The Art of Cycling: September 2021

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Flanders 2021: With Plenty of Time to Celebrate

With the four guys chasing him over a half of a minute behind, Julian Alaphilippe (France) had plenty of time to celebrate winning his second consecutive UCI Road World Championship. The last to win two in a row was Peter Sagan (Slovakia) who managed three in a row from 2015-2017. Alaphilippe becomes only the fourth man to win two Rainbow Jerseys in a row in the 100 year history of the race. Others have won two jerseys, but not consecutively. I am hoping we will get to see Alaphilippe in the jersey next weekend in the fabled Paris-Roubaix. And yes, I will be painting both the women’s race and the men’s starting this Saturday. I suspect we will see newly minted rainbow stripes in both races.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3839020-34-292177/Painting/with-plenty-of-time-to-celebrate-uci21-34.html

Flanders 2021: Four Chasing One

With fifteen kilometers to race, this foursome was just 12 seconds behind the lone figure of Julian Alaphilippe (France). Michael Valgren (Denmark) was on the front with Jasper Stuyven (Belgium) having just swung off the front. Both Dylan van Baarle (Netherlands) and Nielson Powless (USA) were resting in the Dane’s draft before it was their turn to push the pace. But try as the quartet might, they were continuing to lose time against the defending World Champion. They never did catch him, leaving these four to fight it out for the remaining two steps of the podium. Those went to Valgren, who took bronze, and Dylan van Baarle (Netherlands) who claimed silver. After all the work that Team Belgium had but in all day, they missed out on the medals with Stuyven managing a fourth place. The American, Powless, took fifth place ahead of a fast closing Thomas Piddcock (Great Britain).

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3839019-33-292177/Painting/four-chasing-one-uci21-33.html

Flanders 2021: The Darlings of France

I am a big fan of a number of French cyclists, but one of the two I loved to watch race was Thomas Voeckler. Between his mugging for the cameras and his aggressive give it all racing style he was always a treat to watch. The French cycling fans fell in complete love with him when he held of Lance Armstrong in the Alps to stay in the maillot Jaune for a total of nine days in the Tour de France. And then there is Julian Alaphilippe (France) who has had some great days in yellow over the past three Tours de France. So it was an extra treat to see Alaphilippe drop back from the last break away of the day to talk with his team director, Voeckler, to get some sage advice on how to play the remaining 37 kilometers of the Elite Men’s Road Race. I just love the little pinching gesture Voeckler is making. I wonder what he meant.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3839018-32-292177/Painting/the-darlings-of-france-uci21-32.html

Flanders 2021: Bouncing Up the Veeweidestraat (well actually the Bekestraat)

Yes, the cobbles on the Bekestraat were rough, but it was Julian Alaphilippe (France) was going to make it very rough on the peloton as well. I titled it before I realized I had the name of the climb wrong, so this is the Bekestraat, not the Veeweidestraat. Alaphilippe was putting so much into the pedals that he bounced off of the barriers as he looked for the sweet smooth spot at the edge of the cobbles. On his wheel, Wout van Aert saw the danger and did his best to go with the Frenchman’s move. Down the hill were both Matej Mohoric (Slovenia) and in the gutter on the other side of the “road” was Zdenek Stybar (Czech Republic) all trying to stay with the attack of the defending World Champion.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3839017-31-292177/Painting/bouncing-up-the-veeweidestraat-uci21-31.html

Monday, September 27, 2021

Flanders 2021: Opening Up Another Gap

With 87 kilometers to race, it was Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) still pushing the pace and starting another break away. This time he was joined by Neilson Powless (USA), Mads Wurtz Schmidt (Denmark) and about six others. While it was great to see cycling fans all along the multi-lap course, it made me nervous. I am not sure when I will be comfortable with large crowds in this Covid influenced world. Not that I have ever been a fan of big crowds in my life. Having finished the first set of laps through Leuven, the peloton was now back on their way to do another Flanders circuit. It was nice to see at least one member of Team USA on the front of the race.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838933-30-292177/Painting/opening-up-another-gap-uci21-30.html

