For the most part, the support pits in the US are small than the UCI regulations. In seeing this event, it is evident why the UCI specifies the length and width of the boxes and the entire pit. Twelve boxes on each side are filled with bikes. And the people --- well they shift from one side to the other like the tides. It’s fun to watch. As the riders pass, the mechanics grab their bikes and move them to the other side. This was the most congested area filled with spectators all around. And the roar from the crowd was incredible.

Like in Diegem, the support pits were formed by steel barricades. The passing lane was about two meters wide. Each box was about two barricades long by one barricade wide. There were twelve such boxes on each side. In between the two rows of boxes was a very wide area of about seven to eight meters. In this space were two parallel lines of barricades. These formed the washing stations. One pair of barricades went with each high pressure washer and there were eight washers.

The entrance to the pit was manned by a course marshall, who would open up the gate for people with credentials. And then there were another two to three marshals in the pits. I counted six commissaires in the pits during the Elite races.

Usually on the return side, riders would enter the pit lane. Two mechanics would be waiting for him. The first one would grab the bike. The second one would then hand off a fresh bike. The first mechanic would take the bike over to the washing area and then hose off the sticky sand. I can’t imagine that carbon equipment lasts very long in this environment.

The conduct in the pits was orderly and professional. In the Elite races, these mechanics have worked with one another many a times during the season.