Chasing Bike Racing Dreams

More and more young Canadian bike racers are taking a leap of faith, packing their bikes and spandex and jumping on planes this summer – all bound for Europe. Opportunity is ripe to test out the waters of the European peloton, and who knows what will come from the experience. One such Canadian who is racing in Belgium this season is Stephen Keeping. Keeping, 23, is from Nova Scotia and is now living in Ghent, where he is racing for the Kingsnorth International team.

Keeping took a few moments between race days to update us on his season so far:
Can you tell us why you decided to move to Belgium this summer?
Moving to Belgium has always been a great aspiration for me ever since I started racing as a kid. Finally this summer I had an opportunity with the Kingsnorth International team so I jumped on it. I’ve never had an opportunity before so I’m really thankful they made it happen. So far it’s proving to be fast and furious and far from easy but it’s allowing me to gain racing experience hard to get anywhere else.
Biggest lesson learned so far?
I think the biggest lesson I’ve had to learn is positioning. Its really important to sit top 20 in these races because the roads are so narrow and technical that they usually split from the accelerations out of the corners and in the cross winds. The last race we did (Aartrijke) there were 170 guys crammed onto one lane roads. By the time it’s lined up the pack is 1km long and there’s no moving up. (If that fails, put 20 euros on Mario Williams.)
How long have you been in Belgium? You are living in Ghent correct? How do you like living in Belgium and in a city such as Ghent?
I’ve been in Belgium for almost a month now. The team is based in Ghent, just outside the Centre. It is an amazing city. The most bike friendly place I have ever been by far. With all the back lanes, bike paths and canals to ride and explore, it’s really difficult to turn around and head home most days.
Favorite Belgian bakery discovery? Any new Belgian beers making it into your fridge?
Bakery stops are hard to pass up with delicious pastries and rice tarts. The popular spot is a Panos just down the road. I’m not sure why everyone here isn’t overweight. It’s a good thing I ride enough to counter the bakery intake. I’ve been trying to stay away from the tasty Belgian beer but I’ve caved and sampled a Duval or two. Usually all a skinny cyclist can drink anyhow. They give “strong beer” a new meaning.
What are you hoping to get out of this racing experience?
Already I’ve been able to take away so much from the racing here. I think my fitness is the best it has been at since last summer and I’ll continue to build on that into July. I’ve been cracking the top 30s in these races and have started getting in winning moves but just lack the legs to take it to the end. If I can put myself onto the podium in a few of these races I could look at getting an Amateur contract. That’s the main goal for me here. Several guys have gone pro from this team and I hope I can follow in their footsteps.
I’m not sure if you’re finished college… Can you tell me what you are studying/studied?
I have one year left at Lambton College where I’m studying Alternative Energy Engineering and Technology. That is definitely a passion of mine and one I hope to pursue after cycling. It’s great to how sustainable the city of Ghent is and the direction they are headed. Hopefully Canada will follow suit.
Tell us a bit about your racing history. What teams have you raced for? How long have you been racing? Age?
I really put my head down and started racing seriously after I raced triathlons and ran competitively in high school. Al and Merrill Heubach from the Lunenburg Bike Barn and the support of my parents really helped me get started racing in Nova Scotia the year before Canada Games. Canada Games was a big goal for me and opened my eyes to cycling. I moved to Ottawa the following year in order to pursue racing more seriously. The N.S. calendar is great but a bit short most summers. The last two summers away from school I spent living and racing in Montreal.
What races are coming up for you?
Up and coming races for me include Lovendegem, Belgium. After that the schedule is wide open to whatever opportunities come up. I may be around for the GP in Gatineau Park so I’d love to do well there.