come by - unless you are marianne vos, daphny van den Brand or of course Katie Compton. So when it happens, you're sure to treasure the moment. I may not have won the race myself, but i was filled with joy nonetheless just by getting to witness Veerle's moment.

As for this week's training, it's been raining nonstop with heavy winds attached. It's so bad out there that I almost got blown off the soccer field during my run. It took ten seconds to clear the field in one direction and three minutes in the other.

Friday we leave for the Belgian coast for Koksijde world cup. Saturday is the race. Jonas and I have a little post-race routine every time we go to this race that includes taking a long walk on the beach while holding hands just like in the romance movies. Jonas' mom reminds me that it's just a phase - haha.

As always, thanks for reading!

Photo on top is from Vlaamse Cyclocross Cup

All the rest courtesy of Cindy Nagels

Superprestige Gavere Race Report

2009-11-16T22:46:00.001+01:00

My race report was just posted in CYCLOCROSS Magazine's site including photos. You can read all about it HERE.

Be forewarned that the article is VERY dirty. teehee.
And on a side note, my teammate Veerle Ingels looked the strongest i have seen her all season! She finished in 11th!! Seems like she is working her way up to top form in time for the big racing blocks to come.

(photo courtesy of Mario Yskout)

Nommay World Cup and Fidea Jaarmaarktcross Niel Races

2009-11-13T21:51:00.001+01:00

After a crappy time in Nommay where my legs just didnt work, i went back to basics in my mind and focused only on positive race experiences i've had in the past. I kept these thoughts up for the next three days until the next race at Jaarmaarktcross in Belgium.

I guess there is a lot of truth to the power of positive thinking. From the first pedalstroke, i was feeling great! Unfortunately i was so taken by surprise by my responsive legs that i got nervous and didnt fight as hard as i could have for top position going into the dirt where we rode single file for quite some time. Oops. I eventually passed a few riders to finish in 14th just behind my teammate Veerle Ingels. The result may not have been spectatular but it did give me a good feeling that if my legs can be great from the start in this race, then why not in the next! I'll only have to wait a couple of days more since this Sunday is Superprestige Asper-Gavere in Belgium. Here I go...

For a detailed race report, check out CYCLOCROSS Magazine. My race report is up now.

Thanks for reading!

(above photo taken by Bart Hazen and below is taken by Francois Buyssens)

Kortenbergcross Report

2009-11-03T19:05:00.000+01:00

Not to be confused with Koppenbergcross. Last sunday i skipped the eight-hour drive to Germany to race with Hanka Kupfernagel and instead went local, really local as in my neighborhood woods. The last time I raced in these woods was a month ago for the 6-hours of Kortenberg relay MTB race. But this time around, it was a skinny-tire'd event.

As there was no women's category since it was held on the same day as European Championships, the three of us who showed were put in the men's 50+ year category. With no series points i had a last row callup, in fact i had no callup at all. I just had to file in behind the guys - and two girls. While i stood at the start, Jonas told me, "Don't let anyone beat you in your own woods." As funny as that was, I did feel a certain hometown pride about racing on my training trails. I even had my own cheering section in the form of Jonas' mom Godelieve, his sister Eva and her kids Lukas and Karel. And Jonas' friend Jo was there to yell. He raced the 40- category later in the day - his first cyclocross race ever!

The race start was on a skinny strip of grass, followed by a tight left hander into a singletrack trail. I was towards the back of the field going into the singletrack but worked on my patience. Periodically I'd pass a guy here and there and was surprised to find that some of them were clearly unhappy about it, whining as i passed. It started to make me think that the race was rigged and nobody told me.

During the second lap of seven, i was passed by one of the gals. I didnt whine although of course i hoped it didnt happen. The one other race we've been in together this year, she beat me by a couple of minutes so I wasnt terribly surprised. We rode together for two laps until i attacked her on a descent while thinking, "not on my turf". I may not be able to beat the men, or even the gal but i sure as hell was going to try since this is MY backyard. For the next four laps I defended my turf, finishing as first place woman and 9th "50+ guy".

The best part of the day was an unexpected compliment I got from a 60+ year old guy as I was about to mount my bike to ride home. He said, "Beautiful. Just beautiful." I dont know if he was compimenting my bike, my clothes, my riding, or my smile. But either way, I took the kind words in as I saw fit, translating them in my head as, "beautiful ass" of course.

I may have showed decently in my local woods, but Nommay World Cup next weekend will be a whole different situation. All the big guns like Hanka Kupfernagel, Marianne Vos, Daphny Van den Brand, Helen Wyman, and Katie Compton will be there. And even the little guns will be there too. But you never know, even BB guns like me can do serious damage when aimed correctly.

Thanks for reading!

Koppenbergcross - Behind the Scenes

2009-10-31T18:31:00.000+01:00

Just in case you didnt read my article that was recently posted on CYCLOCROSS Magazine, CLICK HERE to read.
It contains a lot of history, funny stories and interesting info.

As for my whereabouts, i have been lying low for the last week. Training hard, resting hard, eating well. In fact, i have been eating very well! I made vegetarian lasagna, lebanese wraps, thai-inspired stew of sweet potatoes, chick peas, tomatoes and peanut butter, and lastly banana-banana bread.

I was supposed to go to Germany for a race this Sunday but it looked as though Jonas was about to get really sick so we canceled. Eight hours of driving in one day is a bit much when you're possibly fighting a bug. I think he may be in the clear - lucked out with only one couch day, but the prude decision to race locally seems best. Instead i am racing in my local woods of Kortenberg - ten minutes away by bike. It will be with the boys - or rather men since they are either over 40 or over 50, depending on what category they place me in.

Koppenbergcross Report

2009-10-28T21:18:00.000+01:00

My Koppenberg Race Report is published on CYCLOCROSS MAG ! CLICK HERE TO SEE IT WITH PHOTOS. You can also CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE to the magazine.
Or you can read just the text for the article below.

Koppenbergcross - Racing Is Only Half the Fun! - A Column by Christine Vardaros

October 28th, 2009 Filed Under rider diary

by Christine Vardaros

If I were allowed to put only one race on my “to-do list”, Koppenbergcross would be the one! It has all the elements of my theoretically perfect cross event. The course contains a climb on the world’s most famous cobbles, plows down a technical switchback descent, and comes lined with 20,000 screaming, cowbell-ringing, horn-blowing fans to take the enthusiasm way past any imaginable level. It also has a long, colorful history (see my profile of Koppenbergcross and its promoters).

