The day after the race for the pros, the mortals were allowed to get their gloves dirty in the new “Hell of the Marl land”, not to be confused with the “Mergelheuvelland 2-Daagse”, a two-day event.
C. participated in the 120 kilometers course.
‘Not to be confused with’ is actually quite difficult, because the courses do show great similarities.
It’s way less massive and it’s starting from Eijsden, but definitely recognizable and comparable…
First there’s a stretch through the Netherlands, a lot of twists and turns towards Slenaken (split 150 km at the top of the Loorberg), and near Teuven entering into Belgium.
Next, a circle around Remersdaal (only 120/150 kms), more twists and turns towards La Heydt (split), extra loop Blegny (only 120/150 kms) and even more twists and turns back towards the Netherlands, via Gravenvoeren.
The first 60 kilometres or so there was no sign of the predicted ‘occasional light rain’, but this was more than made up for in the second part (from La Heydt, just after the split).
At the 2nd supply point in Blegny it was pouring with rain and the descents – on the already rickety roads – were no fun (and cold).
But hey, once you’re wet it doesn’t matter that much when it comes to rain.
The supplies at the rest stops were in order and at the finish we received another bag with, among other things, a currant bun, filled biscuit and something to drink.
No souvenir, but the (climbing) time was recorded for 3 of the climbs: Crindaal, Sarolay – only 120/150 kms – and Les Waides.
The latter cost him some effort, partly because of the cold in his bones, which is why he finished 115th (out of 329 total registered cyclists on the 120 km)…
The pretensions of offering a tough ride – and certainly so early in the season – are reasonably fulfilled.
The part through Belgium is, familiar or not, indeed quite tough, without really becoming overly tough.
Of course the weather was a negative factor, but we rode the AGR and Limburgs Mooiste under similar conditions and it is doable.
All in all a good training 🙂
According to the Polar, the ride was 124.2 kilometers and our hero did it in 4 hours and 25 minutes.
1,680 meters of D+ were registered, and a maximum increase of 20%.
At the start just after 9 o’clock, the temperature was 12 degrees and it first rose to 15, the minimum temperature was – in Blegny – 9 degrees, at the finish it was 11.
And a helmet off to the volunteers who guided the cyclists safely – and with priority – over almost all intersections all day long, under the same conditions but they were not moving – thank you!
