Nog één keer slapen

Nog één keer slapen is what Belgian kids are told the night before Saint Nicolas day. It means one more night (sleep one more time). And that is exactly where we are at, with the Ronde. Nog een keer slapen, although most Belgians are probably already in bed. The riders certainly are.

More than 20,000 cycle tourists and amateur riders and racers rode their Ronde today. Most did a shorter version, but some did the whole thing. There were long lines to get over the koppenberg, and other obstacles, but the weather was great, with temperatures in Gent topping those of Berkeley, CA.

When California wakes up tomorrow, the favorite classic riders will be in full combat, battling it out over the Oude Kwaremont, the Paterberg, the Koppenberg, or the Muur, depending on when you wake up.

Stay tuned for the greatest show in Flanders.