There’s a saying that goes:
When’s the best time to plant a tree? Now or 20 years ago.
Languedoc-Roussillon Regional Championships Flyer
This could not have been better exemplified than at Le Boulou, France on the weekend. Sunday saw the simultaneous running of the regional cyclocross championships across France, the filtration process to identify this years best of the best riders.
Apart from the racing, delicious home-baked gateaux, beer and coffee, was the opportunity to see the early fostering of potential that the Le Boulou Cycling Club supports.
Drinks at cycling club prices
Homemade delicious cakes
Over 200 racers hit the track over the course of the day, but it was the presentation ceremony that provided the crescendo to a swathe of elite performances.
Le Boulou CC Regional Championships Race
The bouquets, medallions and prizes signified varying degrees of success, but for me the real success beyond raceday is the support that the club, families, friends and the region quite obviously provide for creating the stars of 20 years time.
Raceday Medallions
Tomorrow’s future sports champions?
As the applause rang out and the temperature followed the sun, I thought, there’s no better time than now to start pedalling.
Gratuitous sunset photo from the return journey. Worth a pause or two.
Plenty of pageantry
Maybe we can talk about that bouquet…?
If not now, when?
The Club Team Car, including Tour de France style panel damage
The finish line