But now that the race is over, I can’t stop running the day’s events through my head to make sense of my botched start to the race. For the first two laps, I pedaled solidly backwards at mach speed, straight into 25th place. I know it wasn’t my tire pressure since that was approved by none other than Richard Groenendaal just before the race!

But then something clicked and I started to ride - in the forward direction! For the last four laps, I got faster and faster, gradually passing gals, one by one. As I crossed the finish line with two laps to go, I heard the announcer talking about me. He said that my motto was “Ik kan het doen” which means “I can do it”. “Yeah, why not,” I thought to myself.

By the end, I crossed the finish line in 16th. Not a stellar result, but I must admit that the sensations I had on the last lap - it felt like I had wings - made it all worthwhile. People are always surprised when I tell them that, aside from alcohol, I’ve never taken any recreational drugs. Frankly I can’t imagine any drug could compare to the feeling of dancing on the pedals.

Racing at Koppenbergcross is only half the excitement. The other half is watching the men race and, of course, socializing. Before my race, two Americans living in Paris came by for a visit. It’s always fun to meet Americans across the world. Even when there is nothing else in common, just speaking American can be enough of a treat for me. And directly after the race I was given an extra serving of America-speak when Dan Seaton and his wife Mindi Wisman swung by our van while I was cooling down on the trainer.

After my little spin and a rinse-off, Jonas and I headed over to watch the men’s event. Luckily we arrived when Sven Nys was in the front group, since the lap previous he was a few seconds behind the leaders. It would have broken my heart to see that. Like most of the spectators, I was there to cheer Sven on for his seventh Koppenbergcross victory. Every lap, I yelled for my favorites including Sven, Zdenek Stybar, Erwin Vervecken, Jonathan Page, Eddy van Ijzendoorn, Bart Aernauts, Christian Heule, Tom van den Bosch, and Rob Peeters. There were others I didn’t get to cheer for as much as I’d like since they all came by me so fast, I could only get one or two names out per group of riders before they were out of earshot.

Of all my loud American-accented cheers, the one that got the most attention from the other spectators was my custom one “Allez Chickendis” for Holland’s Eddy van Ijzendoorn who races for AA Drink. I started calling him that after reading all his Chickendis Restaurant posts on facebook.

Chickendis is his favorite food joint in Spain. And every time he’s in the country, he reports back to his Facebook friends on every one of his three square meals a day - with photos. A bunch of us who are Facebook friends with him got such a kick out of his updates that we started looking forward to them, like a cult following. They really showed a “fun personality” side of him that fans never see. Once I explain this story to the various groups of inquiring spectators, they always laugh and instantly adore him, becoming fans themselves.

After witnessing Sven pull into the finishing strip for his sixth straight victory in a row, we were swept up by the thick wave of fans and deposited at Jonathan Page’s post-race party. There we ran into Dan and Mandi again for more Amerikaanse -speak. It was the first time I saw JP’s wife Cori in about a year. Seeing her again reminded me of the first time I met her. Many years ago, I showed up at a restaurant to meet Jonathan, Cori and VeloNews’ Charles Pelkey the night before a World Cup. Only I was three hours late, showing up looking like a wet rat - red eyes, tear-drenched face and hair. It was my first time in Europe AND my first time trying to drive a stick shift so it took me three hours to drive what should have been ten minutes away - on the same road as my hotel actually.

That night Cori and Jonathan drove me and my car back down the block. The next morning Cori jogged to my hotel to take me and my car to the race. To top it off, Jonathan lent me a spare bike for the pits. Somehow I managed to come in 10th that day. It never would have been possible without them. (On a side note, did you know that Cori won Koppenbergcross many years ago?)

While I was telling this story to a collection of folks at JP’s party, a man walked up to me, gave me a kiss and walked away. I love Belgium. I suppose if we were in France that would have turned into as much as three kisses as France’s kissing etiquette varies from one to three kisses per greeting!

Our little gathering was next to Jonathan’s bikes which were decked out with the latest and coolest stuff, like the Edge handlebars that come with their own built-in bar end plugs and the non-slip handlebar tape, to name a few. I did find out that his bar tape comes from Belgium’s VDB Parts - the makers of my Zannata bikes. Maybe within the next few races I’ll be using it too. Feeling his tires, it seems he ran about the same pressure as I did, about 1.6 bar. He ran full mud tires for the race, front and rear, but towards the end of the race, when the course was drying up a bit, he switched bikes in the pit so he’d have a front mud and rear Challenge Grifo 32.

To finish up the evening, we first sat in the usual race traffic for thirty minutes to travel two kilometers to the roundabout in Oudenaarde, then drove to Jonas’ parents house on the way home for homemade ballekes (soy meatballs) in tomato sauce, fries, broccoli soup, salad and soy ice cream with caramel sauce.

The next big race is Nommay World Cup in France on November 8th and I am already jonesing for another fix of dancing on the pedals! Thanks for reading.

For Photo Gallery: CLICK HERE TO GO TO CYCLOCROSS MAG

Nacht Van Woerden - night cx race in Holland

2009-10-23T16:03:00.000+02:00

My race report on Nacht Van Woerden was just published in CYCLOCROSS Magazine.
CLICK HERE to check it out.

It is also below - minus a few photos and crucial links.

Night Racing in Holland - a Report by Christine Vardaros

October 22nd, 2009 Filed Under rider diary
Christine Vardaros at Nacht van Woerden. © Bart Hazen

If I could describe racing at night in one word, it would be WOOO-HOOO! OK, well maybe that is technically two words but it just can’t be summed up in one. I suppose unreal or surreal can cover it too.

According to the TomTom GPS, which almost every single Belgian uses to navigate through the small roads in Europe, Nacht van Woerden (Night of Woerden - which is a little town in Holland) was two hours away. But to get there, we had to cross the Antwerpen ring. The traffic is so bad there that they are proposing to build a bridge or tunnel through the whole city to alleviate delays of up to two hours during rush hour. With that said, we left at 2:30pm for a race that starts way past dinner time at 8:45pm. The men raced at 9:45 which is bedtime for most of these athletes. We arrived at almost 5pm, jumped immediately onto the course and did a few rounds before the start of the first race - amateurs and masters at 6:20pm.

While pre-riding, I worked on memorizing every bump, root, the best lines for the off-camber sections - basically anything that can slow me down or possibly knock me off my bike. But once the lights go out, I quickly found that all those memorized little things no longer mattered. Your only focus is to stay between the course linings. I bet if this race were run in the daytime the speeds would be lower. The most dangerous part of the whole event was actually riding to the course and back, weaving through invisible cyclists and spectators. I think I had about four near misses. Jonas walked around with a mini handlebar blinker attached to the zipper of his jacket. Smart guy! Maybe that’s why I married him.

