UCI GRAVEL RACE - 3Rides AACHEN

Alot of participants, incredible! Never seen so many cyclists. What an event, a great weekend! Started in the age group 19-34y. I was on time at the starting box 1.5 hours before but even then you are not at the front 🤯.

Started a little later than planned, well warmed up by the sun that was burning but we all suffered from that. Special course with a lot in it!

Starting on row 12 (I think) from my starting box and immediately moving up on the first run-up/climb and in the park! This worked out quite well, somewhere around position 20-30. Halfway round 1 I went down ... stupid mistake, stupid point. Stay calm and get back on the bike... unfortunately I couldn't ride my bike 🫣. Steering wheel was turned 90 degrees, straighten and on! ...I thought... unfortunately off the bike again and bend the derailleur back this worked, luckily.

Driving back didn't worked out very well but could spin along nicely in a group with Luuk Holslag. Until the back problems started a bit, at the moment chosen to drive my own pace and start spinning with the group which was a bit behind the front. Unfortunately, this group didn't ride together and some riders closed the gap.

Round 2 with this group, cycled through and after the park there was no more cooperation here either. Then someone rode to the front of the group I recognized him, Bart Hol. We took turns with the 2 of us but after a while we decided not to pull (for the whole group) … so then we spinned between the group. Avoid falls and stay on the bike.

End of round 2 beginning of the last round I found out that my camelback did not longer worked.. so no more moisture because my water bottles were already empty due to the heat and the hard driving.

A whole round without moisture was not the best idea… (due to heat and possible cramp, was not far from it) so the next feed zone halfway through i grapped a bottle from an older woman which i kindly thanks for her small water bottle 🫣. it wasnt meant for me 🤷🏻. No complaints around me so I still had 500ml of fluid. Last part of the round pace turn down fast and on the last climb at a faster own pace drive to the finish line this succeeded !!

Final score: Placed for the UCI World Championship GRAVEL 2024 🏅