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| Kevin Ward, well equipped fan |
Kevin Ward’s Facebook entries from before the Sportive (Friday) and post sportive and Professional Race (Monday)
Friday:
Had a great spin in the Belgium countryside on lovely quiet country lanes today, went to Geraadsbergen & climbed The Muur riding the cobbles is hell how the pro’s fly along is beyond me, also went to Oudenaarde to collect my number for tomorrow. The cycle paths here are everywhere! Take note UK! Viva Ciclismo!
Monday:
Just had our last spin on quiet country roads in full on sunshine went back to climb the Koppenberg & nailed it. Now departing to ferry port. The Pride Of York take me home to Yorkshire! Belgium it’s been emotional! I will be back! Viva Ciclismo!
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| Kev going up Koppenberg |
Jonny Croston takes up the Story:
Saturday we did the sportive. Riding together until around the halfway point where Michael, Matt and Kev stayed together. Me Tom and Tim pressed on a bit and regrouped in the pub on the square for post ride drinks.
After drinks we had a meal in Oudenaarde before an incident packed ride home. I fell off into a grass verge.
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| Jonny Croston on Paterberg |
Tom ran into the back of Matt Churm and broke his rear mech and hanger. In the ensuing confusion Kevin Ward got lost and had a puncture. Eventually regrouped about an hour later at the Hotel.
Sunday started with bike repairs for Matt C converting to fixed gear. We then rode out to see the ladies start and then to see the mens race.
It was very cold so we spent an hour at a VIP party in a converted hangar/barn drinking coffee and eating snacks.
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| Matt C, Jonny C & Tim R on pave |
We saw the race briefly – Kev was gutted that his flag (see pic) didn’t get on TV.
As it was so cold we drifted into Oudenaarde and watched the last 70km in a bar before riding out to Waregem for a Chinese Banquet.
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| Tim R and Michael V top the Paterberg |