The Sint-Martinusprijs race is amazing.  It is unlike anything you can do in the states without a pro contract.  This is a UCI 2.1 interclub stage race.



"I have done this race two years in a row.  It is by far the most challenging four days you will experience.  It is a very strenuous few days as you are racing against the strongest in the world.  I have never had the opportunity to race in a race that was so organized.  You are on a team of 6.  You have a team car.  And the peloton and caravan work like a pro race.  You will be racing at some point and it will all feel so surreal.  It is gruelingly difficult yet magical at the same time.  Some of the most valuable racing I have ever done in my life!"  -Michael Shein



This race is the highlight of the whole trip.  If you do this race you will need to have experience in some of the kermesse events.  This means the early part of the trip is a prerequisite of the interclub.



The race is four days and five stages (distances

are estimates based on the 2013 race):

 

Day 1

Individual Time Trial - 8.1 km

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Day 2

Road Race - 126.2 km

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Day 3

Team Time Trial - 22.0 km

Road Race - 119.6 km



Day 4

Road Race 111.2 km



The race is in the northern part of Belgium near Antwerp.  We will all lodge together at a nice hotel.  Lunches and dinners will be together in a special location just for the racers.  The food is quite good and it is provided to us by the race promoter!



As for the race itself, this is a stage race.  Cumulative time gives the GC time and ranking.  The courses are mostly flat, with a few overpasses.  The race does often include cobbles on one of the days.  Not too much though.  The courses are not announced yet, but they will likely be similar to what is listed above, which was last year's route.  The road races are usually one large loop with a few smaller loops at the end.  The scenery from a riders point of view is very repetitive and you tend to get confused as to where you are.  A Garmin is your best friend to keep you company and tell you how long to go!

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Since this is a very professionally done race, there is a time cut.  If you miss it, you are out for the remaining race stages.



This race is the closest thing to pro tour that you can get as a junior!