I was going to write about choosing a song to sing … but that can wait till tomorrow.  I have been taken over.

Milan-Sanremo is happening right now, and it’s pulling on my heartstrings.  This is a 288-kilometre men’s bicycle race in northern Italy that’s celebrating its 115th edition.  It’s one of five Monuments – the oldest  and most prestigious of the one-day races on the men’s calendar.

The picture above shows the finish in 2017 – Michal Kwiatkowski bulling ahead of his sprint rivals.  An amazing photo.

Many of world’s best riders are here today.  And on the climbs of the Cipressa and Poggio – both etched in cycling history – all hell may break loose as one or more of them attacks, furiously plunging the pedals down to blast past the others.

My nose will be pressed against the TV screen.  I wish I was the one on that bicycle, supremely fit, sweat pouring off my brow.  Alas, my time for sporting heroics has passed.  But the sweat and pumping legs still show up every few days – on the elliptical.

***

Now at home.  The lead group of nine riders is five kilometres from the base of the Cipressa climb.  Some of the streets through little towns are so narrow, and packed with cheering and clapping.

The big group of cyclists (the peleton) are closing in on the leaders … less than a minute now.

The colours of the riders’ jerseys treat the eyes.  Some camera angles show the incredible speed.  The snake writhes.

No attacks on the Cipressa but here comes the Poggio.  About ten cyclists separate themselves from the others.  Then Tadej Pogacar attacks!  Mathieu van der Poel stays with him.  My heart has left for the heavens.  Seeing the two of them give everything.

Now a five kilometre descent to the finish line.  Daredevils around every curve.  And then a group sprint … Jasper Philipsen edges the next guy by a few centimetres!  Whew.  I love this.

I also loved the smiles afterwards.  The second and third place finishers were real in their comradeship with Jasper.  True smiles.

One thing about moving from Canada to Belgium – my old sports aren’t available on TV: ice hockey and basketball.  And it is so not important.  I’m loving the flow of bikes over the land.

I’m home in so many ways