As for the gist of the course, it was a twisty, turny maze. Every few seconds you were slowing down for a tight u-turn in dusty corners and powering out of them. It reminded me a lot of San Francisco Bay Area courses. I had so much fun riding it that I had a tough time wiping the stupid grin off my face. I managed a few times to mask my excitement as I passed the swarms of camera flashes. You can always figure out the location of other riders based on the bursts of light along the course.

This was World Champion Marianne Vos’ first cross race of the season and she rocked it! The only two riders who could stay anywhere in her vicinity were Holland’s Sanne Van Paassen and England’s Helen Wyman who races for Kona. They finished respectively twelve and thirty seconds behind the young sweetheart of cross!

Another amazing performance was put on by Holland’s Reza Hormes-Ravenstijn who, in her first race back after two broken ribs, placed seventh - just ahead of Belgian Champion Joyce Vanderbeken. My result well into the teens was not satisfactory but I felt better than I did even a week ago which gives me a positive feeling. On the upside, I did win 6€ which felt like a lot after Helen told me she won a whopping 25€ for third place. Maybe we both should have gone to Ohio’s UCI3 Festival?

After the race, Helen’s third backup bike was left at our van for safekeeping so naturally I lifted it. What a light bike, especially considering its’ size since Helen is one of the few women who are taller than I. Once she picked up her bike, Jonas and I headed out to watch the men. When we arrived, unsurprisingly we saw Sven Nys in the lead. But what did shock us a little was to see Gerben de Knegt on his wheel. They had a nice gap over a group of six chasers including Holland’s Thijs Al - winner of ‘08 Zolder World Cup, Holland’s up-and-comer Eddy Van Ijzendoorn, Poland’s Mariusz Gil, Jonathan Page, Erwin Vervecken, and Belgian National Champion (elite w/o contract) Ben Berden. Crossing the line, Sven came first with five seconds over de Knegt. He dropped him through a technical section on the last lap. In post-race interviews, Nys said that he immediately realized he was the strongest on the day but kept de Knegt with him because it wasn’t a good idea to ride alone on a course like that. Thirty seconds later came the chase group, finishing in a sprint in the order above. (Check CXMagazine.com for full reports and photos.)

The next race on my schedule is the infamous Koppenbergcross, held in Oudenaarde where, as of this year, the women get to ride the legendary cobbles of the Koppenberg. For those of you who have never set tire on this climb, it is a bitch to ascend. Even when dry, which almost never happens for race day. But the crowds are not hanging around the cobbles. Instead they are lining the treacherous descent which turns into a greasy slip-and-slide when wet. Last year, I think almost every male fell somewhere in the race. The most famous of the crashes happened on the last lap (check CX Mag link above to view a video) where Nys was being tailed by Boom. Both fell but neither one was privy to the other guy’s misfortune since there was a bend in the trail separating the two. They only found out after the race while watching the TV in the podium changing room. (check CX Mag link above to view last year’s report and video.)

Keep tuned to Cyclocross Magazine’s website over the next days. I am about to submit an in-depth behind-the-scenes story on the Koppenbergcross race. What a story it is!

As always, thanks for reading!

Wanna know the secret to my fair skin?

2009-10-16T23:30:00.001+02:00

Doc Martin's of Maui Sunblock. The stuff smells like you are literally on a beach in Maui!
You can read the press release HERE on CYCLOCROSS Mag.

As for the racing, it looks like we are going to have some real cyclocross racing here in belgium for a while since the weather turned for the worse - hard rain and heavy winds. (BTW, i use Doc Martin's for windblock too!)

Two Races Down, Five Months To Go...update on CYCLOCROSS Mag

2009-10-16T21:33:00.000+02:00

My race update was just published on CYCLOCROSS Magazine. CLICK HERE to check it out.

Good News For Women in Cyclocross

2009-10-15T17:01:00.000+02:00

Golazo Sports Elevates Women’s Cyclocross in Belgium

October 14th, 2009 Filed Under cyclocross news in CXMagazine.com

This ‘cross season, Golazo Sports, organizer of the GVA Trofee, Fidea Jaarmaarktcross of Niel, and International Cyclocross Tervuren again elevated women’s competition opportunities in Belgium, the heart of cyclocross. As of this week, they added another one of their events to the UCI Women’s calendar. It is the race in Niel to be held November 11. This makes two new events this year for women (the other was Namur), organized by Golazo, totaling seven of their ten top competition events. As a major race series in European ‘cross, they are setting the tone for other organizers to step it up for women’s racing.

“Women should be treated equal to men in all sports. In tennis, athletics, gymnastics, etc., women’s competition should be on the same level in terms of media and spectator interest,” said Christophe Impens, Managing Director of Golazo. Adding, “It is my hope that one day women cyclocross racers will become as popular as their male collegues.”

When asked how he plans to equalize the sexes in ‘cross, Impens explained, “By giving women more competition opportunities, we think that the spectators will have more appreciation for women’s cyclocross. Top races like Niel and Tervuren will also increase the media interest. And once media interest increases, the financial rewards for female riders will increase.”

Next summer, Golazo sports is taking their women’s advancement protocol to the mountain bike scene by organizing five UCI mountain bike events in Belgium - all with women’s races.

Citadel Namen - GVA Trofee's First Round

2009-10-11T21:49:00.001+02:00

What a gas! I have never done a cross race quite like that! It was so incredibly heavy but a whole lot of fun! I pre-rode the course the day before the race and it was fast but not too tricky, rather straightforward in fact. But after an evening of rain, the course turned to greasy mud.

Mud tires would have been key, would have loved to mount the Challenge Fango's on a wheelset but no such luck. Four wheelsets of mine are hanging out in Belgian Customs. And it appears they are on their way back to USA this monday. Bummer. With this said, what i had to use for the race were old carbon wheels that dont have any breaking surface when wet. On the first lap, just after i cleared the steepest descent, i couldnt slow down and hit the next descent super hot, rode slightly off the well traveled course and slid on a wet root. BAM, catapulted to the ground. Luckily I wasnt seriously injured, although some girls came close to running over my head.

After my encounter with the muddy ground, I slowly made some ground to finish in 17th place, slowly being the key word. I crawled down the descents and gave it everything on the uphill and pavement. After the race, I immediately felt like a rockstar when i saw there was a mini collection of folks waiting for me. Nancy Farzan from California, her friend Yves, and Julie were among them. It was fun to speak english although i dont think i was too fluent. After being in Belgium for so long, I've gotten into the habit of speaking slowly and clearly, choosing words that can be easily understood by anyone who speaks english as a second or third language. I bet Nancy must have thought i hit my head during the race. Thankfully my head was indeed spared this time around!