Flanders 2021: Leading Them Around

Once the previous three were caught, and then the early break of the day was reeled in too, it was time for Germany to hit the front and force the pace. While Georg Zimmerman was on the front, the Belgium team was not missing any moves. After Remeco Evenepoel was back in the field, it was Victor Campenaerts (Belgium) that was on Zimmermann’s wheel representing the host country. The next rider following the leaders was another German, Nikias Arndt. With 120 kilometers yet to race, it was wild just how aggressive the racing had been since the start in Antwerp.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838931-29-292177/Painting/leading-them-round-uci21-29.html

Flanders 2021: Is this a Move?

It may have been very early for it but this sure looked like a move to take the win, regardless that there were another 175 kilometers to race. It was Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) riding off the front of the peloton on the cobbled climb of the Moskesstraat. The fan holding up the sign with his name on it must have felt as though he was the one to inspire the move. Benoit Cosnefroy (France) and Magnus Cort (Denmark) quickly jumped on to the wheel of the local rider. The three build up a nice lead that it took the peloton 40 kilometers to pull back in.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838924-28-292177/Painting/is-this-a-move-uci21-28.html

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Flanders 2021: The Sprint to the Rainbow

Having been led out in her sprint by none other than her country woman, Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy) Elisa Balsamo had nothing for it but to go hard to the line, braid flying out behind her. Also behind her and unable to come around was the three time World Champion, Marianne Vos (Netherlands). Bringing up the best of the rest is Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Poland) claiming her first medal in the UCI Road World Championships. But it is Balsamo who will be wearing the Rainbow Jersey every time she takes to the start in a road race for the next year. What a nice new jersey to bring to her new team, Trek-Segafredo, starting next season. As Balsamo raised her arms in victory, we could just see Longo Borghini mirroring her celebration in their distance.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838702-27-292177/Painting/sprinting-to-the-rainbow-uci21-27.html

Flanders 2021: Watching Every Move

Ruth Winder (USA) and Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Poland) had been keeping a close eye (and wheel) on every single move they were making. This attack by Annemiek van Vleutin (Netherlands) was no exception. Of course, Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy) was never far off the front being equally vigilant as those just in front of her. With just another seven kilometers to race, there wasn’t a woman who was going to let anyone get away if they could possibly help it. I am excited by this grouping. I am a big fan of van Vleutin and Borghini, plus as an American I have to root for Winder. And then finally, I first painted Niewiadoma back in 2015 when she led the women’s peloton down Main Street in Richmond, VA (my adopted hometown) in the UCI Worlds.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838701-26-292177/Painting/watching-every-move.-uci21-26.html

Flanders 2021: Adding to Her Advantage

The next to get away from the aggressive Dutch led peloton was Mavi Garcia (Espana). Unlike anyone before her, she opened up a thirty second lead on those chasing behind. She had 21 kilometers left to race, but at least through the downtown, fan lined, streets of Leuven, no one was getting any closer to the Spaniard’s wheel. Even the official’s motorcycle and the Shimano service moto were having trouble getting through the sharp corners as quickly as Garcia. It was going to take a united effort to pull this woman back.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838697-25-292177/Painting/adding-to-her-advantage-uci21-25.html

Flanders 2021: Off on Her Own

It was intriguing trying to figure how who was allowed to go up the road and who was chased down as soon as the tried a move. Clearly, if you are wearing orange you will be chased down. Aude Biannic (France) got away on a small rise while on the streets of Leuven. At 30 kilometers to go, it was a tall order to hold of the elite of women’s cycling all of whom wanted to spend the next year in the Rainbow Jersey of World Champion. As you can tell by the volunteer waving the yellow pennant, the rest of their peloton was just down the hill out of sight.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838689-24-292177/Painting/off-on-her-own-uci21-24.html

