The Flanders round trip is came around again and about 14 000 bikers from Belgium and the rest of the world came to Merbeke to experience the last real adventure in cycling. After taking a break for a year there was noway that I would miss riding my racing bike over the harshest ascents paved very badly with the world's worst cobblestones.

Photo(s): Jan Mertens WR

One day before Zabel, Klier and Boonen raced each other, it was up to us "Wheeler-tourists". All 17 "hellingen" and a few hardcore cobblestone passages coupled with a lot of head wind, were the obstacles my training partner Andreas "Don" Sicken and I had to overcome. The worst part was definitely the hill called the Koppenberg with 22% uphill grade - during which this photo was taken - thanks Jan. The Muur-Kapelmuur was more of an easy ride after the renovation. After the bitchy ascents couldn't force me off my bike, we reached the end of our pillaging tour through Belgium, about 6 hours later, and were able to to sample a few beers. Despite all the exertions the "ronde" was worth the trip. It's a great feeling to bike at one of the great monuments of cycling. Next year even Stedebeker wants to come.

Ahoi, Zimbo