We’ve seen it before. The smile of pain; the grin of exertion. It’s owner is usually off the front, fighting for the win; or about to be off the back, fighting for mere survival.
Philip Gilbert is one who comes to mind. Known for suicide breaks such as last year’s Het Volk, Gilbert often throws caution to the wind in an all-or-nothing effort. Regardless of the result, his countenance does nothing to belie the pain and concentration behind each pedal stroke.
I hope you enjoyed the weekend. I completely missed the boat with Thor; how could I have left him out? And Tommeke? None of us were surprised to see him win in Kuurne after his performance Saturday. If only we all the luxury to be disappointed with “just 10th†in the season’s first classic.
