Cycle racing is arguably the number one sport in Belgium - and Verulam Cycling Club brought a taste of Flanders to Hertfordshire with the Fete du Velo in Redbourn.
The event proved to be hugely successful for the club as well as the village of Redbourn.
There was plenty to see and do at the cyclist's village at the Fete du Velo. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Judith Parry Photography)
Many of those racing and spectating took to social media afterward to praise it as one of the best in the area, with many riders comparing it to a Belgian Kermesse in terms of the high levels of excitement and support generated in the village, plus the live music, food and drink and fun-fair, all traditional sights at similar events across the North Sea.
Riders and spectators came from across the south-east. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Judith Parry Photography)
And with Jez Cox of Eurosport and GCN, as well as the cycling lead at Oaklands College, providing the commentary, riders travelled from all over the south east to compete, with a field of almost 50 riders racing in the main men’s race.
The course was open to riders of all ages at times for a free ride. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Judith Parry Photography)
Verulam chairman, Daniel Russell, said: "We're very proud to organise a unique event in Hertfordshire with our British Cycling supported closed-road racing, plus a celebration of cycling and community well-being on the common in Redbourn as part of the Redbourn Festival, working with our partners Active in Redbourn and the Bike Loft.
"Thanks to our sponsors Ashtons, Whitton Electrical and the support of Herts CC, Herts Cycling and the Redbourn Parish Council."
George Rice of Verulam Reallymoving crosses the finish line. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Judith Parry Photography)
Many young riders were inspired by the day’s racing and enquired about joining Verulam CC and the racing team, Verulam Reallymoving.
And the host club were at the forefront of events throughout the day, from the first race onwards.
George Rice takes a tumble in the early going. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Judith Parry Photography)
Verulam CC’s Grayson Hall was sixth in the U8s while George Rice had to rapidly dust himself down after a crash in the U10 race, recovering superbly to finish fourth.
Samuel Stacey leads the field in the U16 race. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Judith Parry Photography)
Samuel Stacey took fifth in the hotly-contested U16 boys before the ladies took over.
Karine Jones of Verulam Reallymoving finished fifth. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Judith Parry Photography)
Verulam Reallymoving’s Karine Jones and Rachel Dunn always looked strong in the women’s race, with Jones getting fifth at the line.
Rachel Dunn of Verulam Reallymoving (Image: Judith Parry Photography)
Mathilde Paul of Laka Pedal Mafia RT won the race, lapping the entire field, with team-mate Alice Butcher in third.
Matt Davey did plenty of support work in the men's race. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Judith Parry Photography)
The men’s category two/three/four race was extremely fast paced and with Matt Davey in support, Matt Wight put in an excellent performance to get away from the large group of riders and take second behind winner Adam Robertson, who managed to stay away from the main field for most of the race, building up a commanding lead of over 20 seconds.
That was almost a home win for Verulam, something team manager of Verulam Reallymoving, Doug Driscoll, was keen to point out as it demonstrated the club's desire to help young and talented riders progress.
He said: "It was so good to see all the youth riders putting on some great races and having a lot of fun too.
"The team put on a great display in the senior men’s event and despite not getting the win, it was great to see Adam Robertson pull off the win and Matt Watson take fourth.
"Both have come up through the Verulam CC youth development pathway."
Steve Dunn of Verulam Reallymoving heads a group at Redbourn. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Judith Parry Photography)
Steve Dunn rounded out the team’s strong showing with determined efforts throughout in the masters 40+ race.
Elsewhere the team has been enjoying more success this week with Andrea Bartoluccio taking second overall and first in the senior B category of the Campionato Regionale ASCI in Caronno Pertusell, Italy.
Alan Gunner meanwhile has moved up to second in the national rankings in his category of the Men’s MTB XC table with a runners-up spot in the latest round at Rugeley.
There are just two more races to go in that competition.
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