Catching Up with Keir Plaice

Deep River, Ontario native Keir Plaice is living the bike racer dream this summer. Plaice has been in Holland since the early spring and after a month with the U23 Spring European Project based out of Tielt-Winge, Belgium, we managed to catch up with Plaice to find out how he is enjoying racing and living in Holland and Belgium. Plaice is 21 years old and has been racing for four years, his team in Holland is UWTC de Volharding.

You’ve been in Europe for a few months now. What stands out most for you with regards to the racing?
Racing here in Northern Europe is a full on experience. The races are very competitive and aggressive and require great concentration for the duration. With demanding courses and conditions, the races are very physically challenging but also are, to a higher degree, a great test of gamesmanship and one’s ability to fight on the bike. There is a tremendous degree of passion for cycling here; that excitement and respect is really inspiring.
Where did the decision to move to Holland to race come from?
I felt that this would be the best path to accelerate me towards my long term goals. I felt compelled to fully immerse myself in the centre of the competitive cycling world, experience that culture and try and get the best out of myself.
What are you hoping to get out of this racing experience?
Success here requires a very high degree of skill, strength, and intuition. Racing here, I am continuously refining these abilities. I aim to attain and prove, with some great performances, the qualities necessary for a professional career here in Europe.
You were part of the CCA’s U23 spring European racing program, tell us about that experience?
Living the past month at the CCA’s base in Tielt-Winge was a pleasure. The house is very comfortable and well suited towards cycling. There is lots of space, good roads for training and a location in close proximity to a great deal of racing. I got sick the week of the Nation’s Cups and wasn’t able to ride as I would have liked which was a big disappointment, however I was able to get a couple solid results in the kermesses and on the whole had a good experience. Most importantly, it was really nice to spend some time with the other Canadians and have a bit of fun. We had a great group for our time there.
How is life treating you in Europe?
I feel really comfortable in Europe, generally the lifestyle here seems simpler and more content. It’s really easy to get around and find anything you need. I have come across so many friendly, welcoming and generous people. Consistently, I am taken aback by the beautiful towns and countryside that this part of the world has to offer. I am especially fond of Belgium and hope to spend more time here in the future.
Are you returning to Canada for the National Road Race and Time Trial Championships in June?
Yes, I do plan on coming back to Canada for the National Championships. These races are very important as a Canadian racer and each are events I have a lot of respect for, this is my final chance to compete as an espoir and I am really looking forward to competing against the best riders in our country.
Biggest lessons learned so far?
Surround yourself with good people and learn everything you can from them. Work hard and make your health a priority. In cycling, winning races is what really matters.
Any regrets/ do-overs?
I wish that I had sought out this experience earlier. There are so many lessons that you have to learn through racing; competing consistently in such intensive races is the best way to force your progression forward. Planet Energy where I spent the past two season was a great set up and I truly appreciate all that they have done for me. Honestly, I recognize now however that I wasn’t a mature enough rider to bring everything I am capable of to a program like that or to make the most of everything that such a fantastic organization offered. My aim is, and always has been, a professional career at the top of the sport in Europe. There is a whole repertoire of things that you need to master, in the races and out, to count yourself among the best in the world. Immersing yourself in such a competitive, sometimes harsh, world is in my mind the best way to attain the prowess and strength necessary to truly be a top racer.