Different kind of racing for Van Bon in Gent

By Bjorn Haake in Gent, Belgium

Leon van Bon is currently racing in the Gent Six Days, which is very different from what he has been doing the past year, when he raced as part of the Marco Polo team on the road in exotic locations around the world.

Van Bon acknowledged there weren't many similarities. "It is totally different. The only thing that isn't different is that we are on the bike, but the rest is different."

But he was glad for the opportunity with Marco Polo. "It was a great experience, I had a lot of fun." Van Bon valued not only the great riding that he encountered in Asia. "I met some nice teammates from all over the world."

But certainly the racing itself was quite an adventure that Van Bon thoroughly enjoyed. "I did some nice racing in countries I didn't even know there was any racing." It wasn't just any kind of low-level competitions. "The level of racing was pretty good and the race organisations were also good."

With all the positive memories, Van Bon sees a chance that he may go back in 2009. "I don't know, I am still thinking about it but the chances are good I am doing the same next year."

For now, he is focused on the Six Day racing, which he doesn't do too often. "It is only my ninth Six Day, so I think I am doing pretty good." Van Bon admitted that the unusually short track is pretty tough. "I don't think it is easy for anybody."

Van Bon is now getting used to the track and certainly enjoyed the whole event. "It's nice here, a really good atmosphere. It is fun to be part of it."

While Van Bon hasn't made up his mind yet about Asia, he certainly will continue racing. "I don't have big goals for next season, I just try to enjoy myself. I want to stay in good shape all year and be competitive."