While I was not able to get on a bike myself, I did win the work trip timing lottery and was in Belgium during the Spring Classics. A connection in the cycling community, who is originally from Texas and now lives in Oudenaarde, gave me the opportunity of a lifetime and let me tag along on a Tour of Flanders VIP chase trip!!
If you don’t know anything about the a Tour of Flanders (Ronde Vonde Vlanderaane as they call it), it’s a one-day race that could be the equivalent of belgium’s Super Bowl. Over 2 millions people go out to line up alongside the race, supporting their favorite pro cycling team or waving flags.
Previous to this, I had never even seen a pro cycling tour or race, so the entire thing was new to me. It was insane!
I met the group in Brugge, where the start line is and all the rider and their bikes, busses and support vehicles are parked ( displayed) in early morning race day preparations.
We chased the riders and were able to watch the peloton pass 8 different times!