After slipping out of my muddy one-piece, drinking my recovery shake and riding the trainer a bit, we checked out the men's event. It was amazing to see how fast these guys take the tricky descents.

For those of you who are JP fans, he kicked ass! He rode top ten for most of the race before slipping back into 13th. I was especially excited to see Sven Nys get his legs back so soon after dropping out of the Treviso World Cup the week previous. And today, in Ruddervorde Superprestige, he WON!!! He started near the back of the field due to low UCI points, climbed back up to the front, bridged to World Champ Niels Albert, then rode away from him. The fans went crazy! I must admit I screamed at the TV screen a few times.

GVA Trofee's Citadelle de Namur Creates a Stir

2009-10-09T10:23:00.000+02:00

I just wrote an article on the GVA Trofee's season opener event to be held this Saturday in Namen, the French-speaking part of Belgium.
CLICK HERE for the story published on CYCLOCROSS Magazine.

Wanna Know What Erwin Vervecken is Thinking?

2009-10-01T10:54:00.000+02:00

I interviewed him before the start of the season to find out his thoughts on his last season of cyclocross racing. The intro for my interview was written by John Parbst where he talks about his own personal connection with Vervecken. CLICK HERE to read it.

What are American Cyclocross Racers Worth?

2009-09-28T22:01:00.003+02:00

Belgium has it all figured out - based on their criteria of course! The Belgians run a very popular Fantasy Cyclocross game called Gouden Cross (Golden Cross) where you choose your fantasy team, then watch how they do throughout the season.

When putting your Fantasy Team together, you choose nine riders while staying below the team budget of 200 million euros. The charts provided show the value, in millions, of each rider.

But before you choose a full American squad, be forewarned. There is a caveat; the only races that count for the game are European events like World Cups, GVA Trofee, Superprestige and a few others like Overijse, Scheldecross, Niel Jaarmarktcross and Sint-Michelsgestel.

Jonas and i are submitting our teams this week. One team costs 7€, btw. If you want to try your luck, go to http://www.goudencross.be/ .

AND if you want to PLAY FOR FREE, go to CYCLOCROSS Magazine's Fantasy Cyclocross.
If you play CYCLOCROSS mag's version, you may just win a super cool belgian prize that was just donated by one of the TOP racers. Keep your eyes on CYCLOCROSS Mag's site for the announcement.

I also registered my team on CX Mag. Of course i chose myself as one of the racers! You gotta believe in yourself!

Sneak Preview of the Team Blog

2009-09-24T16:50:00.000+02:00

It isnt nearly done yet, but feel free to check it out. All comments are both welcome and appreciated!
CLICK HERE to reach zannata-championsystem.blogspot.com
Thanks!

Team Zannata-Champion System gets first BIG-TIME Press

2009-09-23T22:22:00.002+02:00

Daily Peloton was the first to publish our Team's Inaugural Press Release.
Read it HERE AT DAILY PELOTON.

First Training Cyclo-Cross Race Complete

2009-09-22T14:46:00.002+02:00

It was with a handful of girls and a swarm of u-19 junior boys. You know you're in Belgium when even the ten year olds are decked out in full team kits down to the matching bikes, clipless pedals, and race faces. It is really something special to see.

The race served many purposes for me. I got to remember (offscreen) what it is like to race cross. What i now remember most is that it really beats you up! You dont even have to fall of your bike and you return with bruises and pains that you have no idea how they were aquired. Bugger!

Among a few other things, I also remember now that my shifters only allow for three upshifts at a time. I was coming off my road bike where i can shift straight from the smallest sprocket to the biggest in one move, so imagine my dismay when i figured out i can only change three gears at a time - in the middle of a super steep climb. After a few mid-hill runs, i finally adjusted.

But overall it was a success. It was the first time offroad with my new bike so I was able to see how it handled under pressure - my guess is that it handled it a bit better than I. haha. I was pretty nervous before the start, wondering what it was going to be like. And now i know.

It was also the first time wearing the new team kit with new bike in public. I forgot how much fun it is to be fancy and new! I got a bunch of looks, questions and some even stopped to take photos of me and the bike. As goofy as it sounds, it made me feel special. I am so incredibly thankful for that.

Here are some photos from the race so you can check it out for yourself. Photos were taken by Francois Buyssens.

My next race is yet another training one with the boys this saturday. Then the following friday i am off for Treviso, Italy. The first round of the World Cup Series. After the race, Jonas and i plan to spend an extra two days in Venice to unwind. I dont know if i look more forward to the race or to our post-race activities!

As always, thanks for reading!!!

Ready, Set...GO FANTASY CYCLOCROSS

2009-09-18T19:14:00.002+02:00

With cyclocross just around the corner, it is time to pick your fantasy team. CYCLOCROSS Magazine has an online game where you choose your ideal team from a list of riders. If you choose well, you can win BIG PRIZES - in addition to bragging rights of course! There are some Belgians registered as well. Think you know the riders better than they do? PROVE IT!!

CLICK HERE TO PLAY!!!!

First ride on the Zannata Z45 Cross Bikes

2009-09-16T23:31:00.007+02:00

After staring at that one photo i had of the new cross bike, I finally got to ride the real thing today. Talk about getting you in the mood for cross season! The bike feels solid, responsive and most importantly it looks good on me.

Tomorrow the Champion team clothes come...again. Hopefully they will be the ones intended for me this time. A few days ago i got teammate Veerle Ingels clothes by accident. I figured it out when i opened the box and pulled out what looked like barbie doll clothing. They were so tiny i couldnt even try them on to see if there was any way i could swing it. Oh, to be as small as Veerle...so i could wear the clothes right away!

After Jonas and I get the clothes, we are heading over to the mobile home store to order an awning for the travel van - one of my priorities. Being able to stay dry at the races is such a luxury! Two weeks ago we got one of Jonas' priorities - cruise control.

Last Sunday our 6 hr MTB relay race went really well! We were 2nd place mixed team and i personally won a year's supply of Persil brand clothing detergent for being the fastest girl - or was it the girl who traveled the farthest to be there, all the way from America! We weren't paying attention to what they were saying until we heard something about an american woman. oops. Either way, that was super cool! Our team sported the stylish Vanderkitten jerseys as i didnt have my new team clothing yet.

The next two weekends are local races then it is off to Treviso, Italy for the first round of the World Cup. Afterwards we are going to Venice for a couple of days to be tourists - on bikes so we can still get in the training rides since the following weekend is GVA's Citadel van Namen. I am writing an article on the event for CYCLOCROSS Magazine at some point soon so keep an eye on it!

