The Big Picture | Kerstperiode 2018

The Kerstperiode is a magical time in Belgium starting just before Christmas and running until after New Year’s. In this timeframe, there are races almost every day all within about an hour drive. The World Cups in Namur and Zolder, the famous pump track of Loenhout, the night race party in Diegem and the Sven Nys race in Baal are some of the races that are part of this jam-packed race week.

Diegem © 2018 Katsu Tanda

On the States side, I work as a USA Cycling official, working almost every weekend for three months straight. My resume this year included countless local races, UCI C1/C2 races in Cincinnati and Indianapolis and the epic mud Nationals in Louisville, KY.

Zdenek Stybar © 2018 Katsu Tanda

Despite working an insane number of races, I didn’t get to see much beyond the finish line. It was refreshing to be able to spectate a sport I truly love and not behind a clipboard and stopwatch.

Wout van Aert © 2018 Katsu Tanda

It’s been a dream to see the Euro racers on their home turf, to be in awe of the epic courses I’ve only seen in photos and of course, eat frites with mayonnaise.

Sunny Gilbert © 2018 Katsu Tanda

Thank you Belgium for the amazing time, I’ll be back soon.

[Ed. Note: Check out more of Katsu’s fantastic photo and video work by following him on Instagram at @kaptainkatsu.]

Marianne Worst © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Emily Werner © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Rebecca Fahringer © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Alice Marie Arzuffi © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Katie Compton © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Maghalie Rochette © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Kerry Werner © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Curtis White and Stephen Hyde © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Quinten Hermans © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Ellen van Loy © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Tyler Cloutier © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Kaitie Keough © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Elle Anderson © 2018 Katsu Tanda
© 2018 Katsu Tanda
Jolanda Neff © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Marianne Vos © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Rebecca Gross © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Max Judelson © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Michael van den Ham © 2018 Katsu Tanda
Share

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.