"If your best isn't enough, then the guy who beat you deserves it."
As Milan Listerijn crosses the line at the top speed he could achieve after 67 minutes of tough racing, he immediately slumps over his bars, absolutely knackered. As he manages to be steered to mini-team hub he dismounts and shakes the hand of his teammate, and ultimately competitor, Francis Vague. The two share a brief exchange, the gist being "nice work out there, may the best sprint win." Journalists and staff alike surround the pair. After a tense minute a Belgian staff member comes over, looks at them both and announces the result. Vague by an inch. Another genuine handshake and congratulations. Milan's brother Louis approaches and hugs his older brother. No words needed.
On the podium Listerijn seems pleased but wistful as Vague is handed the rainbow jersey. However silver is quite the achievement for the recently 20-year-old.
Milan, you must be knackered. Your immediate reaction?
it's all just a blur right now, but I'm so pleased with Francis and I getting 1st and second, of course in that final dash I'd rather I had the skills to make him go in first but he has so much skills in those situations, on the bike and in the mental game, and he fully deserves this win. I'm honoured to have rode such a great team race with him, you can't understate the advantage of being "teammates to the last 200" gave us. Goldenberg gave us a great race, catching up to us showed his strength as perhaps the best in the world on this course, just not today. Dubois, Schiltz, van Dyck, Gormley, and the rest of the US team really gave a good crack at it too. Am I annoyed with the result? Slightly, anyone would be, but really otherwise [from the sprint] it's perfect and I'm happy.
And what a ride from you and your team. How much did the team unity that has finally been crafted mean for your 1-2?
Look, you can't understate any member of this group's work, Rudy came in late but helped us lots in practice and gave us some tips of numbers at the front. My brother Louis and Guido were immense in the early laps doing tempo and 10th and 11th and being part of this team and what we achieved is the least they deserve. And it was such an advantage in the final laps having Francis as a teammate not a rival, which may have helped us shut out Goldenberg a bit. Well, I know it did for me, elevating me from third to second, at the least.
Talk us through the sprint then.
Um, there's not much to say other than Francis showed his class, forcing me onto the front and being faster in the last 50. I just sprinted as fast as I could and if that's not enough, then the guy who beat you obviously deserves it. Chapeau to Francis, he was faster when it mattered and he thoroughly earned that Rainbow Jersey, not just in those last 200m but the entire race.
Would you feel if you were on his wheel you could have won?
Um, maybe... Look, "what ifs" can only hurt your mind and your form in any walk of life, you can't have any regrets. I wasn't on his wheel and Francis was stronger. That's just that simple.
How does this affect your season?
It's still very emotional for me right now - I don't really know. It gives me a huge morale boost to take back to the closing races, and with no classification pressure I'll be hunting wins. The season isn't over yet, far from it.
You and Vague communicated a lot, what was said? Talk us through your tactics.
In lap two we just said we as a team needed to chase van Dyck and Gormley, little stuff like that. Next lap when nobody wanted to help chase the move and he was flying around he just said we needed to shed some freeloaders. We planned the move of him attacking and me following - if nobody was on my wheel. It was complicated by Goldenberg's attack and so I had to do some grunt work before he launched but it played out perfectly, I was able to follow his wheel without towing anyone. We knew we'd either go clear in the final laps easily if Goldenberg kept going or he'd slow down and it'd be three. We discussed his big attack on the penultimate lap, and I was then to follow Goldenberg and do what he did. However perhaps unfortunately for us, but in all honestly, fairly, he got a flat just before we all changed bikes anyway. Then on the last lap as we went clear we just said that we'd be teammates until the last 200 when we'd sprint if we were still clear. Pretty good team race the five of us played and it payed off beautifully.
Edited by jandal7 on 21-07-2016 01:32
It's time for one of the most beautiful weekends on the season: the finishing Superprestige weekend. For decades now, the Superprestige is decided in a thrilling two-day final, with Ansbach and the Kwaremont Cross on the schedule. World Champion Vague seems unbeatable in the Superprestige so far. Can he finish his favorite trophy on a high?
Coming out of the World Championships, many riders will have had to wash down disappointment, others will have been celebrating. With these two important days in succession, is everyone ready?
The winter is losing a bit of its harshness with temperatures quite high for the time of the year. Let's see if that's enough for Mazzarelli to pick up himself and still finish the season with some good results.
We return to Ansbach, Elliot Cook's last recorded victory in the sport. It's been over a year since we've seen him win a race. Let's hope he can return to the sport after this disaster season!
