Back to Belgium

And we’re back…

I’ve been back in Belgium for 10 days, and what a 10 days it's been!

It feels like a lifetime ago I was in the UK, doing my last days at work and frantically packing the Fiat 500!

Since arriving a lot’s happened. Initially I had to stay in my team house until I attended the local hospital for my compulsory covid test. There was a chain of events set in place by my Passenger locator form, as soon as you arrive you start to receive instructions etc. Until I received a negative result I couldn't do much more than unpack. Once I got the negative result I was then allowed to go out, and as I have had both jabs I didn't have to quarantine. A delayed celebration dinner was in order.

The first weekend I raced twice and was immediately reminded just how much I love racing in Belgium, also how tough it is! I visited my local market and refamiliarised myself with the shops I left so hurriedly 18 months ago! I rediscovered clothes and belongings that my landlady, and Team Manager had kept safe here for me (I assumed I’d be back in Belgium after maybe 2-3 weeks, who knew!!) Then my poor room mate Sami got hit by a car (Thankfully she's not badly hurt, sadly the same cannot be said for her bike) so we spent a day back and forth to the Police station, hospital, waiting for x-rays etc. Safe to say it’s been a rollercoaster!

The first two kermesses I rode were called Nederhasselt and Berlare. Nederhasslet was a great race with a brilliant course. It has a longish climb and some sharp corners. I felt strong for the majority of the race then with three laps to go a big attack went up the road. The peloton stretched out into a long line, I was hanging on for dear life, and unfortunately the elastic snapped, along with a few others we got pulled towards the end.

Even though I wasn’t able to make it to the finish line, I was absolutely over the moon with how I’d felt. After a tough 18 months I was ecstatic just to be on the start line!

The second race on Sunday was a really tough one. With wet conditions and a technical course, positioning was key. Initially I was OK, then due to my own error my positioning slipped and I found myself towards the back of the bunch, this didn’t lend itself to the continuous corners!

I was more disappointed with my performance during this race as it wasn’t down to fitness but down to the fact I hadn't pushed hard enough for the front positions. However these are lessons learnt and I know it will take a few more races with big bunches to get used to this style of racing again. It’s quite the jump from 20 women at a local airfield to nearly 180 of Belgium's finest!

I can't say enough just how good it feels to be back with the Team, in the UK I had to drive myself to events, I had no support to feed etc, this has a massive impact on a rider and how they perform.

It’s been a challenging year for everyone, some riders were able to get back out to Europe before another lockdown was introduced earlier in the year. Due to issues with my Insurance company I was delayed and missed the boat, and truly didn’t think I’d get back to Belgium this year, but suddenly there was a green light to go and I was off! I’m so happy to just be here, and so grateful to The Rayner Foundation for their support whilst I am in Belgium. It’s such a valuable experience, I couldn't do it without them.

Of course I want much more from myself and from the races, but I know that with consistency and patience it will come, as they say “It’s a marathon not a sprint”

For now I’m thoroughly enjoying being in the mix again and cannot wait for my first ever UCI race next Sunday in France! Exciting times ahead!