There are still five days to go until the Tour of Flanders, but one fan is already camping out to secure his spot
Guaranteed a good spot
If you think you're a committed cycling fan, then we've got bad news for you, as you're simply never going to be able to compete with the dedication of one Belgian fan who is already camping out on the route of the Tour of Flanders with five days still to go until the big day.
Patrick Debondt (who we're going to assume is retired, self-employed, or has a very understanding employer) has already parked his campervan at the bottom of the Paterberg in order to secure the best spot for the big day on Sunday, as well as to make sure his van does not sink into the mud.
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"I've come already because rain is forecast," Debondt told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.
"Because of the rain in recent weeks, the field is soggy. I have to install road plates [metal or wooden boards that go underneath the wheels of the van to stop it sinking into the field] now, because that's going to give help if several campers arrive and the field gets more swampy."
Watch: Cobbled Classics essential guide 2018
Debondt is parked at the bottom of the Paterberg, which will be climbed twice by the men and once by the women on Sunday, and be the final climb in both races.
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However Debondt does not intend to simply sit in his field for the next five days, and will travel to watch Dwars door Vlaanderen, which does not use the Paterberg, on Wednesday.
"I'll go to the Kluisberg for Dwars door Vlaanderen. The rest of the days you always experience something here. Riders who explore, cycling tourists, it is buzzing with activity here. I am not going to get bored."
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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
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