Race Information
Country: Germany
City/Place: Ansbach
Classification: Superprestige
Starting Time (Elite Men): 12h30
Favorites: Francis Vague, Milan Listerijn, Christian Schiltz, Andrew McLaughlin, Mikel Hammarling.
Record: 4x Thomas Hilffer (1957, 1960, 1962, 1964)
Race History: Ansbach is an old cross. For ages, it's been part of the Superprestige, and it doesn't look like it'll change soon. Since 1981, it has moved down the calendar to the finishing Superprestige weekend, along with the Kwaremont cross. It's unthinkable to ever separate these two cobbled races.
Route Information
Technical: 4
Sand: 2
Uphill: 3
Cobblestones: 4
A profile where you need to master all the arts. But riding on cobbles and handling your bike are most important for Ansbach. This is no profile for weak riders.
Ansbach has a tradition of bringing forth a combination of strong and smart riders. With no long straight sections, speed is not as important. Constant acceleration after every turn and twist requires the utmost concentration from the riders. With these narrow roads and short laps, many solo's have been rounded off successfully in the past. Once you ride away and get into a comfortable rhythm, only the cobbles can shake you back to the real world.
The riders are constantly shielded from the wind, yet another reason why sprints with more than 3 riders are rare here.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 8° C
Precipitation: Sunny.
Wind: 2 Beaufort
It's taken a couple of days to settle in, it was all such a blur. Getting a top ten, being at the front of a World Championships - but most importantly and emotionally - the victory, a 1-2, for the team. My leader Vague ahead of my brother Milan. The question I get asked the most - as I crossed the line and saw the replays - who did I hope would win. And it's easy - in that emotional moment, of course it's my brother. It's not a question really. I'm still delighted with the result and over the moon for Francis and Milan, who were the two best on the day.
My race objective was simple - me and Guido neutralised the first two laps (to varying success) and pull off when we have to. We did so but van Dyck and Gormley got away, which Milan told me was fine by him but the gap couldn't get over 20-odd seconds. I ended up pulling off and then just riding my own race for personal gain and - in case of terrible luck - being there if something happened to Milan or Francis. I kept an eye on the big screens where I could but I had to focus on my own ride, not Milan's - however much I'd like to see more of it live. I rode with Guido, Markson and Young, in a way two Belgian and two American teammates. I had a nice sprint for 9th with Markson, certainly one of my strengths but he's one of the best in the world, and so I had to "settle" for 10th, a great result for me in any race, let alone the World Championships!
Francis, Milan and the coaches all congratulated me on my performance which was nice but beer was to be had in honour of the win for the team. It's been an experience I won't forget, ever. It was an honour to be a part of this united Belgian squad and it's given me motivation to keep improving so I can carry this form of being able to assist my team leaders into next year so I can do it all again, and aim, maybe, to make the Olympics squad. But unlike my brother, that's quite far on the horizon yet, now I'm focused on finishing the season strong and helping Francis to a pair of classification titles.
Ansbach is next up and it's a true all-rounder's course, plenty of lovely history to soak up. I like the cobbles but haven't done enough to be very good and so will see what I can do to help Francis, however the selection tends to be made quite early so maybe it'll just be another battle for the top 20 or 15.
There will have been many left scratching their heads at the result of the Men's Under 23 race at the Cyclocross World Championships. Clear favourite Adrian Van Niek was out-sprinted on the line by Norwegian Anders Haugen, a man that before today would only have been known to the most die-hard of CX fans.
A surprise package, Anders has been relatively under the radar thus-far this season. In fact, there's a bit of a joke around the junior supporters regarding his number of near-miss podium places.
It's made more challenging for him as media in his homeland branded him "The Norwegian Vague" following his dominance of the domestic scene.
The UCI has just uploaded the video of his post-race interview to this YouTube channel:
Spoiler
Anders, congratulations on winning the World Championship race. How does it feel to be wearing the rainbow bands?
"It's a good feeling. I'M ON TOP OF THE WORLD!! (Laughs) I mean, I'm happy to have won, but this is only the first step on the road for me.. I want to use this win as a platform to go on and win more.. To win in the big races and to challenge the giants of the sport."
Tell us about the finish... What was your thinking going into that last lap? And did you always think you could take the victory in the sprint?
"The last lap was tough, very tough. The Belgian guys were making it a hard race, trying to drop us as they knew we were both faster in the finish. I just knew I had to follow Van Niek's wheel, so when he attacked I was right there behind him. That got it down to three of us - One, one and one - No team-mates. Van Niek stuck to Wauters wheel, letting him lead out to the sprint... But I jumped out of the corner and managed to beat them both. I don't think they expected me to be that fast."
