2011 3 Days of De Panne

This race started in 1977 - far enough back in “history” to see a stage win that year by the great Herman Van Springel. Despite this extended presence it was my first trip to see the race in person. I could have stayed at home a watched it via the web. But offers of a cheap deal on travel (via Norfolk Line - DFDS) and accommodation actually on the route (through Sunparks) made a trip very appealing.

The Channel crossing from Dover to Dunkirk went smoothly and we arrived in Dunkirk refreshed and well-fed. The short drive to Oostduinkerke was no problem and we were able to settle into the villa before darkness fell. Tuesday morning had a sunny start and we got to the Casino in Middelkerke well ahead of the 11:55 depart. I had not attempted to get a press pass but still parking was not much of problem - not surprising given the lack of tourists.

A short walk back to the Zeedijk soon found the publicity caravan and the first of the team buses just staking their claim to sea-front spots. In front of the casino was set-up for the official start - and two large stalls were enticing cycling fans. One had the latest trade-team kits for just about every pro outfit - with most jerseys going for 60 euros. The other was just for products from BMC - who were clearly making a big effort to woo Belgian supporters.

Near the stalls I spotted the two riders of the tandem I had seen when parking. And, yes, they were from England. A quick hello and brief conversion revealed that they were having an extended tour around the area - fitting-in the 3 Days of De Panne between the Gent-Wevelgem and the Tour of Flanders (plus going on to Paris-Roubaix!)

The local authorities around here have been very keen on public art works. And the sea front has quite a selection of sculptures - many being cartoon characters; but local in character rather than Disney imports.

This one looks a little like a cyclist I knew - but the shorts are too big!

One thing I found hard to work out was the “Australian Home Made Ice Cream” shop. Having lived in Oz for a few years I don’t know of many famous Australian ice creams. Or indeed how fresh ice cream could be both “home made” and “Australian” at the same time - being in Belgium. But there is at least one other similar shop in the Netherlands - so perhaps the “Australian” bit just means it comes in green and gold with eucalyptus flavours.

This year the weather gods were being kind and the mood at the start seemed up-beat. Riders moving between team buses and the Casino to sign-on, give out autographs and pose for photos. Some Belgian fans have the sort of enthusiasm for fan-cards and autographs that would outdo even the most dedicated twitcher or train-spotter in Britain. Rushing around trying to catch every name on the start sheet.

And the final start sheet had 23 teams of 8 riders (total 188) - with Colnago-CSF Inox being the addition to the initial list of 22 [They have also won a place in this year’s Giro d’Italia].

So a big field lined-up for the neutralised start than ran west along the sea front before looping back through the town and the start of the racing. But for me it was back to the Sunpark facilities and to catch a little of the race on TV.

more photos at TAimages.com

Stage 2

Wednesday was even easier - all I had to do was to wait the race to come to me. Since the final 3 short circuits were going right past the entrance to the holiday village.

The weather was not quite so kind as Tuesday with a bit more wind and a harder route. However 162 riders made it to the finishing circuit. I managed to catch sight of a few familiar names amongst the fragmented echelons. Here Peter Kennaugh leads Ben Swift through the southern corner of the holiday village - a very convenient place to stay!

Stage 3

The plan for Thursday was to catch the road race stage as it went by - then head out to the time trial stage after lunch. Het Nieuwsblad reported that Russell Downing was the best placed rider from Team Sky - with 7th on the stage and 13th overall.

We were lucky in our choice - with strong winds making for a hard struggle across the exposed flatlands in the 110km morning stage. Team Sky lost Bradley Wiggins, Ben Swift, Davide Appollonio, Peter Kennaugh and Russell Downing as the field was cut-down to less than 60 - due to big groups exceeding the time limit [a lack of radios was blamed]

Turning up at around 2pm at the first “dead” turn on the time trial course - about 5km from the start - I had no idea of the running order or how many riders would actually start. So it was stand by the road side and guess!

In the end it was Belgium’s Sebastien Rosseler (RadioShack) who took the time trial stage with enough time to also take the overall victory but by then the wind had forced a retreat to the convenient cafe for a hot, strong coffee - see full report at CyclingNews and some photos at TAimages.com