Houffalize World Cup

Belgium.  Beer, Waffles, Chips and Mayo, and thirty thousand crazy fans screaming for their hero's to push that little bit harder up another lung busting climb.  Houffalize. The Cathedral of World Mountain Biking!

After the experiences of South Africa the team were set once again to push new boundaries as they look to improve both results and profile on the world's biggest stage and it was safe to say that everyone in the team, from rider to mechanic was excited to start the journey to one of the most famous courses in the world. There was no doubt that the enormity of just being there as a UCI team for the first time would set nerves on red alert but with the team spirit on an all-time high it was time to check out this world famous course!

South Africa was hard… this was… very hard!  The start loop climb was so steep that some couldn't even ride it and with a technical section at the end of each of the 3 to 4 huge climbs this was a tough tough race course.  Some weren't so happy that the organisers had strayed from their roots and left out the famous road climb but this was a far more compact venue which no doubt made the TV and spectator experience that bit more enjoyable.

Saturday was soon upon us and after the heartbreak in South Africa of crashing in a podium position; Rourke Croeser was out for revenge.  He had just come off the back of a 4th place in Holland the week before, his best European result and was confident of a good ride.  The start was as crazy as expected but Rourke stayed out of trouble and put himself in amongst the top 20 riders in a field of 120 of the best Under 23 riders this world has to offer.  After the race settled down it appeared the start had taken its toll as Rourke slipped back from 11th to 18th on lap 2.  He then put in two fantastic laps to finish the race in 15th position on what he described later as "not the best legs", what this youngster is capable of this season remains to be seen but the signs are good!

Sunday would be an early start with the 140 strong Junior field, minus the inform Anton Cooper from New Zealand starting at 9am.  Alex Baker, now with a full Euro season under his belt was also looking to forget the crash that took him out of the race in South Africa and made our second great start of the day getting away cleanly amongst the carnage that unfolded behind him.  Alex then put in 3 consistent laps to finish in 31st position, his best ride at a World Cup so far and first British finisher.  

The Elite men's race had a stunning field of 160 riders and with a grid position of 101, the task in front of our newest signing, Dave Fletcher was big, but as always he embraced it with the cool, calm personality that makes him not just one of Britain's very best athletes but also an Olympic hopeful for London 2012.  As predicted the start was crazy and boxed in running up the start climb you couldn't help feel that Dave was going to have to dig extremely deep to make up the places.  Fortunately Dave is a world class athlete and knew what he had to do, riding consistent lap times within 14 seconds of each other for the entire race wasn't enough to make up for the start and he came home after a mammoth effort to finish in 94th.  

It had been another great experience for the team as we continue to learn our trade and make ourselves known on the world scene.

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