Erik Tonkin's fan club

Belgium, January 4, 2007

Tonkin is the man in St. Niklaas. For the third year in a row, he had a supporters crew that could rival Sven Nys. On the way to the start line today, I asked Tonkin if he had seen his fans yet, and he replied that he’d only seen a couple.

Coming around a corner on the second lap it became apparent that Tonkin’s fans were out in force. All I could hear was "Go Erik " and "We love you Erik". After the race the supporters came over with a banner that had "Love Erik" written on it. They all had "kodac" to have their "photo" taken with the king himself.

Tonkin attracted his support crew four years ago because he was the only rider that smiled when they cheered for him and he had a beard. But don’t worry, Tonkin said that he told his fans that they had to adopt me after he hangs up his skinsuit and hairy legs.

Before the race, Tonkin and I were talking about how different the courses are in Europe compared to the States. On the six minute lap today it had more sand, mud, and off camber sections than we face in the entire cross season in America. Today the only thing that saved the bikes was being able to ride in the lake in order to clean out the drivetrain.

I also witnessed a baby Nys out doing laps around the running track on his custom Colnago with Shimano carbon wheels with world champion edition Dugasts. I think the little guy put in more miles than his dad today. Next year he will be taking part in the niewelingen (juniors >16) 'crosses.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Fresh from US Cyclocross Nationals, sixteen American riders were selected for the Euro 'Cross Camp IV from December 23, 2006, to January 3, 2007, in Belgium. US national 'cross coach Geoff Proctor started the program in 2003 and runs the camps during his winter vacation from his job teaching high school in Montana. This is the fourth year that top US riders will be given this opportunity to gain valuable 'cross racing experience in Europe and to prepare for the world championships in late January. Riders were selected for this year's camp based on their performances in the 2006 USGP of cyclo-cross and US nationals. Coach Proctor and his riders will take turns contributing diary entries.