As if there weren't enough problems in the world right now, local authorities in Belgium spent yesterday laying a strip of smooth asphalt up the side of a famous cobbled climb ahead of the cobbled classics.
The Eikenberg climb may not be as well known as the Oude Kwaremont or the Paterberg, but it still plays a vital role in this week's Omloop Het Nieuwsblad as well as the Tour of Flanders.
Hats off then to one man who, in scenes reminiscent of the unknown man standing in front of the tanks in Tiananmen Square in 1989, bravely stood up to the steam roller, scraping away at the wet tarmac to expose the cobblestones beneath.
>>> Seven things we're looking forward to at this weekend's Belgian classics
Unfortunately the man's attempts to stop the tarmacking of the edge of the road (don't worry, the main bit of the road is still cobbles) were unsuccessful. meaning there could be a faster way up the climb when Omloop Het Nieuwsblad arrives on Saturday.
Speaking to Sporza about the new surface, Lotto-Soudal's Tiesj Benoot said that he hoped race organisers would put barriers on top of the new tarmac to force riders to use the cobbles, while Sep Vanmarcke (Cannondale-Drapac) described the climb as "a Formula One circuit".
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
8 common issues faced by smaller adult cyclists – and a bike fitter’s advice on how to overcome them
From frame size to stance width, crank length to brake levers – stock setups are stacked against smaller cyclists, but there are ways to get a better fit
-
Wahoo Christmas Sales discounts on Kickr V5 smart trainer, Kickr Bike 1.0 and V1 Elemnt Roam bike computer
Wahoo have continued to reduce prices on some of its best known products, offering big savings during the Christmas period
-
Biniam Girmay eyes Tour of Flanders and Tour de France success in 2023
After becoming first African rider to win Gent-Wevelgem, Girmay plans to take aim at the Tour of Flanders and other monuments next year
-
Tour of Flanders Espoirs cancelled indefinitely
The race's date, location and lack of young riders are all factors in the organiser's decision
-
E3 Saxo Bank Classic 2021 start list
List of riders taking part in the 2021 edition of the E3 Saxo Bank Classic in Belgium on Friday, March 26
-