On a side note, I want to wish Bart Wellens a speedy recovery. I just heard on the radio that he has a chronic fatigue type of virus. That sucks. He said that means no races, no training, no nothing for him. And he just told the press recently that this is the best preparation he's ever done for cross season.

Thanks for reading.

My second to last road race completed

2009-09-08T17:04:00.004+02:00

Yesterday i did a criterium in West Flanders called Avond van Zonnebeke. I normally wouldnt travel a whopping 1 1/2 hours in a car just for a local road race (yes, we are spoiled in belgium), but it was a crit - my favorite of all road races. It was 40 rounds of 1.75km. And bonus was the slight rise every lap.

The first 30 or so rounds went well. I felt fresh and even briefly showed my face in the wind a couple of times. But then I hit a wall. I dont know if it was the heat or maybe i went too deep in my cyclocross workouts lately but it surely didnt feel good. Thanks to the mini climb i was able to relax a little every lap and stay on with the peloton for the sprint, although my sprint was more like slow motion. I got out of the saddle and went through the physical motions of a sprint but my actual speed was more that of a cyclotourist.

It was the tiniest field of the years with only 25ish starters. I finished 18th - yes, only 18 finished the race. I won a total of €22.50; €12.10 start money and €10 prize money. Did you hear that two days ago Contador won a criterium here in Belgium? He was paid €50,000 start money. I doubt even Marianne Vos gets close to a fraction of that from any race organizer. And she has a much better finishing salute - possibly the best of all bike racers. It is so animated it can bring tears of emotion to the unsuspecting.

The real superstar of the day was a british gal who basically motorpaced us the whole time mainly well over 40kph, except for the climb where she lowered the pace to the mid 30's. Then she whipped us all in the sprint. I heard she is World Champion on the track. If you see her, she even LOOKS fast - long and thin like a greyhound. Unreal.

After the race, Jonas and I met up with Krist for a drink. I had my usual Ice Tea. Then i tried a Bellevue Kriek beer - it is a girly cherry beer that is usually more sweet than alcoholic. Bellevue was just the opposite so after two sips - one to try and one to confirm - it was over.

Next race is this Sunday. It is a 6-hour MTB relay race with jonas, ronny, kris (jonas' sister's husband) and me. I will be the one with the cross bike. Theoretically my cross bikes and clothing arrive this week so i may get to test them out in the race.

What Does Gordel Mean?

2009-09-06T16:43:00.003+02:00

Usually it means belt. But one day a year here in belgium, it means chaos on wheels. Today is the day. Bikes everywhere, many thousands of them. In fact, the whole of Brussels is closed down and closed off to cars on this one day. It is the day where "real" cyclists, alter their normal training routes to avoid the Gordel Tours.

Today i did my training ride with Jonas and Ronny. Since i got to pick the first part of our ride so i could tailor it for my specific workout, I choose a Gordel route (but in the opposite direction - i'm not THAT massochistic!) We dont have Gordel rides in America of this magnitude so it's a spectacle to me, something not to be missed. It was great! The riders served as a sort of moving film. Some riders had oversized balloons tailgating their bikes. Others brought their whole family - I am still amazed how one woman put all four kids on her bike. And the power she must need to propel that bike forward! I think my favorite was the old woman with her dog in the handlebar basket. She must have been about 85 years old but in true belgian fashion she was hauling ass on her 40kg town bike with barely 30psi (little over 2 bar) in the tires.

After my efforts were over, i handed over the route-choosing to Jonas, who immediately took us off the Gordel route. Party over. But thanks to Jonas' inattention, Ronny shortly took command and we were BACK on the Gordel route. Just out of curiousity, i finally asked Ronny why he would choose to ride along the cyclotourist parade route. His hand motion of drinking said it all - FEED ZONE! On all the Belgian tours, there are feed zones every few kilometers. Sure enough, five minutes later we were enjoying drinks courtesy of Gordel. Clearly, Ronny has a zwarte gordel (black belt) in seeking out the one benefit of the Gordel ride for non-gordel riders.

Tomorrow is an evening criterium, Avond van Zonnebeke. Afterwards, we are having a drink with our friend Krist at a cafe. Considering there is at least one cafe in every belgian town (NO MATTER how small that town is) i bet we will have no problems finding one. In fact, race registrations here in Belgium are usually held in cafes - yep, smoke and all.

And after this race, all focus is on CROSS!

Thanks for reading.

2009-10 Cyclocross Season Calendar (almost) Finalized

2009-09-05T20:48:00.003+02:00

Wanna know where i will be the next months?
Here is my tentative list. Changes will probably be made, but the bulk of the events will remain the same.
Hopefully you can come out and see me at one or more of the events!
Thanks.

UPCOMING EVENTS
13 Sep: 6 Uren van Kortenberg - BEL
26 Sep: Stabroek - BEL
4 Oct: Treviso World Cup - ITA
10 Oct: GVA Trofee CX Int'l Namur – BEL
20 Oct: Nacht Van Woerden - NED
25 Oct: GVA Trofee Koppenbergcross - BEL
8 Nov: Nommay World Cup - FRA
15 Nov: Superprstige Cyclocross Gavere - BEL
21 Nov: Int Döhlauer Crossrennen - Döhlau bei Hof - GER
22 Nov: Karl-Wagner-Preis Int – Strullendorf - GER
28 Nov: Koksijde World Cup - BEL
6 Dec: Frankfurter Rad-Cross - Frankfurt a/Main - GER
13 Dec: US National Champs - Bend, OR - USA
18 Dec: Scheldecross - Antwerpen - BEL
20 Dec: Kalmthout World Cup - BEL
22 Dec: GP Montferland - Zeddam - NED
26 Dec: Heusden-Zolder World Cup - BEL
29 Dec: GVA Trofee Azencross - Loenhout - BEL
1 Jan: GP Hotel Threeland - Pètange - LUX
3 Jan: Vlaamse Witloof Veldrit - Tervuren - BEL
13 Jan: Int. Centrumcross van Surhuisterveen - NED
16 Jan: Int CX Huijbergen - NED
17 Jan: Roubaix World Cup - FRA
24 Jan: Hoogerheide World Cup - NED
31 Jan: World Championships - Tabor - CZE
6 Feb: GVA Trofee Krawaten Cross - Lille - BEL
20 Feb: Lebekke - BEL
21 Feb: GVA Trofee Int'l Sluitingprijs Oostmalle - BEL

Wanna hear about my NEW Cyclocross Team?

