Joanna Rowsell: Second win in Belgium!

There was no racing during the week last week so I took the opportunity to get some good training done. I then raced on Saturday at Morkhoven, near Herentals and won! Below is my race report and a selection of images:

Herentals Kermesse, 90km, Saturday 22nd August 2009. This race was 20 laps of a 4.5km circuit, mainly on narrow twisty lanes, apart from a fast, wide finishing straight and there were 87 starters. The race was fast from the start with everyone strung out in the lanes and sprinting out the corners. I tried to keep a good position and put in my first attack after 4 laps. I got a good gap with one other girl and then 3 more riders came across to us but unfortuately it came back together.

Initial break early on. Photos thanks to Ruben Verhaeghe

There was a lot more attacking but it wasn't until just over halfway, with 9 laps to go, that I got away with one other girl. We worked well together and built up a good lead of over 2 minutes. I was feeling strong so having gone through with 2 laps to go I attacked and rode away to take the win by a minute from my breakaway companion, then just over 2 minutes back to the bunch!