Number Crunching

There are 17 bike races in Flanders today... and 29 tomorrow. That's 46 bike races this weekend packed into an area little larger than 5,000 square miles. By my math, that's about a bike race in every 100 square miles. And that's not even on a big race weekend here in Vlaanderen. Flanders is the northern, Dutch speaking, region of Belgium and widely considered the heart our fine sport. The races this weekend will differ in age category and length but hold one thing in common: all the courses will be lined with fun-loving Belgians drinking a beer or enjoying frites. Belgians love their bike racing... from the 11-12 years olds all the way up to the pro's. Me, I'll be mixing it up in Affligem Sunday over the course of 157km. Better go spin the legs out and prepare my bike. It's still early in the season, the opportunities are plentiful, and the 100+ race weekends here in Flanders are on their way.