What a funny day. I had a long and boozy dinner with some friends from SRAM last night, so I had a lazy and slow morning, especially because I didn’t have any clients to shoot for. I was mainly there for fun, for some nice shots for my last book and and for my last ‘klassement’ cross before my final-final race next week in Oostmalle.
Because of that, unlike at the end of most races, I didn’t go to the finish and to the podium ceremony, I thought what’s the point, I’ve seen enough of those over the years and went straight to the press room. As I was sorting through my photos, I got call from fellow photographer, Yefri, that I needed to go ASAP to the podium, because Guy Vermeiren, the press boss chap needed me there. Earlier today, I was told off by one of the UCI commissaires, so I thought there would be some bollocking waiting for me, but that wasn’t the case. Guy and the organisers prepared a little surprise for me. I was ushered onto the podium and I was presented with the signature yellow duck with a personalised ‘Thanks, Balint’ sticker on it by Erwin Vervecken. It was a lovely moment and it was a fantastic surprise.
Shame that I couldn’t take the duck home on my bike, but Guy promised to look after the yellow fella and I will bring it home next Sunday, after the Sluitingsprijs. One to go.