Flanders 2021: Getting a Gap

The Dutch women were on fire in the road race today. It seemed that they were on the attack every other kilometer. As so as one rider in orange was caught, another jumped free of the group. This time it was Ellen van Dijk (Netherlands) who was looking back over her shoulder to see just who was with her and how big the gap was back to the rest of the peloton. She was followed closely by riders from Australia, Italy, Great Britain, and France. With 44 kilometers to race, this probably wasn’t the winning move, but those behind could not afford to let the strength of this group getting any advantage or their race would be over.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838685-23-292177/Painting/getting-a-gap.-uci21-23.html

Flanders 2021: Trouble on the Moskesstraat

As the women hit the cobbled climbs in Brugge, Demi Vollering (Netherlands) was being plagued by gear problems. On the previous climb of the Smeysberg, her gears slipped but she was able to stay in touch with the peloton. However, on the way up the Moskesstraat climb she wasn’t as lucky (or perhaps, more unlucky would be more accurate). After stuffing her water bottles down her jersey, she signaled for help and then began running up the climb. The race announcer, Anthony McCrossan, said she was going all Chris Froome, although he didn’t think to take his bike with him at the iconic moment on Mont Ventoux. She wasn’t the only one having issues on the climb, the Lithuanian Inga Cesuliene was off her bike just ahead of the Dutch woman. Lauren Stephens (USA) and Ursula Zigart (Slovenia) were having their own issues with the 17% climb themselves. After her bike change, she was over a minute behind the charging peloton and everyone thought her race was over. Everyone except Vollering herself. It wasn’t long before the race cameras picked her out back in the tail end of the peloton.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838684-22-292177/Painting/trouble-on-the-moskesstraat.-uci21-22.html

Saturday, September 25, 2021

Flanders 2021: Just a Few More Pedal Strokes

For Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy) and her teammate, Marta Cavalli it was just a few more rotations of the cranks before their Mixed Team Time Trial was over. With their male counterparts, and the woman this duo left behind (Elena Cecchini) the effort earned the Italians a bronze medal. They just squeaked in ahead of the Swiss but it was enough to be on the podium in Brugge.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838545-21-292177/Painting/just-a-few-more-pedal-strokes.-uci21-21.html

Flanders 2021: Rolling Through Quickly

Regular readers of this blog will know that I enjoy a title that has more than one possible interpretation. The same is true for virtually all of my large scale artwork as well. Here, The Dutch men, Bauke Mollema, Keon Bouwman and Jos van Emden were taking very quick pulls on the front of their trio as they neared the end of their leg of the Mixed Team Time Trial in Brugge. When the women had finished their leg of the race, they had improved on the time gaps handed to them by these three guys. The Dutch are the defending champions in this discipline, but today they saw their title go to Germany. With the rides of Annemiek van Vleutin, Ellen van Dijk, and Riejanne Markus the team in orange claimed the silver medal in Brugge.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838544-20-292177/Painting/rolling-through-quickly.-uci21-20.html

Flanders 2021: Is He Waving Farewell?

I may never know why Tony Martin (Germany) was waving his arm while in the first leg of the Mixed Team Time Trial with Max Walschied and Nikias Arndt. But it almost seemed as though he was waving farewell to all of his fans from around the world. This is Martin’s last race as a professional and thanks to these two guys and his female teammates, Lisa Breannauer, Lisa Klein, and Mieke Kroger, it was a gold medal earning finale. While he certainly couldn’t do it alone, nor did he, it was a truly fabulous way to end an even more amazing career as a professional cyclist. I am going to miss watching him race, but I am sure he won’t be totally gone from the cycling world.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838543-19-292177/Painting/is-he-waving-farewall-uci21-19.html