2009-09-04T20:01:00.009+02:00

Yep, I have a new cyclo-cross team! It is a small one with two elite riders, me and Belgian powerhouse Veerle Ingels. Our sponsors are Zannata, Garage Van Ermen and Champion System. And i couldn't be any happier!

The bikes and clothing are set to arrive next week so you will have to settle for photos of photos for the moment. As you can tell, we will easily be the best looking team in the peloton! The World Champ stripes are in tribute to Roland Liboton who worked with Zannata boss Johan Moeyersons (pictured with his bike) on the cyclocross frame. The clothing design came from David at Garage Van Ermen who is always Mr. Fashionable so naturally the clothing reflects his style.

Now that the bulk of the team stuff is handled, i am busy with getting everything else in order. I'm always amazed by how many little tasks are necessary just to race my bike.

Regarding the fitness, I have been doing the work - training hard, eating well but you never quite know what to expect until the first cross races. If the few road races i've done so far is any indication, it is theoretically coming along. I have felt pretty solid during the races. My wheels and tires, however, have fallen apart. In only a handful of races i managed to go through two new tires, two Mavic Ksyerium SL wheels, and three flats in total. A few more intervals, hard workouts, training races and i should hopefully be ready to go for cross season!

Next weekend is my first offroad test. I am competing in 6 hours of Kortenberg, a mountain bike relay race with three others; jonas, Kris (jonas' sister's husband), and Ronny. Of course i will be on the cross bike.

The following day i am racing my last road event. After that it is two more training cross races with the junior men and off to Treviso, Italy for the first World Cup on October 4th. Oddly enough, i am already nervous and excited for this race! I also love road trips so that always adds to the excitement.

Until next update...thanks for reading!

CYCLOCROSS Magazine GETS Interviewed!

2009-08-18T18:53:00.002+02:00

In The Crosshairs, a website created for ALL levels of cyclocross riders and racers, recently interviewed Andrew Yee, publisher of the World's ONLY Cyclocross Magazine to give us a behind-the-scenes look at how a magazine comes about. And in the process, we get to read all about the guy who made it happen. Nice interview!

CLICK HERE to read it.

Tour de France Belgian Newspaper Highlights

2009-08-03T17:36:00.007+02:00

"Fireworks canceled" The cartoon was in response to the fireworks expected in the high mountains, only for the top GC's to conservatively hold their places in the GC line.

Top story: Lance Armstrong is quoted as saying that doping control at

6am is not humane. He claims it was the French Anti-doping agency's political game.

The king Alberto cartoon is pretty self

explanatory. I started to like Contador until his final podium appearance when he completely DID NOT thank his team and support crew for getting him onto the podium.

And i wonder who the "lucky guy" is who ends up buying lance's bike for €700,000. Crazy.

"Last hope for the boss." The livestrong anklebands was a nice touch. My favorite of all the Tour titles in the newspaper was "'The BOSS is BOOS'" which means "The boss is angry". I love how creative the Belgians are with their wordplay. Belgians seem to play with words much more than americans.

"Armstrong doesn't give up 2nd place" - he surely did fight, or rather struggle, for it too. He is definitely not the Armstrong of years past. hmmm......

Speaking of...there are two new drugs on the market. I am particularly impressed with the second one called Aicar. They tested it on runners and apparently if you take it for four weeks - WITHOUT exercising - you can run Apparently, if you take the pills for one month WITHOUT exercise, at the end of the month you can run 23% longer than four weeks ago and have 44% more endurance - according to studies done on lab mice in La Jolla, California. The article went on to say that to have better condition without exercising is everyone's sexual fantasy, surely that of the topsporters. The drug is not yet on the market so dont bother looking for it in your nearest pharmacy. Personally, i just dont see how something so effective in cheating a daily regimen of a healthful diet and exercise can be good for you.

In many of the stages, if you look just behind sprinter Mark Cavendish who won every "sprinter" stage and even some non-sprinter stages, you'd see America's Tyler Farrar, or should i say America's AND Belgium's. The Belgians have readily accepted Gent-based Farrar as one of their own. His fluency in Flemish really won them over! The title of this profile article says, " Normally i'd be at the Gent festival now." He does say later on in the article that "The Tour is also not bad."

What i admire most about his Flemish is his confidence to talk without stressing over words he doesnt know or over making mistakes. When he doesnt know a word, he just plugs in the english equivalent and keeps on going! Excellent!!!

Every day while the Tour was going on, the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad was running the daily stories from the 1969 Tour de France. This story is titled, "Where is the tour winner?" Apparently Eddy Merckx was left behind at the post-Tour party in Paris. His team forgot him. They finally found him after an hour of searching.

Next are photos of post-tour crits (my races as well as the boys) and even one of Sven Nys. Stay tuned...

Gossip from Belgium AND birthday party photos

2009-07-19T12:11:00.005+02:00

Tommeke, Tommeke, Tommeke...what to do with Tommeke. I bet this is what Quick-Step Team Manager Patrick Lefevere is thinking right about now.

After a tour stage a few days ago, a reporter told Boonen that Lefevere said he is not good enough. Boonen replied, "Has Lefevere said that I am not good enough? Then he may come sprint himself." ("Heeft Lefevere gezegd dat ik niet goed genoeg ben? Dan mag hij zelf eens komen sprinten.") In response to this, Lefevre responded, "When i get paid a salary of Boonen, i would go there and sprint myself!"

I wonder what team he will ride for in 2010. He is Belgian National Champion, so surely there will be lots of offers coming in. Heck, if i had a team i would hire him myself! He's a colorful rider who can produce - just three months ago i clearly remember his hands in the air in the Roubaix track. He also won Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne and a stage in Tour of Qatar.

On the cyclo-cross side, Bart Wellens is STILL trying to shake his jokester playboy reputation he acquired many years ago. While guest-hosting one of the Tour's post-stage discussions on TV, Wellens assured his fans that he is working extremely hard for the upcoming season, taking it very seriously. Everything he does is for cyclocross. All he wants now is for his fans to acknowledge his hard work and drop his old image once and for all.

Regarding the Tour, while watching Saturday's stage on Belgian TV, the race announcers were very confused by Garmin's move to the front of the peloton n the last 15km of the stage. They finally decided that there was no reason for them to be up at the front. Was it an American thing? Did they not want Hincapie to take yellow? i suppose only the Garmins know the answer.

