On the Podium: Sherlock (left) gets the obligatory flowers after making the podium in Belgium
Irish rider Ryan Sherlock has just returned from a short stint racing on the Belgian circuit. In conversation here with Brian Canty he brings us inside that scene and outlines his hopes for a professional contract for next year.
This was the second time I had made the trip over to Belgium for a batch of racing. Last year I rode five races in six days at the end of the season while this trip was seven races in eight days. It was basically like a stage race with four days racing, then an easy day, then another three days racing. There are so many races on each day that you really are spoilt for choice - especially in the Flanders region.
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Cycling, and bike racing in general, is so ingrained into the Belgian culture; for the races themselves you never see a car because there’s rolling road closure and there isn't even a car parked on the road. Any car is removed by the police before the start of the race.
I found the main difference between racing in Belgium and home is the aggression of the peloton. On some courses – mostly flat, non technical, with long straights - this is not as obvious, but in general, everyone is working hard, and everyone is racing. If there’s a lot of wind, a 140-strong peloton could be split into four or five groups with everyone in each group racing as hard whether they’re in the front group or the third.
Prize money is not big (about €90 for a win), but it does run deep - to 30th or 40th and everyone gets a finishing position. Each lap has a prime - cash usually - so there are always incentives for the peloton to give the onlookers a show.
Other differences are the corners and the technicality of the course. In Ireland, you can maybe get away with conserving energy by staying around the back of the peloton. But in Belgium, due to slowing down and speeding up in each corner, which you usually hit every few hundred meters, you'll soon tire and start to leave gaps and lose touch. Racing up and down cobbled lanes also adds something different.
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If there is a break gone ahead that is insurmountable, then the remaining groups would also get the 'bell lap' early. That is, even though the race could be 120km (say 15 laps of an 8 km circuit), if your group falls off the pace, you may only race 96km (11 laps) - but it will still end in a sprint! I think this could work well in Ireland.
On a personal level, a big difference for me is that no one knows me in Belgium. There are maybe 30 guys that can win each race there, and they all want to win - there was very little 'marking' or negative racing which leads to a situation where it is almost the last man standing wins. I loved it.
In the races themselves I was really happy with how I rode - each race I was vying for the win in the final laps. In the seven races I had three podiums, a fourth, a seventh and the rest were top 20’s - I got a bunch of primes so that helped pay for the B&Bs and flights. I was close to the win a few times, but I'll be back to try again soon in the next week or so.
I travelled over with Michael Lucey (Cycleways) for this trip and we stayed in several locations in Belgium. While there, we stayed in Deist, Lokeren and Waterloo. In the races, I raced for my normal team, Cycleways CC. If you want to travel less when in Belgium you can simply stay somewhere like Oudenaarde and most of the racing is within 40km – that’s what I did when I was there for six days last year.
I found the Belgians very friendly people. They are most welcoming and cyclists are treated with great respect. There is always a large crowd out to watch you race and every race I have finished with a smile on my face. The racing is hard, and you need to be in good form to enjoy it, but if you are, it is very rewarding. I have huge respect for the Irish guys who base themselves and race there all season - now I know why they are so strong when the return to Ireland.
Regarding a team for next season, there is nothing concrete yet. I’ve had plenty of offers from amateur teams but I’m hoping for something a little higher than that. Professional cycling is something I’d love. While it is far from glamorous - and my experience here as definitely thought me that - it does have a beauty that’s hard to describe. I have suffered while racing in many amazing locations all over the world, met inspirational people and in general have created a lifetime of memories that I cherish.
Thanks for reading.
Ryan
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