Kian Is Heading to Belgium!
Help support his cyclocross trip this winter as well as junior cycling in Wenatchee!
A message from Kian
I am super excited to announce that I will be heading to Europe for the Christmas Holidays to race cyclocross in Belgium, the mecca of cyclocross, during the famous Kerstperiode as there is cross racing every day somewhere in Belgium! My goal is to do at least 8 races duriung this trip and my hope is to do well enough during the first week that I am selected to represent the USA during the final World Cup races of the period.
However, right now I need to begin raising some money to help fund my trip and this racing adventure!
I was hoping to organize a charity ride and post-ride event before my trip but I will be too busy with school and cyclocross Nationals to make it work, so we will organize a fun Belgian style ride in the early Spring. The ride will be free and any further money raised at the event will go to support those youth cycling programs which have supported me, the Wenatchee Valley Devo Team and the Wenatchee Booger squad.
Thanks for your interest and support!
Kian
The Belgian Kerstperiode
The Kerstperiode of cyclocross racing in Belgium is famous due to the number of high level races and the throngs of spectators who come out to cheer on their favorite riders, heckle the others, and consume frites and beer. Oh, and because it takes place in Belgium, mecca of cyclocross! It is a tradition in Belgium during the holidays to take the whole family to the local cyclocross race or gather with your drinking buddies to enjoy the spectacle. Washington State is 6x bigger than Belgium so it is relatively easy to get from one race to the next, and there are races every day somewhere in Belgium during this period.
For young cyclocross racers, it’s an amazing time to race with the world’s best junior riders on the most challenging courses in order to prepare them for future success in the sport. Only the fastest kids are invited to participate in the few available programs. We’d say that this is the trip of a lifetime, but Kian’s goal is to return next year to race for the US Team at the World Cup and World Championship races.
Due to the cost of the program, Kian needs to raise some funds to help pay his share. Instead of just posting a Go Fund Me to ask for money, we decided to put together a fun bike ride and gathering for our cycling community, or anyone who wants to turn out. Unfortunately we don’t have time to put on the ride before his trip, as winter is already here in Wenatchee, so we’ll host our ride at the end of winter. More info coming later so please stay tuned. Thanks!
THE FLAHUTE 50
A Belgian-style Ride & Celebration
Coming February 2025!
Winter is almost over but thankfully Spring can be just as miserable on a bike, so let’s celebrate by taking whatever comes our way head on, Belgium style! We’ll saddle up our bikes and pound out 50 miles on pave, cobbles, gravel or whatever we drum up, then we’ll hit the bistro for a hot drink and a pastry, or if you prefer, a cold one and a funnel of frites.
The Flemish term flahute translates to “hardest of the hard” or “hard man” and is used to describe those Belgian (and some non-Belgian) cyclists who are known for their ability to endure and suffer.
During the apres ride gathering we’ll watch a slideshow of Kian’s trip to Belgium and maybe get to hear some war stories about the Kerstperiode of racing.
The ride is free but your food purchases and any donations will help fund youth cycling development in the Wenatchee Valley.
More info coming so keep in touch!
Ways to Participate
Team Kian Fan Club
Join the team and Kian will keep you posted with pre and post race updates.
Donate to join the club. Do this via Kian’s Go Fund Me page or directly via Venmo if you prefer. Don’t forget to give us your email address below!
THE FLAHUTE 50
This Spring we will be riding around 50 miles in the Wenatchee area. All levels of rider encouraged to attend and multiple speeds of groups will depart.
The ride is free to all but donations are an option, and there will be opportunities to support the causes at the post-ride gathering.
Purchase Cool Stuff
Limited edition custom hats and shirts will be available for purchase as well as some swag from Belgium. Proceeds go to help Kian and the teams.
Kian’s Race & Travel Updates
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