Tuesday, March 19, 2024

KBC Driedaagse van De Panne-Koksijde 2007 – Day 4

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HomeDiariesKBC Driedaagse van De Panne-Koksijde 2007 - Day 4

It’s a split stage today at KBC Driedaagse van De Panne-Koksijde 2007, 119 kilometres in the morning, then 11 kilometres contre la montre in the afternoon.

The morning stage means an early start all-round and at 09.05 the bunch rolls out of De Panne, it’s parky but sunny.

Driedaagse
Rambo (Niko Eeckhout) didn’t have the best of days.

We’ve decided to watch the start and finish but miss the race on the road, it’s out and back and hardly worth the bother because it will certainly end in a bunch sprint.

There’s a finishing circuit so we’ll actually see them cross the line twice. The start is the usual organised chaos, but at 09.05 they are off, it’s still nippy at that time and gloves are much in evidence.

Driedaagse
Dan Lloyd.

It’s 119 K today and we enjoy the sun and a stroll around the team hotels as we await the peloton coming through the finish for one lap of that small circuit.

Ace mechanics, Alan Buttler and Craig Geater have plenty of time for us at the Disco bus – good guys and I’ve had interviews before with both of them.

Driedaagse
Koni and Eki have a blether about the good old days.

The bunch rattles over the cobbled main street with QuickStep in control in front of a big crowd, enjoying the sun and at the death Steegmans is well clear, arms high.

Driedaagse
Tom’s black specialized gets spirited away by papa Boonen, before those Scottish lads can get a pic.

It’s all down to the test later, as we have a plate of chips and a beer al fresco.

Driedaagse
Bert Roesems finishes his warm-up.

Millar is the big favourite and his preparation is meticulous – on the turbo; three mechanics attending to the Scott.

As start time approaches he sits on the street furniture, exchanges a few words with Disco’s Steve Cummings, then does a bit of that ‘getting in the zone’ stuff.

Driedaagse
Steve gets his head together before the test…
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…while Dave enjoys a joke with his minute-man.

Cummings is building a good rep at Disco, Alan Buttler was telling us that Contador regards him highly.

Driedaagse
Paolini prepares – to get gubbed.

Millar rolls-out and is into the groove quickly, it’s not to be though – Discovery’s Stijn Devolder, who won De Panne two years ago but still looks about 14 years old, beats him by just eight seconds.

Driedaagse
Ballan prepares – to win.

Paolini blows the test completely, Ballan produces the goods; original stage one break member Poosthuma (Holland & ‘Robobank’ as Russell Williams would have it) does a job, as does big Roesems. That’s the 1-2-3; and it’s good to see the big Belgian on the podium. Ballan is peaking just right, has Tom got it right too?

We’ll find out on Sunday in Flanders.

Ed Hood
Ed Hood
Ed's been involved in cycling for over 50 years. In that time he's been a successful time triallist, a team manager and a sponsor of several teams and clubs. He's also a respected and successful coach and during the winter months was often working in the cabins at the Six Days for some of the world's top riders. Ed remains a massive fan of the sport and couples his extensive contacts with an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the minutiae and the history of our sport. In February 2023 however, our dear friend and beloved colleague Ed suffered a devastating stroke and faces an uncertain future; Ed has lost his ability to speak, to read, and has lost movement on the right side of his body. He's working with speech and physical therapists on rehabilitation, but all strokes are different and each patient responds differently, so unfortunately recovery is one day at a time. Ed ran his own business installing windows, and will probably not be able to work again. Please consider joining us to make a contribution to Ed's GoFundMe page to help stabilise and secure his future.

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