Diving into the Deep End : The Kemmelberg

For those of you who dont know the Kemmelberg, it is a cobbled climb regularly featured in the cobbled Spring Classics, particularly Ghent-Wavelgem. If that means nothing to you here are some pics of the Kemmelberg which might paint a better picture(mum look away now).



Yesterday several riders up for selection to race for the Fuji "A" team on Sunday in the UCI 1.12 Ghent-Ieper U27 Top Comp race, which features 2 laps of the Kemmelberg set out to recon the loops to give the riders unfamiliar with the climb some insight into what to expect, and to let the team manager decide who should be selected for the race.
First impressions; it is TOUGH, but surprisingly short (although after sunday I might give a different answer). As soon as you hit the cobbles you are forced to go full gas othgerwise you virtually stop, loosing all your momentum (which is impossible to regain) and as a result of the incling and roughness of the cobbles you find yourself instantly nackerd. YAY :(
Fortunately on our recon ride I mannaged to go well enough to make the cut for sundays race, meaning my first race for the team, and first race in Belgium will be a BIG one. 200 riders and 180km to decide the winner, and the Kemmelberg is not going to be the only factor to decide the race with twists and turns through cobbled towns as well as narrow farm roads exposed to crosswinds, so i am realistic about my chances and arent expecting too much. But then again im not here for a holiday!