





It’s not easy to like the race at Gieten. The long drive, the small crowds and the uninspiring course are all part of the picture why coming to Gieten is always peppered with a bit of reluctance.

However, a number of things have turned this Sunday into a very enjoyable experience.

Driving towards my hotel in Assen felt a lot shorter than four hours: while listening to Christopher Hitchens, time really did fly. The B&B was run by a lovely lady and I wished I stayed a bit longer, Adam, the dog was just too cute.

Upon arrival at the course, the signs took me to a different direction from the last two years’ races. It seemed that this was an all-new course but Stef Wyman later explained that this is an older course that was neglected for four of five years. New courses always fill my heart with joy as they offer a clean slate, a day full of possibilities.

The guys and gals put on great races, Niels Albert pulled a double win and the wind only destroyed part of the fencing, so it was a good day, all in all. Maybe apart from the ‘press centre’, which was in an unused barn. Coldest press centre. Ever.