"The Boss is boos" (angry in dutch) - was the title of the sports section of the newspaper a bit ago. I can say it clearly applies to Sunday's stage as well. If Armstrong really had the legs, he would have gone with Andy Schleck or the handful of other guys that jumped away from him after Contador was long gone. I wish Armstrong would have given permission to Andreas Kloden to ride his own race so he could have at least improved a bit on his GC ranking. I was glad to see Armstrong acknowledge Contador's supreme prowess. Armstrong may not be the strongest guy in the race but he did a very good job of bringing his fitness back up to the highest level after so many years off.

On a completely different topic, yesterday was my birthday. Here are photos from my birthday dinner at Jonas' parents house. His mom made a completely vegan meal. We had stuffed zucchini, salad, rice, champagne, wine and two apple tarts with soy whipped cream and soy ice cream. One of the tarts was made by her and one by me - can you guess who made which? Hint: mine was sugar and fat free.

I'm a Big Garden Now...

2009-07-11T18:26:00.011+02:00

Less than a month ago, we planted a garden in the backyard. But shortly after looking at other gardens in the area, i quickly realized that starting most of it from seeds may not work considering everyone else's veggies were as high as an elephant's eye.

Even if we were off the back in planting the garden, it finally GREW. The first two weeks almost nothing happened, but once the rain came it just took off! So far only the radishes are ready but fingers crossed that the rest will be edible before the weather turns for the worse. Here in Belgium you never know when that could happen.

As for my ride today, we went out for an organized bike tour of 125km. I expected the ride to be relatively easy but after the first two kilometers, my hub had other plans. It decided that if i stop pedaling to coast, it will blow up. So the next 123km was constant pedaling. High speed turns were the trickiest. After the ride, my legs were so sore I had to ascend the stairs to the bathroom on hands and knees. Humbling.

Next race is this Wednesday in Arendonk - many towns away. I have a feeling the next days will be easy on the bike so they are well rested to be tortured again.

Thanks for reading!

I am an Official Vegan Voices Around the World

2009-07-10T11:22:00.002+02:00

There is a website that lists all influencial people in the Vegan movement and i was just added yesterday! It isn't the same as having a star on the streets of Hollywood for all to walk on but, then again, I'd take being acknowledged for promoting veganism through sport over being acknowledged for my acting skills any day. Heck, I can't even lie well!

If you want to check it out, CLICK HERE and scroll down to the V's by last name.

I may not have won the race, but...

2009-07-06T23:13:00.002+02:00

I bet i enjoyed it the most! My last road race was almost one full year ago so naturally I entered this one with much trepidation. After taking many months off of racing and hard riding for therapy and rehabilitation, I had no idea what to expect.

Sure, I'd done the work leading up to this race to be theoretically fit. They say that if you put in the work, results will follow. But does that always pertain to bike racing? Or is bike racing a whole different level of reality... What if you put in the work but you're building on a shoddy "base" or pedaling many hours while seated in a poor bike position? I'd expect in those cases what you'd get is a whole lot of wasted time with no results.

I wish fitness buildup for bike racing was as clean and neat as a mathematical equation. Maybe that is why i've always been into science - did you know i was pre-med at Columbia University? I espoused the career path of becoming a doctor so fully that even my own father couldn't accept that I'd give it all up to be a bike racer.

He finally let go after watching me in a cyclo-cross race in Southampton, NY. I sometimes wonder that if i didn't win the event, if he would have written the bike racing off as a tiny hobby and continued pestering me about my former career path in medicine. I surely dont miss the family reunions where all the little kids - and even the parents - would line up to ask me about their aches, pains and strange symptoms.

But back to the road race, within a few minutes I realized that my months of hard work were thankfully not wasted. I rode easily with the peloton with fingers up my nose - as they say in Belgium - at average speeds of over 40kph and even as high as 57kph. The only time i was at my limit was when i tried to chase down my former Lotto-Belisol teammates Liesbet de Vocht and Kim Schoonbaert. I suffered and failed. But i still enjoyed the moment so much that i started to laugh at myself to think i could bridge to some of the strongest racers in the world - and in my first bike race nonetheless.

When the peloton finally whipped by, it took a little fighting to get my body to lift and match the pace of the peloton. I would like to think nobody could physically see i was struggling since that look would not have gone well with my fancy white SCOTT Addict bike with pink and blue trim and my matching SCOTT Contessa Line outfit - white with silver trim (thanks to Eddie and Dries).

With about four laps to go, fellow cross racer Helen Wyman jumped with one other gal. They stayed away until the end with Helen lifting her arms in glory!

I may have only placed 40th of 78 finishers (I've never been much of a sprinter), but i am truly satisfied - and of course immensely thankful - that it felt easier than i ever imagined it to feel based on previous experiences. For the last two years, it took many races before i could stay with the peloton until the end. And even then i suffered so badly the whole race!

I expect that some of the upcoming races will feel a lot worse than my first one, but i welcome the pain if that is what it takes to be the best cyclocross racer i can be this season!

On a side note, I'd like to thank some my fellow racers for their kindness and support. I even got a few "you're doing great" comments during the race! It was also special to see some friendly faces in the crowd like Ronny, Pannekoek, Jonas - of course, his mom, and the guys from the Zaventem group ride and Old Mans Ride who help me train and came out to specifically cheer for me.

One of the guys from the Old Mans Ride even kept me company - or rather heckled me - at the start line. Since i too am a jokester, i joked back. After two minutes of our playtime, i looked up only to see a few of the racers staring at me. At that moment i realized it was because our conversation was in Flemish and they'd never heard me speak it. I still have a long way to go to semi-master the language but it felt good to be able to understand good heckling when it is aimed at me!

My next race is scheduled for 15 July. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for reading AND thanks to all of you for your support over the years!

photo credit: Ria van Looveren

I Need Your HELP in Winning VegNews Contest

2009-07-01T21:22:00.008+02:00

I need your HELP in winning the 2009 Veggie Awards. I have been nominated in two categories:

1. Favorite Athlete (page 5)

2. Favorite Column. (page 6)

As you know, i have worked super hard to earn these nominations and would LOVE the opportunity to be acknowledged for this. The additional exposure can help me to reach even more people with correct information (aka the Truth) on health/nutrition/fitness.

Please take a few seconds to click on this link to vote for me:

CLICK HERE!

You can vote as many times as you want and you DON'T have to fill out any identifying info if you choose not to.

Just go directly to PAGE 5 and PAGE 6 and vote for me in the two categories if you are short on time.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!! It will be very exciting if we can make this happen. I This may just be the first thing I win (outside of a bike race!)

