Learning Lessons in Belgium

Kris Dahl of Calgary, Alberta was part of the recent CCA European spring racing program. From May 10 to June 7, Dahl lived with his fellow team mates in Tielt-Winge, Belgium and got a taste of European road racing. This is Dahl’s second trip to Europe, he was also there this past January as a member of the Canadian National Cyclo-Cross team when he raced in the World Cyclo-Cross Championships in Tabor, Czech Republic.

Dahl is now home and took a few minutes to answer some questions about his racing experience this past spring:

How is life in Belgium?
So far life in Belgium has been going really well. We’ve started racing some of the local Kermesses and continue to train when we’re not racing. The team has really started to settle in to life in Belgium. Daily life is simple and mainly includes daily grocery store runs, riding, racing, stretching, eating and sleeping.
Can you tell us a bit about your impressions of the racing in Europe? Do you find it is very different from racing in Canada?
So far, the European races have all been extremely aggressive. There are constant attacks throughout the entire race, and the pace rarely lets up. The aggressiveness is the main difference between European racing and Canadian racing.
Tell us how you got involved with bike racing.
I have always loved to ride my bike. I mountain biked for fun for many years, partaking in cross country and downhill. A few years ago, I heard about racing from a friend, and decided to try it out. Everything progressed from there, and I began racing road, track, and cross.
What lessons have you learned so far in Belgium?
Don’t be afraid to be aggressive and try to get in a break. Even if the break doesn’t stick, its always a good experience to ride in that break.
You raced at the World Cyclo-Cross Championships in Tabor, Czech Republic this past January, can you tell us a bit about that experience?
Cross Worlds was incredible. The huge number of spectators, plus the pace of the race, as well as the slippery conditions made for an epic race. This is the first world championships I have been to and it was really good to see what the level of racing would be like at a world championship.
What does the future hold for you for bike racing? Is this something you’d like to pursue as a career?
I plan to continue training and racing while furthering my education at the University of Calgary. Currently, I am planning on letting cycling take me where it takes me. As far as a career? I’ll re-evaluate in a few years.
Tell us about one of your favourite race moments in Europe?
During a Belgian Kermesse, I went off the front for the first half of the race with one other guy. After getting caught by the pack, I finished 5th in another break.
Can you see yourself returning to Europe to race?
Yes, I hope to return in August for the Junior World Road Championships.