Echelons: agony and ecstasy

It's the morning after another windswept edition of BruggeDe Panne, typically the most echelon-packed Classic on the spring calendar.

- PFEIFFER GEORGI

It's characterised by crosswinds, chaos and crashes. It's a race I have a love-hate relationship with.

The mention of De Moeren is enough to instil fear into any rider, with its vastly open and seemingly never-ending nature. To the public it's perhaps just another road in Belgium, but in the cycling world it's where war takes place.

Heading towards this infamous road, there's a huge sense of nervousness in the peloton, as everyone knows it's where the race can be decided. This translates into an extreme fight for position and complete chaos as we turn in. The first moments are crucial as the peloton starts to split, fighting to the front and forcing yourself back into the echelon. With riders everywhere, amid a chorus of shouts and screams, the sense of urgency is palpable.