While training on the Tour of Flanders course last week I rode with a helmet camera and captured some of the cobbled sectors. The camera came loose a few times so my teammate Juan Antonio Flecha edited the segments on his computer and we put together a short film . The team riding on the cobbles was: Juan Anotonio Flecha, Kurt-Asle Arvesen, Edvald Boasson-Hagen, Mathew Hayman, Greg Henderson, Ian Stannard and G’ Thomas. You can make out a few of the faces in the film. The rider who takes off on the cobbled section, the Holleweg, is Flecha–we rode the section quite quickly which the camera captures.
The camera doesnt come close to capturing the gradient of the cobbled climb though. It was neat to see commuters riding the cobbles in the other direction on their way to work–you can see a woman riding her city bike along the smooth bit of stones on the left side of the road coming towards us. Riding the course is something unique even when we are not racing. The history, the culture and difficulty brings out an excitement in the team not felt elsewhere.
Great little video. What song is playing in the background?
what a great piece of film…just gives you an idea of challange ahead of these guys…respect and envy totally…good luck to all for flanders
Great video Michael. Loved riding those roads last year.
What helmet cam are you using?
Hi Alex, Glad you like the video. We will try to keep doing them through the season–hopefully we can get something from the Roubaix cobbles next week as we will be pre-riding them. The camera is a Gopro surf. Best, Michael
Dear Micheal, thank you for this classic Juan attack on the cobbles. The movie is great but most of all, backing it up by the ShoutOut Loud really puts La cerise sur le sunday, if you know what I mean.
What a great clip! I’m inspired to organize a Flanders-Roubaix trip for next year.
It’s easy to watch race video and think, “Sure, that’s fast.”, but to see it first person like this really is impressive. Thanks for sharing, Michael. Sweet video and nice soundtrack!
Hey Michael,
Love the vid – best of luck at Flanders.
I’m planning a trip this summer to the Girona area, and you came to mind. The boys want to ride and the girls want the beach. Any suggestions for where we should base ourselves out of?
Good ride Michael, I saw you at the head of the peleton of the ‘Ronde van Vlaanderen’ for 1.5-2 hours, and you finished too! I rode the recreational version 12 years ago, 225 km, and I know how tough it is. Well done! Rick, your fan from Holland
Michael,
do you have some sort of signalling arrangement with the team car in front to warn of anything coming up? Watching the speed you carry through the bends is incredible – I would be bricking it wondering what could be coming round the corner!
Superb footage !
Bryan
Yes, during the training rides, and in the races, we wear radios and the team directors communicate what’s coming up. Best, Michael