Houffalize seems to have turned into a cursed race for me. Last year I double flatted here, and this year was not much better... The new start here is awfully long, and I find it very hard. By the top I was around 30th position, and somebody grabed my shoulder and threw me to the ground! I didn't realise we were in a wrestling match, so I was quite surprised. Back on the bike again and I was feeling okay, but getting passed by everyone. I was getting really frustrated, but kept battling on thinking it will get better... finally after 3 laps, back in 85th position I gave up, and rode easy to my team manager to tell him its just not my day. When I stopped and got off the bike I saw what the problem really was... my spring on my brake lever had poped out (probably in the crash), and my brake had been dragging hard against the wheel!
So, then i figured I might as well give it another try... and I got back in the race at around 120th position. Most of these riders were starting to blow, so I passed riders pretty quickly. By the end I was still feeling resonably good, and ended up 55th... better then nothing I guess!