Flanders 2021: You Only Need Two

Both Coryn Rivera and Ruth Winder knew that the time was taken when the second woman finished the course, so they weren’t too worried that they had left Leah Thomas behind. The duo had built on the lead that their male teammates had given them, finishing their effort with the new best time. Alas for us here in the States, their time didn’t stand up to those yet to finish. They ended the Mixed Team Time Trial in eight place, not quite what they had hoped for as they gasped for air at the finish.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838542-18-292177/Painting/you-only-need-two.-uci21-18.html

Flanders 2021: Better Line Up, Better Speed

The trio of Elise Chabbey, Nicole Koller, and Marlen Reusser found it necessary to reset their riding order as the kilometers ticked by. Reusser was hitting a brutal pace on the front and Chabbey just couldn’t pull through when her teammate needed to drop off of the front. As she struggled, Koller moved up to the front to take over the pace making for the team. It wasn’t long after the Chabbey had to surrender to the pace of Reissner (who plans to attempt the hour record next week) and left it to her two country women to finish the leg of the Mixed Team Time Trial. They just barely lost out on the bronze medal by a fraction of a second to Italy. Was this the moment it happened?

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838531-17-292177/Painting/better-line-up-better-speed.-uci21-17.html

Flanders 2021: A Little too Soon

I’m am not quite sure how or why Christina Schwieberger (Austria) went a little too early when it was the women’s team’s time to hit the Mixed Team Time Trial course. She desperately tried to hold still on the ramp as she waited for her teammates, Kathrin Schwieberger and Sarah Rijkes to get the green light for the start. Was it her starting too soon, or did the guy holding her upright while she waited just let her go. Regardless, she did not start off put ended up waiting for the others at the base of the ramp. Once they started, she re-clipped and off the three went. Her entire team ended the day in 12th place so perhaps they were penalized for her false start.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838530-16-292177/Painting/a-little-too-soon.-uci21-16.html

Flanders 2021: Passing the Devil

He had to show up after all these Worlds are being raced in his home country. The male half of the Spanish team, Xavier Mikel Azparren, Diego Lopez and Lluis Mas, seemed to take no notice of Didi Senft as the sped by. Senft is a long time fixture on the side of the road at most major European cycling events. It always warms my heart to see him bedecked in his Devil’s outfit leaping high in the air as he cheers on every cyclists as they ride pass him. The Spanish trio was on a good ride but didn’t managed to finish in the top ten at the end of the day. Hopefully, both the Spanish men and women will fair better in there respective road races on the weekend.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838529-15-292177/Painting/passing-the-devil.-uci21-15.html

Flanders 2021: Working Together

The first to roll down the start ramp in Knokke Heist was the UCI World Cycling Team for the Mixed Team Time Trial. The race is comprised of a team of three men who race on leg of the course and then as they finished, a three woman team starts off for the second leg. The intermediate time is taken when the second rider crosses the line, and then the final combined time is taken when the second rider in the women’s team crosses the finish line. This team is made up of riders from many nations including a refugee from Syria who have traveled to the UCI training center in Switzerland in hopes of furthering their cycling careers.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3838528-14-292177/Painting/working-together.-uci21-14.html

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Flanders 2021: Leading All the Way to Brugge

Marlen Reusser (Switzerland) was posting the new best times as she went through both the first and second time checks. She was holding off Annemiek van Vleutin (Netherlands) behind her. I am sure that her sport director was yelling encouragement in her ear the whole 30 kilometers to Brugge. Ellen van Dijk (Netherlands) had a brilliant final kilometers actually increasing her pace as she got closer to Brugge. Reusser wasn't quite able to accomplish the same acceleration coming up just 10 seconds shy of van Dijk's time. So it wasn't the Rainbow Jersey for the Swiss woman, but she does end the day with the silver medal.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837725-13-292177/Painting/leading-all-of-the-way-to-brugge-uci21-13.html

