Day 7- Thursday, April 6, 2006

GP Pino Cemani  

Off to Mons/St. Ghislain for the 41st Grand Prix Pino Cerami.  This was a UCI  Continental race and the security was less than for a Pro-Tour event.  The team caravans lined up on a side street off the Markt Square and all were welcome to view their pre-race preparations. 

 

This race was 177 km in length with the first part through the flat Belgian farm land, followed by six-12km circuits.  The circuit including a long easy climb and 2 brutally steep climbs.  After watching 2 circuits from the finish area, I set out to ride the course. 

 

The first steep climb came halfway through the circuit and was lined with people, who cheered CyclingRevealed’s old guy up the hill.  A quick stop at the top to watch the race fly up what I had just struggled to complete!?!  The third climb was even tougher.  If this is Belgium there must be a steep cobbled climb… and yes, here it is.  Again the 20%+ climb was lined with cheering fans. 

 

Finally back to the finish line I followed an old Belgian straight through the finish area, now over flowing with fans.  The Pros were now 5 minutes away.  You could tell because here was the car with loud speakers singing one word RODANIA.  This car preceded the entire race and was the mark that the riders were approx. 2 minutes away.  “Demie sipping” fans sang along as it passed. 

 

The lead group was now in site as one SKIL rider blasted off the front to take the victory.  I stood in the team support area (approx. 300 meters past the finish) where the riders started their post race cleanup.  All the riders were quickly washed by sougniers the winner returned to the podium, the others went to the team busses for post race discussions.

 

Back at the hotel Pro-Tour’s Credit Agricole joined Francaise des Jeux in Mont Saint Aubert.  Thor Hushovd, winner of Gent-Wevelgem is right down the hall.  I knew this hotel was excellent when I reserved it but obviously Pro-Tour teams share my opinion.