Writing last month, I described how through March things felt like they were starting to click again. After a long, disrupted winter, consistency was returning, the legs were coming back, and I was enjoying racing again.
The International Belgian Track Meeting was my main focus and one of my key goals for the season, a real opportunity to test where my form was at. It was a step up in level, with the chance to race against some of the best riders in Europe. Bring it on.
Next Level
The Belgian International Track Meeting is a UCI Class 1 event, offering valuable ranking points. That means it attracts national federations and sits just below World Cups and European/World Championship level.
On arrival, the level was clear: Olympic medallists, WorldTour riders, European champions. Seventeen nations on the start list, and then us, One Life Cycle. One of only two trade teams in the field. Not unknown anymore, but still with something to prove. I was excited by the opportunity to show what I could do in this company.
Points Race Qualification
First up was Points Race qualification, and I had something to prove after Manchester. That one had hurt. Missing out there wasn’t physical, it was decision-making. This time the focus was simple: stay calm, stay near the front, and be ready. I got on the board early with third in a sprint, which settled things down. From there it was about control, holding position, not chasing everything, and waiting for the right moment.
When the move went, I saw it early and committed. No hesitation, straight across and onto the lap. That was enough. Job done. Through to the final. A much better ride, and exactly what I needed. Confidence grew, and I kept my head.
Points Race Final
The final was another step up. Twenty-four riders, all at a high level, and no let-up from the gun. The pace stayed high throughout, and positioning was everything. I focused on staying present in the race, no overreaching, just taking it as it came. No big moments, but no mistakes either. I rode at the front and kept pushing. 9th overall. Not spectacular, but solid. More importantly, competitive. It felt like I was properly in the race, not just hanging on and a valuable UCI Class 1 top 10.
Madison
Then came the Madison with Archie Fletcher. These races are always unpredictable, but this one was chaos. In the opening laps, I ended up caught in the middle of a Ukrainian change. Somehow, I managed to ease off, make my change, and get out of trouble, but it felt like a warning.
About ten laps in, it all kicked off. The Italians came down at the front after clipping the Dutch, who then went down into the Welsh. I ran into Ben Marsh’s bike and slid through Turn 2. A German rider then collided with me, forcing the Israeli into the Ukrainians, and suddenly we were all on the floor.
I hit the safety, took a few breaths, got back up, and spoke to Dad, who checked me over. Then it was straight onto the rollers while he checked the bike, and tried to find my Wahoo.
The race was neutralised, and everyone came off the track. I spoke to Archie, who had been on the opposite side, and asked him to take the restart so I could reset mentally and physically. He agreed, but then threw me in after half a lap, so it was straight back to full gas.
From there, we rebuilt. Lap by lap, we settled the nerves and worked our way back into the race, taking points through the middle phase, staying on the lead lap, and consistently holding position near the front. We grew into it, more confident, more aggressive, more involved. By the end, we were right back in the mix.
5th overall. Given how it started, that meant a lot. Not just the result, but how we rode; the resilience, the composure, the ability to bounce back. We were buzzing.
What It Means
Across the weekend, the results were solid, but more importantly, the feeling was different. At BUCS, the goal is to win, and everything is built around that. Here, it was about competing at the next level: making the right decisions, holding position under pressure, racing at the front, and taking opportunities when they come. That’s the shift. It’s not just about being there anymore, it’s about influencing and animating the race.
Looking Ahead
Belgium felt like a continuation of what started in March. The legs are there or at least getting there. Racing is becoming instinctive again. And most importantly, I’m enjoying it, even when it’s tough. It’s not about perfection right now, it’s about progress. And while progress isn’t always obvious, this felt like a big step in the right direction.
As always, massive thanks to One Life Cycle and Brookfield Properties, this trip wouldn’t have happened without their support. Thanks as well to Matt’s Auto Repairs, TLC Live Tutors, and BCC Elite for their continued backing, and to Mat, Dad, Jack, Frank, Izzy, and Archie for an incredible few days in Gent.
Gilbank Racing 