Flanders 2021: The Elder States Woman

With apologies I couldn't resist this titled. In fact, I came up with the title before I created this watercolor. You see, Amber Leone Neben for the United States of America is the oldest women competing in Flanders this year. At 46 years old she is five years older than anyone else in the race, and she is from the States, so thus the title. It is also a riff on the obsessively formal manner that US Senators will use when addressing each other, think, "The elder statesman from Ohio" for example. But enough about the title, Neben was burning up the course and took a new second place as she crossed the line in Brugge. Alas, two out of the three women behind her posted just slightly better times, so she ended her time trial in fourth overall. For comparison, the winner was young enough to be her daughter. I point this out not because she is a woman, but she gives hope and faith to all of us older cyclists. Plus, it belies the ridiculous (now gone) rule for a median age of a team for women's cycling.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837724-12-292177/Painting/the-elder-states-woman-uci21-12.html

Flanders 2021: Perfect Form

As I start to write this, I realize that the title could be misinterpreted by those with a less than chase mind. I am talking about Juliette Labous's (France) perfect aerodynamic tuck. What did you think I meant? Labous was posting some excellent times out on course including her second place as she crossed the line in Brugge. With some very strong riders behind her, that placing dropped to a sixth over all for her effort in the Elite Women's time trial. Not to shabby.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837723-11-292177/Painting/perfect-form-uci21-11.html

Flanders 2021: Can Lightening Strike Twice?

I feel I may need to explain this title. This is Anna Kiesenhofer (Austria) who just one the Gold Medal in the Olympic women's road race. She won by getting into an early break and then leaving that group on her own. Her solo effort (and the lack of race radios behind) gave her the win in Tokyo. The ability to ride alone is what this discipline is all about. Sadly for Kiesenhofer today wasn't to be her day as she finished in 17th place on the day. But on the other hand, she is the Olympic Champion for another three years.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837720-10-292177/Painting/can-lightening-strike-twice-uci21-10.html

Flanders 2021: Catching Her Minute Woman

This titled isn't entirely accurate. Actually, Ellen van Dijk (Netherlands) started a minute and a half after Lisa Klein (Germany) who is just ahead of her. It wasn't that Klein was riding slow, she took 7th place in the final placings on the day, it was just that van Dijk was just that fast. Not only did she pass the German ahead of her, but she just missed catching Leah Thomas (USA) who finished her ride just about 10 seconds ahead of van Dijk. Keep in mind Thomas had started a full three minutes ahead of the Dutch woman. With that kind of a ride it should come as no surprise that she is the new World Champion in the Women's Elite Time Trial. It did mean she had to wait for 37 other women to finish their efforts before she knew that the title and the rainbow stripes were hers.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837713-9-292177/Painting/catching-her-minute-woman-uci21-9.html

Flanders 2021: She's Just Getting Started

The American Leah Thomas was one of the earlier women to ride down the start ramp in the Elite Women's Time Trial. She has just made the turn at the bottom of the start ramp as she sprints to get up to speed. She has just over thirty kilometers of effort ahead of her. An effort she will make all on her own. While she posted some early strong times, she finished her day in 14th place.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837706-8-292177/Painting/shes-just-getting-started-uci21-8.html

Monday, September 20, 2021

Flanders 2021: Celebrating Another One

Flippo Ganna (Italy) had the rare opportunity to celebrate his victory in a time trial as he crossed the line in Bruges. As the defending World Champion in the time trial discipline he had the luxury of being the last guy to ride down the start lamp, so as he crossed the line, he knew his best time would be THE best time. The Belgium cycling fans pressing against the barriers would have to content themselves with the knowledge that their men, Wout van Aert and Remco Evenepoel had taken silver and bronze respectfully. I believe the last man to win back to back TT titles was the man who will retire after these Worlds, Tony Martin. Chapeau, Ganna!

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837391-7-292177/Painting/celebrating-another-one-uci21-7.html

Flanders 2021: One Last Time!

