January 24, 2008 – Pedal caught up with Canadian cyclocross racers who spent some time in Europe in December and January, as they got their feet wet on the racing scene in the global heart of the “˜cross discipline. Among the Canucks “˜crossing on the other side of the pond were Nathan Chown, Derrick St. John, Natasha Elliott, Kevin Hazzard, Vicki Thomas and Wendy Simms. They took part in an intense schedule of competition in Belgium and the Netherlands, often doing back-to-back racing. Vicki Thomas’s focus was on a strong performance at the UCI Masters Cyclocross World Championships in the Women’s 30-39 category, which took place in Mol, Belgium on January 19. She shared her experiences in Part 5 of this series of interviews.

Thomas, 36, of Ottawa, Ontario, races for Stevens Cross/The Cyclery. She is a technical writer, whose hobbies include knitting and reading. According to her blog, she is “Addicted to sports. Name a sport, I’ll try it. “¦I don’t mess around if the sport doesn’t meet my standards I move on with no regrets. Sports I am into right now include cycling and yoga. Sports I have been addicted to include taekwon-do and hockey.” Read Thomas’s regularly updated blog, “Victoria’s Island” here.

How do you feel about your fourth place at Masters Worlds?
Vicki Thomas: Fourth is a hard position to finish in, because you are so close to the podium. Initially I was disappointed with my race, but after thinking about the race a bit more, I’m really quite content with my result and how I rode. The course itself was awesome – lots of sand, tight turns, some power sections, and two runs. The course was challenging, the weather was perfect (light rain and 12), the fans were cool, Marc (my husband) was super awesome in the pits and in helping me prepare for the race, and I had a blast racing. So all in all – a good day on the bike.

Is it your first time racing in Europe?
VT: This is not my first time racing in Europe. I raced in Belgium and Holland for two months during the summer of 2007. I was based in Blauberg, Belgium for the two months. I managed to squeeze in 18 races in seven weeks. It was an excellent experience and was the catalyst for my returning for cyclocross racing this winter.

What is it like, racing in Europe compared to racing in North America?
VT: Racing in Belgium and Holland is so much more challenging. The fields are much deeper. In any race you can be racing against ex-World Champions and women with years and years of ‘cross racing experience. The courses are much more challenging as well. Anything goes here. The course designers don’t hesitate to set the courses to get the most thrills for the spectators. (Of course this is what makes ‘cross so popular here – the thrills and spills.)

Since being here I’ve learned so much about what makes a strong ‘cross rider – technical skills are paramount. Any given course can feature – mud, sand, steep descents, quad-busting climbs, pavement, cobbles, soggy grass. You name it – it can be part of the course. As far as attitudes, I find the women here to be very friendly and receptive to newcomers at the races. I also know quite a few girls from the road racing scene – so this helps as well. I find the fans to be awesome. I have a “small” Belgian cheering section that shows up at every race and is always cheering for me – this is awesome. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming – I think it helps to have a positive attitude and to be patient when people are asking you questions even when you may feel a bit pressed for time.

What has been the most memorable thing for you about the experience?
VT: Racing the classic cyclocross races. Overijse, Belgium on December 16, 2007 was my first “big” race. I loved it. The course was super challenging – it has everything – grassy climbs, muddy descents, fast pavement, cobbles. The fans were awesome. It was just incredible to be part of the spectacle. Definitely one of my top racing experiences here.

Do you think that in order to race at a world level, you need to be racing in Europe?
VT: Most definitely. The best in the world are here. So in order to race at the top level, you need to be here training and racing with the very best. I will definitely be returning next season.

Have you found a favourite Belgian treat?
VT: This may seem a bit boring, but I really like the fresh bread here. I also like Cecemel – it is a chocolate milk-type drink that is perfect after a race. I also have a soft spot for rice tarts – but I wait until my racing is done to indulge.

What has it been like, doing so many races in such a short time?
VT: Since I was here in the summer racing a heavy schedule, I was prepared for the experience. The hardest part is managing your rest. It is important to recover properly after each race and to ensure you are getting enough sleep. The hardest lesson to learn, is that just because there is a race – you don’t need to race it. Remembering this, helps in managing fitness, recovery, and the desire to race.

What were your goals when you set out on this European ‘cross racing adventure?
VT: To learn everything I can. I had no ambitions of top placings or podiums. I simply wanted to come here and get worked over. This is the only way you can learn. If you aren’t challenged, you aren’t forced to work harder and to improve on your weaknesses.

What have you learned?
VT: I have learned so much about the technical aspects of cyclo-cross racing. I’ve learned how key the technical skills are. I’ve been training on Wednesday afternoons with a cyclocross coach (who coached Sven Nys and Neils Albert) – and he has taught me a great deal. Some of his mantras include “The front brake is only used to prevent crashing”, “Do not brake – learn to modulate speed”, “More speed and more power”. Last weekend I raced with the 60 year-old men’s field – I was beat by guys who were not “fit” but had mad technical skills – this shows how important technique is when racing cyclocross.

Anything else to add for Canadian fans?
VT: I’d like to say thanks to The Cyclery for the massive support during this cyclo-cross season. Couldn’t have raced so much and made this trip without The Cyclery. Also thanks to all the cyclists and supporters from Ottawa (Ride with Rendall team members) who have been so encouraging and supportive – I really appreciate knowing that you are cheering for me.