The full Euro experience

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Brian Matter, tearing it up in Belgium.(Image credit: Matt Shriver)

Belgium, January 1, 2009

This is my first time I've traveled to Europe for cyclo-cross. When I arrived in Belgium I knew that it would be one of the most challenging racing experiences ever and it has proven to be true. The racing is so fast, grueling and difficult. It isn't only the racing that makes you completely deteriorate, it is everything combined with the racing. It is the entire emersion into the most hardcore cyclo-cross culture in the world.

The Belgian fans are completely different than the fans from the US. At each race this week there has been a minimum of 10,000 spectators and at the World Cup in Zolder there were over 20,000 fans. These fans are crazy for 'cross. Cyclo-cross is the NASCAR of Belgium. The fans wear jackets that have their beloved riders on them. "I am Supporter of Sven Nys" or "I am Supporter of Bart Wellens" is embroidered on the back. I have yet to see a Belgian wearing a jacket that says supporter of Troy Wells or Jeremy Powers.

I have never felt so much pressure to perform even when warming up on the course. You are constantly under the microscope. Today, during my warm up at the Grand Prix of Sven Nys , I kept trying and failing to ride a stair step section. It was very challenging and I practiced a few times. Each time they are watching your every move: how you approach it, what gear you are in and the speeds you take. Each fan is constantly analyzing you to see if you are going to beat their rider. Keep in mind that you are not their favorite rider, so they want you to fail.

Here in the heart of cyclo-cross land, spectators pay between 10 to 20 euro (probably around $30 US) to watch you crash in the barriers. In America they cheer because you are a good sport for picking yourself up and going on. When you crash in Belgium, the fans cheer not because you picked your pile of bones up, but because you are broken and bleeding and they love it. When you are not leading the race, you are getting heckled and yelled at by the drunks.

The beer garden is flowing like the Colorado River at the crack of dawn on the course as the races start early and all of them are watched. The most important is the Elite Men's race, but the U23 is often one of the most exciting races and the fans are on their way to top levels of intoxication. When the Elite race comes around these fans are saturated with more Belgian beers than you will find on tap at any bar in America and screaming for you to suffer like a dog. It's a good thing I can't understand a word that they are saying because surely what is coming out of their mouths, other than the rank of beer and cigarettes, isn't supportive.

There is nothing like being completely gassed on a climb or through a run up and sucking in the cigarette smoke. While we are racing, everyone is drinking and smoking watching you in pain. We are completely flat out, gasping for oxygen, trying to keep the legs turning and we're inhaling some nasty, expired, Belgian cigarette smoke mixed with partially digested beer. You just keep going and after a few minutes of sucking in that stale air you are used to it, with your head up, focused as you plow through the beer cups on your way through the crazy fans.

The Euro camp has been exactly what I have needed to learn about what it really takes to be at the top level of cyclo-cross racing. Racing at this camp has been an eye opener and good preparation in chasing a spot on the US Worlds team. I didn't show that I deserved a spot today, as the mind and body were not on the same page. Tomorrow is the last opportunity for all of us to leave this camp on a high note.

Even if the racing doesn't go well, I know I can speak for everyone in saying that this experience will pay off huge in the years of racing to come. Racing in the states will be that much easier next year. Wish us luck tomorrow and at the World Championships! Again, I have to say thank you to everyone at Jittery Joe's, Contender Bikes in Salt Lake, SRAM, Van Dessel Bikes, Specialized for the saddles, Barbara Dowd, my coaches, the good people of D'Jango, Colorado and family and friends for all of their support. I apologize if I am forgetting anyone. It has been awesome! The journey continues.

For its sixth consecutive year, the Euro 'Cross Camp will travel to Izegem, Belgium for two weeks from December 20, 2008 to January 3, 2009, with some of America's most promising cyclo-cross talent. Euro 'Cross Camp Director and US National Team Coach Geoff Proctor selected 19 male riders to take on some of the toughest courses and strongest riders abroad and to prepare for the World Championships in late January. The camp has helped the careers of racers like current US National Champion Ryan Trebon, Jeremy Powers and Jamey Driscoll. Read these diaries for hints of who may emerge from this year's crop of three elite, eight U23 and eight junior racers as America's future 'cross stars? Coach Proctor and his riders will take turns contributing diary entries.