As Tony Martin (Germany) rolled down the start ramp, I was saddened to learn that he announced today that this would be his last UCI Road World Championship. Martin has held the Champion title in the Men's Elite Time Trial four times and many more national titles in Germany. He is one of those guys I have always enjoyed watching race. When the Worlds came to Richmond, VA I had the good fortune to meet his mother. She, too, is a wonderful kind person. She said she would bring him by so I could meet him but it just didn't happen.

He was going out of racing still passing riders who had started before him. He was second when he arrived in Bruges, but fell to seventh on the day. Not a bad way to end a career racing in the Worlds (most never get a 7th for their entire racing career).

By the way, his mother did buy one of my watercolors of Tony from the road race back in 2015. I wonder in who's house it hangs.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837389-6-292177/Painting/one-last-time-uci21-6.html

Flanders 2021: On a Fast One

One of the challenges with painting a time trial is trying to guess who will be the players in the leader board at the end of the day. Kasper Asgreen (Denmark) was out on a strong ride putting in yet another new best time at the first time check. He stayed near the top as he completed the course, claiming the second spot on the podium when he finished. Unfortunately for the Dane, two of the three behind him out road him. He finished the day in that awful position of just off of the podium. As I watched the race I was struck by just how many bike lanes were all over the course most of which were protected from cars and trucks (that is what the red stripe is going across the road... the red streak is Asgreen). I think I need to spend some time riding in Europe soon.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837385-5-292177/Painting/on-a-fast-one-uci21-5.html

Flanders 2021: The Other Belgium Hope

Wout van Aert (Belgium) may have had a bit less pressure on him knowing that his teammate was sitting in the hot seat with the best time thus far. Yet he was still super focus and ready to lay out a strong ride to trade the stripes of his country's flag for the Rainbow Stripes of World Champion. In this past Tour de France he won the final time trial, but then he also won a stage on the top of a mountain and in a field sprint on the Champs Elysees. As he road the course, he had the best time including at the end of the course. With just one guy on the road he was ensured a medal. He ended the day with the Silver, making it two Belgiums on the podium in the Elite Men's Time Trial. Not bad for the home team on the opening day of Flanders 2021!

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837381-4-292177/Painting/the-other-belgium-hope-uci21-4.html

Sunday, September 19, 2021

Flanders 2021: Rolling Out

Most times my paintings do what they should, but then there are others... this is a bit of the latter. Michal Kwiatkowski rolled off the start ramp on the coast in hopes of a strong ride. It is his ability to ride miles after miles on the front of the peloton that makes his team, Ineos-Grenadiers, so hard to keep out of a leader's jersey. I am sure he was hoping his legs would deliver that kind of a ride for some personal glory. It should be pointed out that he is a former UCI World Champion on the road yet I don't think he was one of the main contenders for the rainbow jersey in the time trial.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837377-3-292177/Painting/rolling-out-uci21-3.html

Flanders 2021: Fastest at the Second Check

Stefan Bissegger (Switzerland) was laying down a brilliant ride. When he got to the second time check he logged the best time thus far. Yes, there were some big names on the road behind him but he looked to be on a podium worthy time trial. Unfortunately, he wasn't going to replace the lore of his countryman, Fabian Cancellara. It was a combination of fading a bit towards the finish and some of the other behind him that left him with a seventh place on the day.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837375-2-292177/Painting/fastest-at-the-second-check.html

Flanders 2021: On Home Roads

Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) choose to go out early for the Elite Men's time trial. I may have been nerves, or just a desire to get done what needs to be done. Whatever the reason, he was the one setting new best times at every time check on the course. And that included the most important one at the end of his all out effort. The down side of going early was that now he had to wait to see if his time would stand up to all of the guys (43 of them) yet to come to Brussels. Spoiler... He finished the day with the bronze medal, but it was only the last two guys who moved him out of the hot seat he had held for most of the day.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Flanders-2021/3837373-1-292177/Painting/on-home-roads-uci21-1.html