In order for your vote to count, you must vote for at least 50% of the categories. If you need any ideas, here are some of my favorites:

Page 1: Favorite Vegan Cookie: The Inspired Cookie
Page 2: Favorite Energy Bar - PROBAR
Page 3: Favorite Accessory Line - Vegan Queen
Page 4: Favorite Veg Event: Veggie Pride Parade
Page 5: Favorite Athlete: Christine Vardaros
Page 5: Favorite Cookbook Author: Colleen-Patrick Goudreau
Page 5: Favorite Website: CompassionateCooks.com
Page 5: Favorite Veg Forum: Veganbodybuilding.com
Page 5: Favorite Podcast: Vegetarian Food for Thought
Page 6: Favorite Column: VegFitness (Christine Vardaros)

And one more thing - each submission is entered into VegNews Magazine's Grand Prize Drawing to win fabulous prizes. Read below for more details on that.

Welcome to the 2009 Veggie Awards™, the largest survey of its kind in the world. By voting, you and thousands of other VegNews readers will choose today's hottest vegetarian people, products, and places. This annual celebration has become one of the magazine's most anticipated features, with winners announced in the November+December "Best of Vegetarian" holiday edition of VegNews. Need an extra incentive to vote? All submissions will be entered into our Grand Prize Drawing to win insanely fabulous prizes including:
Grand Prize: TROPICAL GETAWAY FOR TWO Experience total tropical bliss on this unforgettable getaway for two. Included is roundtrip airfare courtesy of JetBlue to whisk you away to Deer Run Bed and Breakfast in Key West for a relaxing five-night stay. Spend your days lounging on the beach with a Hit-the-Tropics care package while nibbling on a dozen Coconut Key Lime Cookies from Allison’s Gourmet. Before or after your stay, you’ll be treated to an intimate dinner at Florida’s renowned vegan restaurant, Sublime.
First Prize: HIS & HERS URBAN BAGS Fine-tune your fashion sense with two ultra-chic designer bags by Matt & Nat, full of sophisticated loot for the style-minded guy and gal. “His” holds a signed copy of Skinny Bastard, a LiViTY Fedora hat, and luxurious LUSH shaving cream. “Hers” offers a signed copy of Skinny Bitch, a chic cosmetic case from Micio Mambo, and LUSH’s Dreamwash Shower Smoothie.
Second Prize: VEGAN ICE CREAM STARTER KIT Create the ultimate dairy-free fantasy in the comfort of your home with this stellar starter kit. Salivate over every page of your signed copy of The Vegan Scoop before taking one of the gourmet recipes for a spin in your brand-new Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. Dole out a double scoop in a Daisy Dog Studio ice cream sundae bowl, and top off your masterful creation with a drizzle of Chocoreale sauce, delivered in a trio of mouthwatering flavors. (two winners)
Third Prize: CHOCOLATE SMORGASBORD Indulge in the definitive vegan chocolate goodie box custom designed just for the Veggie Awards by Pangea Vegan Store. Guaranteed to fulfill your dark-chocolate desires, chocolate-covered sandwich crèmes, rich chocolate candy bars, chocolate peanut butter cups, rocky road bark, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and white-chocolate chips make for one decadent experience. (three winners)
Plus, Weekly Giveaways! PIZZA KITS Turn your kitchen into a pie-tossing pizzeria with Follow Your Heart’s Pizza Kit. Included are one perfect pizza crust, mouth-watering pizza sauce, and two packages of Vegan Gourmet cheese. Throw on your favorite toppings, bake, and bask in your culinary creation—the ultimate vegan pizza. (four winners)
The Details: Ballots must include identifying information and be at least 50% complete to qualify for prizes. Entries must be received between July 1 and July 31, 2009 at midnight. Nominees are based on the companies receiving the most votes in the 2008 Veggie Awards, and we encourage you to submit write-in votes. Happy voting!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=oes_2f0tloz0fA1jHSyPxMyw_3d_3d

Holy Crap Table !!!!

2009-06-29T22:22:00.002+02:00

The dice were not on my side this week. My yahoo account was hijacked and sent "casino" spam to my 935 address book contacts. I am feeling like a big loser at the moment.

What surprises me most about the whole experience was some of the responses i got.

Here's my top 10 countdown:

10. "Always bet on black."

9. "New writing job? Hit me!"

8. "I've been looking for more info about how to work from home and play casino games..."

7. "Could you explain this to me? I could never remember all those situations. (in BlackJack). Are you doing this?"

6. "Yep, you are now a cyclocross goddess *and* a gambling queen! :-)"

5. "diverting from the porn sites - or is this how you afford to visit them?"

4. "I just won three bucks!"

3. "Christine, you moved from Vegan to Vegas apparantly..."

2. "do i get a free cocktail with every visit?"

1. "how fucking sad to get this kinda crap from someone i used to have respect for".

I am so sorry to all of you who received the spam. And thanks a bunch for your understanding and humor.

A Real Belgian Birthday Party

2009-06-29T19:59:00.005+02:00

Last Friday night was a late one - till 5am to be exact. It was Jonas' mom's 60th birthday celebration.

The party started with champagne hour in the backyard of the party hall. We were given a choice of champagne, kir royale or some spiked orange juice which they aggressively refilled for a full 1 1/2 hours. The average partygoer probably had about 6-8 glasses before staggering indoors for the formal 5-course sitdown meal. The next hour or so was a bit fuzzy for me - and i only had 2 glasses of champagne! I still dont know how the Belgians drink that much and act completely sober. Maybe after my cycling career, i will investigate!

Jonas' mom, Godelieve, was kind enough to have the caterers make a full vegan meal for us. Of all the courses i was most impressed with the main one. They gave us a vegan meal with the same layout as the meat counterpart but replaced the raw beef with tempeh circles on a flat piece of tough seitan. I didnt even know those products existed in Belgium.

And of all the entertaining events of the evening, I enjoyed most the dancing. Watching Godelieve dance with her husband Juul of 40 years was priceless - especially when he grabbed a quick butt squeeze when he thought nobody was looking. Early in the evening, the DJ played a string of old belgian folk songs. I can only assume that these songs were dated since the older generations took center stage to line-dance.

Later on, the party on the dance floor morphed into full chaos to include chubby checker and saturday night fever moves. Oh wait, that was me. The rest were doing versions of everything from Elvis Presley to hopscotch. As an avid peoplewatcher, i was deleriously enthralled. One of the animated dancers was Mahina, Jonas' cousin's (Phillipe) wife. She just returned from the hospital that afternoon after having a baby and still had the energy to move her booty. Incredible.

Although the party went on until 5am, the truth is that I didnt last that long. I only made it to 2am. I was out-partied by Godelieve's friends and family - all a generation older than I!