Overall, the race was pretty good for our team.   A few minutes before the start, the skies opened, the rain started, and the conditions stayed cold, wet and harsh for the next 3 hours.  The speed was high from the beginning.  Immediately, there were flurries of attacks.  Very early, within the first 10km, there was a break off with all the major teams represented.  Flexpoint had Saskia Elemens in it, and we were content to let that go.  Behind, Mirjam, Anita, and I controlled the front of the bunch.  As Saskia’s group gained on the bunch, it became evident that the win would go to one of the three in the break. 

Back in the bunch, DSB tried to get Vos across about 40km into the race.  She attacked on one of the steeper, longer climbs and pulled 4 (me included) out of the bunch, but this did not last long.  Without enough initial cooperation, the peloton was quick to chase us back.  The next and last attempt to get anyone across to the break came about 67km in on the famous Kuetenberg, a 20% climb.  Again, it was Vos who tried to go, and again, she took the same 4 riders with her (me included.)  However, a few kilometers after the top of the climb, I had a rear puncture.  With no follow cars or neutral cars within eyesight, I was left to wait and drift.  Two groups went by me, and eventually, the DSB team car stopped to help me out.  Good sportsmanship still exists!   With a new wheel, I managed to make it back to the second group that had gone by me.  Then, on the Cauberg, I bridged from that group to the next one.  Anita was there, however, Mir had also just punctured.  Really, it didn’t matter as the race was over.  The break was going to stay away, and the group of 4 in between was not coming back.  Since, Anita and I were both frozen and ready to be back, we rode tempo on the front to keep things moving. 

At the finish, Saskia was nipped at the line, ending up 2nd.  It is rare that you see the early break stay away all day, but today it did.  I was very happy for Saskia.  She had worked so hard all day.  It would have been a pity if she didn’t have a chance at the win.  She was also very happy with her result, and I hope this gives her confidence for the upcoming races.  Anita managed to sprint for 9th, after I had ridden a hard tempo for most of the last 10k’s.  Unfortunately, our new, young German Bianca crashed early (but is ok.)  Adriene, another new, young rider also survived. 

Believe it or not, I actually see blue sky and a little bit of sun today.  Of course it is my rest day and I don’t need to be on the bike for hours, but that’s ok, I will take a pleasant day any chance I can get one! 

Next race:  Ronde van Vlaanderen (also known as the Flander’s) World Cup is on Sunday.