Mol, Belgium is a town with strong connections to bicycles. Many folks ride to work, shop or run errands. Most kids, high school age included, ride bikes to school. But Mol also has a history of folks that ride bicycles for sport. The Localcycling news team (and riders from around the globe) traveled to Mol for the UCI Masters Cyclocross Championship (recently renewed for the same venue through 2009). The team saw some of the more famous and fast cyclists in the world casually spinning around this small Flemish town. Tom Boonnen and his QuickStep pals pedaled by the Petit Paris Cafe while the news team took a lunch break. Davitomon team riders had been passed on the road earlier in the day. Tom Boonen’s dad, a former pro, was hanging out at the local bike shop: Fietsen Mast.Which brings us to the man in the picture:
Jos Daems, a former racer himself, runs a boutique shoe store in the heart of Mol. We met Jos last year on a post competition training ride. Jos simply is one of the most enthusiastic and "hooked up" cycling fans we have encountered. Bernard Hinault, Greg Lemond, Johan Musueeuw, Wilifried Peeters, and of course Tom Boonen are all friends with Jos. Lemond even based out of Daems house durning the mid 80’s. Jos has travelled to numerous world championship events(and usually ends up with the most backstage of backstage passes). Mr. Daems is also the sponsor of an athletic achievement award, The Gouden Klomp, given every three years to an outstanding recepient.
The Localcycling crew was pleasantly surprised to bump into Jos again, spectating Masters Worlds (and looking for us!). A few hours later we were treated to hospitality and good coffee (made by Mrs. Daems) at his business.
Jos has many wonderful stories, but one of our favorites was the tale of a group of riders changing a flat tire a few weeks ago in front of his store. Jos stepped out to see if he could help, and it turned out to be riders that all happened to have won a world championship event: Wellens, Vervecken, DeBie, Pauwls.