In Belgium there is a series of races called the Lotto Ridley Tour. The US National Team and I took part in the Kessel-Lo race, which is part of the Lotto Ridley Tour. The race started very fast as usual. We did 4 short laps and 2 long laps. The short laps were 4km long that consisted of small roads, tight turns, and of course, road furniture. The longer laps were 17km long that consisted of narrowing roads, a 2km slightly uphill cobbled section, a 700m long 17% climb, and a very long sprint finish. The short loops were very intense and fast. Some riders tried to make moves again, but none stuck. On the longer loops there were better opportunities to attack on the cobbles and the climb, but none stuck either. By that point I decided to set up for the sprint finish. Out of the last corner there is still about 1km to the finish line. I felt like I was in the Tour de France on a flat stage, bumping elbows for position, and moving up swiftly. I started my sprint fairly early and held it to the line, winning my last race of the trip!!

VICTORY!!!


Podium :)


Overall, I had an AMAZINGLY FUN experience in Europe. Staying at the USA National Team house in Izegem, Belgium with an amazing group of girls and staff was a ton of fun. I learned so much on this trip I don’t even know how to explain. From learning my sense of direction riding to Brugge with Kaitie to learning how to position myself in an aggressive Belgian peleton. And my most tasty discovery was Speculoos ;)


In the headlines: USA CYCLING