Trying to make it as a Professional Cyclist in Belgium...

[oldroadman]

It's good to see riders willing to take the risk and be willing to adapt to the lifestyle. You will find things out about yourself, and hopefully be able to adapt to a very different style of racing. It's quite brutal, and a big step up from what, from your majority of results, you have been riding. Only possibly the Tour Series is anywhere close in intensity, and the kermis/kermesses are usually much further, and very quick. There is a very competitive edge as plenty of riders are racing for the very few stagiere contracts around, and only a small number of stagieres get to ride as a paid profi.
Gent (learn Flemish fast, a peloton language!) is a good base, right in the heart of racing, very interesting centre, canal, cobbles (mind the tram lines!). Plenty to have a look at on the odd day off, plenty of races to ride. Let's hope that you will be getting to the aankomst firsts a few times, and get noticed.
It's hard, you are young, and whatever the outcome, it will be something you will never forget - good luck.

 

[Orbytal]

It shall be interesting to hear how you are doing on and off the bike.
The very best of luck and keep us all informed good and bad as it shall be hard at times but I am sure you will cope with it.

 

[User169]

Good luck Jake!

Stick to this...

and go easy go this..

 

[Toshiba Boy]

Best of luck Jake.

 

[Crosstrailer]

Will watch with interest, I won't wish you good luck because hard work > luck

 

[Noodley]

I hope he's better at winter training than keeping the blog updated

 

[oldroadman]

Ah, winter training in Belgium, what happy times...which is why plenty of people choose Girona as a base! Even in the winter there's a bit of sun there - whereas in Flanders....but it does toughen you up, on the simple basis of what does not kill you, makes you stronger. All the best young Jake, and may you have all the good luck you will certainly need.

 

[black'n'yellow]

winter training in Belgium is pretty much the same (ie just as sh1tty) as winter training here - except they ride quicker...

 

[amaferanga]

Good luck.

P.s. "20min FTP" doesn't make sense. It's either your 20min power or your FTP, not both.

 

[Sam Cycling]

go go go