Cyclocross in Kortrijk
It's a family thing
Cyclocross and cycling in general is a really big thing in Belgium. While arriving here, I discovered that it was not only some events that people like but it is really rooted in Belgium's culture. You see it on the road, even for personal uses, the roads are adapted to bikes and bikers. Furthermore, a lot of Belgium cyclists, men and women, are on top of ranking in every category.
We had the chance, on the 26 of November, to attend the cyclocross race which took place in Kortrijk. Going there reminds me of a lot of memories. In fact, since I was a child, my dad has been a bike lover. He loves bikes, vintage and new ones.
My dad also loves to watch races. Usually we are doing it at home because of the distance issues but when we had the opportunity, we used to go see the Tour de France. As we are living next to the Pyrénées, we know that they are passing by every year and when we have the time, it’s a great event to go see.
My dad became a child again.
For 15 years, not only has he watched her, but he is also a cyclist himself. As I like to go to dance, he likes to cycle one hundred and sixty kilometers on a sunny Sunday morning. I find that insane. When I was younger, with my father and my sister, we cycled on weekends. Going to the forest, listening to birdsong and cycling around the lake is a beautiful memory that came directly to my mind when I saw the river, the greenery and the cyclists at the race. When we cycled together, we only did thirty kilometers at most because that was my maximum. However, my father was having as much fun as if we were climbing a mountain. I could see his happinness on his face and through his eyes.
When I was at the race, I enjoyed all the activities we had the chance to do, however, I thought of him at every one of them. The podium, the start of the race, the cheers or even just watching the big screen with friends. This time reminds me of my childhood, those good memories we made together.
We were there with all the Erasmus students and in Belgium they make me feel at home. We create new memories and share unique moments together. Sport always bring emotions, vibrating with athletes generally gather people together. Being with friends there makes me realize that it still is and always will be a family thing.