Dolmans Classic

Sunday was my first race in Europe -- the Dolmans Classic.  The race was held in Holland and the route weaved through small towns, along narrow country roads, and around several roundabouts.  Holland is supposed to be rather flat, but the course covered 13 hills.  The steepest hill was the Cauberg which we rode 3 times.  

The race began with 150 women rolling out for a neutral start... which wasn't really a neutral start at all.  Everyone was fighting for a position near the front. It wasn't much different than racing except that you had to stay (mostly) behind the lead car.  As we rolled out of town, all the people along the sidewalks sent us off with lots of cheers -- it was a great atmosphere every time we hit a town.  Once we arrived at the bottom of the first hill, the racing began!

We followed this guy around... (two of the motorcycles crashed!  ... that doesn't happen often)

Through some nice farmlands... 

And we went up...

and Up...

and UP!

The hills were pretty tiring by the end.  The field widdled away from the beginning and by the time we hit the final climb, there were probably only about 60 remaining, with 3 off the front.  I think the spectators were walking up the climb faster than we were able to ride it on the last time up. I was bonking a little and not sure i was going to make it, but i managed up it and finished a bit off the front group in 37th.  

We were all pretty tired afterwards... and huddled into the warm van...

Later, we found a yummy restaurant in Leuven, Belgium for some post race recovery drinks/food...

 

Most normal people order beer when in belgium...

but i like post race ice cream... MMMmmm milkshake...

Overall, a fun first European racing experience!

~devon