Hulst World Cup

The Hulst World Cup was one to remember, known for its steep walls of mud and long descents. Jules and I arrived in Europe earlier this week and drove to Hulst, Netherlands Saturday morning. We arrived in the morning hours to get ready for pre-ride. The course is really fun and fast, but filled with technical sections requiring lots of power just to get through. I described the main run up as if I felt I was rock climbing. I raced first, before Jules and our new teammate Scott Funston. The start was chaotic with many pinch points coming quickly. I worked my way through traffic delicately and found myself somewhere in the 30s. I then got caught up in a corner just on top of a small drop. I rolled down as my bike stayed at the top. I had to climb against traffic to get my bike and then turn around and try to catch back up. Although this crash was silly and didn't hurt too bad, it was time consuming. For the rest of the race I tried to find my groove and I had so much fun racing this crazy course. Although there is no result to go along with it I am content with the sensations and can't wait for the rest of our european block. Jules and Scott both raced in the Elite men category. Scott was in good position for the first bit before a flat tire coming off of a fast, rutted descent. He then had to work his way to the pit before being able to put the power down again. Jules started 7th row in a field of just over 100 riders. Working his way through the field in the first two laps with good sensations left him fighting for the remainder of the race. A good place to start this next part of the season for Jules and I while Scott has already been doing some races here. We love Hulst and can't wait to come back!