A hard day opens the Classics season at the Omloop. Wind, rain, grit, more rain pelted the men and women for hours on end as they crossed the Flemmish countryside. Some passed the hard right at the Molenberg's base, more than a few decided the N60 would be a better option to a hot shower. My plans were washed away as well-plans of watching on the roadside by bike seemed like a good idea. Some club riders I pedaled with early had the sparkle of a season opener in their eyes riding to Haaghoek replaced by long faces passing a car window later in the day. Today was a day for the tough, hopefully putting a little in reserve will prove a wise plan a month from now.