The first two big races in northern Europe were at the week-end and PEZ had our photographer, Jack Chevell, there to take in as much of the cobblestone action as he could. This is how his Belgian trip panned out in the land of beer and bikes. – Words and photography by Jack Chevell – Cycle races in Belgium are a little like beer in Belgium. The ingredients and methods have remained unchanged for many years, and each famous brew is revered for its unique flavour and history. The ingredients that make the famous early season Belgian races are well established. Short, narrow and brutally steep climbs, a generous fistful of cobblestones and windswept concrete highways. This mixture is brought to the boil by passionate fans, swelling media interest and the prestige of a victory in Flanders. At this early stage of the season, the races are slightly shorter. Though the weather can be appalling, the cobblestones are less frequent and punishing. These races might be a 6% Blonde ale. As Spring progresses, they will build in difficulty and prestige. Specialists on the cobbles will use these races to hone their form ahead of the full 11% Tripel of the Ronde Van Vlaanderen, a little over a month away. The Leberg is the first climb of the day. Its sunny, but too cold for ice cream in the strong northerly wind, this van is selling something a little bit stronger.Schnapps from the ice cream van on the Leberg. The break...
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