The Koppenberg is a stretch of cobblestones near Oudenaarde in Belgium.  It’s 600 metres long, averaging a gradient of 11%, with a maximum of 22%.  Steep!

Today was a cyclocross race, mostly on dirt trails, but the riders also climbed part of the Koppenberg six times.  Here’s a photo of the Men’s Under 23 race starting:

I was hoping for rain today, because that creates mud, and mud creates human beings who look like this:

Alas … it was dry.

Once I was onsite, I started climbing up the dirt and grass.  And climbing is not my best subject these days.  I got pooped pretty quickly, but I kept going.  I wanted to find the highest point on the course, and I think I did.

Cyclists came on the level from the right …

And then grunted their way up this dirt wall:

Watching all those leg muscles pumping, and then slowing as it got really steep, was enthralling.  What strength all these women and men showed!

One rider got halfway up the slope … and stopped.  He leaned over the barrier and kissed his wife.  More enthallment for me.  Then he turned around and rode back down the hill, and onto the flat part.  He turned around again and pedalled like crazy to get momentum.  I cheered as he made it to the top.

I was willing on Fem van Empel, a Dutch cyclist who no doubt is thinking about marrying me in the not-so-near future.  Fem is returning to riding after a year away recovering her mental health.  She deserves all my applause.  Fem came 8th.

Now I’m waiting for the bus back to Gent.  The body is “oomphless” but that’s okay.  The important thing is that I went, and enjoyed all sorts of moments.

Now soon to sleep