why belgium?

Many people wonder why a 20 year old American would want to go to Belgium to race a bike. I hear this inquiry all the time. Why Belgium? Why can't you race in the US? Of all the places in the world, why would you go to the tiny country (the size of Maryland) sandwiched between France and The Netherlands?...A country most Americans associate with waffles and chocolate and beer. Part of the answer is that bike racing is deeply ingrained in the culture of Belgium and it is the most respected sport of the country. Belgians love their bike racing. When roads are closed for a race, drivers get curious instead of angry. They might even get out of their car to watch the race caravan pass. They'll cheer and scream and when the road opens after the race passes they'll get back in their car and continue on their way. Nearly every road in Belgium can be ridden by bike. Many roads have bike lanes and he ones that don't are shared equally with autos, tractors, and mopeds. I'd be willing to bet that for every car in Belgium there are three bikes. Just about everyone rides a bike. I've seen first graders ride their bikes to school and grandmothers ride their bike to the market. It's awesome.
The other answer (and probably the most important one) to: Why Belgium? IS THE RACING. The fields are bigger and stronger. The races are faster and longer. And the distance from home to the races is shorter. For those of you who are familiar to the racing in the US: It's like having all the NRC races and then some condensed into an area the size of Maryland. Plus the level of racing is higher... in my humble opinion. Most of the UCI races here are 160km (100 miles) and usually end in about 3.5 hours. The fields are always larger than 120 rides, sometimes as big as 200...and the amateur races are filled with guys who will be pro in a year or guys who have already ridden professionally. Racing in Belgium is big business. There's money and potential contracts at stake in every race. Bike racers in Belgium aren't fooling around. It's not a hobby over here... it's a job. And that's why I'm racing my bike in Belgium.

Next race: Tuesday 1 May, UCI 1.2, Hoboken