Hein, editor-in-chief of MAX Today, will be hosting the 4 Days of Nijmegen for the first time in 2023. As a former resident of a dorm room on Via Gladiola, now is the time to take the tour you- even. This is how he hopes to win the coveted cross after 4 days. Here is his day 2 report.
Blisters and muscle aches
“What’s a 4 days without blisters or muscle pain? No idea, because I already have both after day 1. But the schedule is inexorable and so we resume the start at 4:00 am in a good mood. The welcome is again warm and we head for Alverna and Wijchen, accompanied by soldiers, police and customs officers from all over the world.
Like the first day, carry on
“As on the first day, it’s party time in Nijmegen and in all the villages we pass through. But between Balgoij and Niftrik you have to keep going: a kilometer long dyke, cars, cyclists and trucks on the route and a sandy path under the highway.
The atmosphere is getting better next door
“But in the meantime, we are already halfway through the day’s walk. Finally schnapps again, shout the German soldiers, when we start the way back. In Wijchen we meet them again, this time with beer and an exuberant party with the public. The atmosphere is getting better and better next door.
A hug from mothers
“On the way to the next stage, Beuningen, where the home front welcomes me and prepares me for the last kilometers of the day. A hug from your mother can sometimes do wonders. The final piece isn’t easy, but we’re well on time. 100 kilometers in the legs, 100 kilometers ahead!
Curious about Hein’s Day 1 report? You can read it here.
(Photos: MAX Today editors)