The broomwagon

If you saw a slightly overweight middle-aged cyclist chasing a group of eight-year-olds today, it was me. Hello, I was the human broom wagon in categories 1 and 2. Firstly, that’s fun for our instagram stories but, more importantly, it’s reassuring for the parents of these very young riders that someone is with their children on the 5-kilometer lap in Lieveren because they are not allowed to join them all the way.

A quick sip of water and half a energy bar before my first race of the day. This extra ‘job’ came my way so suddenly that I couldn’t even get nervous. The 17 category 1 riders started a kilometer before the finish and then did a full lap. In convoy, we followed behind the commissaire’s car to the start. There was already some nervous chatter. Noor Hovers had even discussed race tactics with her big brother.

We arrived at the start and after final instructions in three languages, the peloton set off. The speed immediately ticked the 30 kilometres per hour mark for the sprint for the green jersey. The first riders got dropped. Tim Slootweg stayed with me as last rider in the race. The young rider from NWV Groningen was still very chatty so that means we can go faster, Tim! On the drops he sprinted away from me. It was one of his first races ever, so he did a super job.

In category 2, the pace was even faster, and I was dropped in the first kilometer. The broom wagon passed me and, in the distance, I saw the 9- and 10-year-olds riding away. Painful moment. Unfortunately, my help was needed when there was a crash with pink jersey Daisy Duffield (photo) and Chi Hei – call sign Torres – Li of the Hong Kong team. Daisy was quickly off again but Torres needed some help from the neutral car. The chain was quickly put back on and we were able to continue together.

Torres had to continue alone for another six kilometers. Especially the first stretch with the headwind was tough for the nine-year-old. I counted down the kilometers for him. After every encouragement, Torres sprinted out of the saddle to a speed of up to 33 kilometers per hour. Then the pace went down again until the next encouragement from me or the traffic controllers on the side of the road. With the sign of the last 500 meters, a tremendous acceleration came out of the little legs. Under loud cheers, Torres crossed the finish line.

It was a wonderful experience, according to his coach. The same was true for me. Although, I do have to recover from the effort and the mental blow of being beaten by 9- and 10-year-old riders.

By Jose Been