RIP Nolfke

No words can describe what has happened the last few days. However, I must write something here, just one last salute to Frederiek.

For me it all started on Thursday 5 February around 13PM. I turn on my computer, opened the internet and there I see it: 'Frederiek Nolf died during his sleep.'

Immediately it became quiet around me, I couldn't see or hear anything. I couldn't believe this so after a while I started to read on some websites...

Still not aware of what had happened there in the distant Qatar, I didn't get a lot of time to think about it. At 13.30PM I had to go to some classes, but I couldn't really concentrate myself on anything. I constantly had to think about that one phrase.

Meanwhile it was 17PM and lessons where finally done for me. As soon as I was in my room, I had to see if it really was true. Maybe I dreamed it, but when I turned on the internet the same line was still on my homepage.

I wanted to do something, no matter what, I just had to clear my mind. I wanted to delete that sentence out of my memory. I couldn't do any schoolwork so I preferred to take a walk. Clear my mind, but in a town I barely knew it wasn't ideal. After a few hours I began to realize what had happened in Qatar.

The first night I didn't sleep a lot. The next day I read some more about what had happened, how the riders commemorated Nolfke...

Today was the day, the final stage of a long journey: 'The funeral of Frederiek'. I couldn't be there, but I've heard from some people how it went. Finally everyone could say goodbye to their beloved one in serenity. For anyone who knew him, life will never be the same again. Never see, smell, hear or see him, but I'm sure he's watching them from above. They all have to cherish the beautiful memories and these will give them the strength to get through this.

Fré, we will never forget you! Even though you're not with us anymore, you will continue to live forever in our hearts.