We left Hamoir around 9:00 the next morning and went to the town of Marchin, which is where we watched La Flèche Wallone from in 2019. They’ve made some changes to the main square, so instead of being able to park in it we ended up on the road beside the church – no big deal.
We were parked right beside a large field, and first some very fat woolly brown sheep came to a feeder/water trough nearby, then a while later some very fat – and fat assed – cows came over. They seemed to all be females, but didn’t look like they were producing milk as their udders weren’t full.
We walked around a bit and tried the local cafe that is right across from the main square but wouldn’t you know – they’re closed on Tuesdays. Oh well – we went back to the campervan and made our own lunch and beverages.
It was a pretty quiet night – the church bells quit ringing around 10:00 pm and don’t start up again until 7 in the morning – then at 8 they go a bit crazy as if to catch up or something.
As the cafe was open we went in around noon and had a drink before going back for our cameras and picking our spots. The race at this point does a large loop, through Marchin then onto the Mur de Huy – aka the Wall of Huy. We paid attention to the locals, and gathered at the corner when they did.
After the first pass I was one of the first back to the cafe to get a refreshing beverage and watch the race progress on the big screen. Same for the second pass – Colin stayed in the campervan but I went to the corner again, then into the cafe again. I didn’t have to ask for a glass of wine – he was ready to pour it as I approached the bar.
After the last pass – same thing, although this time it was more crowded than ever. I did manage to get a seat and watched the end of the race with two lovely older Belgian gentlemen.
It was quite exciting, even though it wasn’t a Belgian that won, but very young up-and-coming (future superstar) French rider Paul Seixas – certainly one to watch over the next years.
Sally McKenzie's European Adventures 