After crossing the line we saw you celebrating with many of the fans, handing out high-fives and taking selfies with them...
"These American fans are crazy! More crazy than the Belgians, maybe... It's like a big party out there and I wanted to share my moment with them. This is big for them to have a race like this, just like the win is big for me and for Norway... You have to let go and have some fun sometimes, not take everything so seriously like robots."
Do you think this result will be enough to earn you a place in the Elite ranks next season?
"I hope so. The NCF have been very kind to me this season, helping me get to races and supporting my goals. They want me to make it as much as I do, because Norway has never had a cyclocross star. We have riders on the road but this is a new thing for us. Hopefully I can continue my riding and be given a chance to prove myself and make my country proud."
Speaking of Norway... Hayley Hansen picked up the win yesterday in the Elite Women's race. It's been a good weekend for Norway thus-far, and a good future with two young riders coming up through the ranks.
"I know Hayley well. We're good friends and I was pleased for her when she won. She really deserves it for all the hard work she's put in, especially during the World Cup races. It also meant she could give me lots of tips about the course and the best lines. Now we can have a big double-party tonight to celebrate!"
And finally, who is your pick for the Elite race later this afternoon?
"Oh boy... It'll be a tough race for sure... Vague is the man to beat. Everyone is saying he's going to win and who am I to argue with the people... What do you think?"
Vague is definitely the favourite to win... Thank you for your time... I'll let you get back to your celebrations..
Ah, Worlds. What an amazing race it was. I'm sure you all know how it went and my thoughts on it, but I'd just like to send a message of thanks to all the fans, from everywhere and anywhere in the world, for creating a great atmosphere to race in, it truly was a special experience.
Am I bitter? No. I'm not and I don't want to be. Of course I wish the line was a few metres earlier. Of course I wish I had the skills to push Francis forward. Of course I'd love to have the rainbow jersey around my shoulders. But it wasn't, I didn't and I don't. 2nd is a great feat against such great competition, and in the end my goal was top 5 and help Francis win. He won, I surpassed my personal goal. Life goes on and this experience can only make me better, on and off the bike.
The final Superprestige weekend is here, despite giving up on the podium a bit Sylvain's unfortunate crash gives me an unwitting podium spot to defend against some fierce competition from Dubois. There's literally no catching Vague and Mazzarelli usually does well here, so I can try but I'd need a overall difference of 15 places across Ansbach and Kwaremont to catch him, so it's about keeping third. I'll try to race it aggressively but I've got to be smart and acknowledge I'm likely the underdog here.
Ansbach is a race where you need to be smart, have your wits about you, but most of all be able to traverse any terrain well. The cobbles and twists and turns are the most defining features so we should see McLaughlin, Hammarling and Vague the favorites. The main classification battles will be further own with Vague securing his win already, so I'll be looking to get a decent result but put Mazzarelli under pressure and keep Dubois behind me in the classification. It should be a cracker of a final weekend.
Time to take stock just before the season draws to a close. Just one World Cup race left in the Ardennes. The downside to that is it's a climbing heavy course which benefits Vague more than me. That said i'll be coming in fresh with no intention of saving anything or holding anything back. It's win or bust, again. Give all i've got and if i don't win the Cup that will be the end of my season. Take the title and i'll show up to the final two events as courtesy.
I really want to just get to the off-season now. Take a break for a bit and recover before anything to do with next season begins to happen.
Hammer Time
Ansbach could go well, but Kwaremont suits me better. As does Arenberg. Basically i've still got three winnable races left this season. Still looking to go out on that high note and a race win or two would seriously help that. It has been a decent season either way, so we'll see what happens. Some of these young guys have boundless energy so lets get my excessive power in play and see which one wins!
TMM Sports Management
With a couple of weeks of the season left to go it seems a good time to clear up some rumors surrounding our riders and team.
Blue Bell CX is changing. For the 2017/18 season they have a new sponsor, Revolution Breweries. The Chicago based firm is chashing in on the US boom and becoming a co-sponsor of the team. The new team name will be: Blue Revolution CX.
With this comes a new influx of cash. So we can confirm the contract of Chris Young for 17/18, the contract of Max Power for 17/18, the contract of Fred Markson through 18/19 and the contract of Eddie Goldenberg through 19/20! That's all four riders locked in for next year, Radio for two years and Goldie for three.
Now what about those other rumors. Will we go to 5 riders?! We are looking at Camilo Osorio and Juan Carlos Velasco. Both Colombians and would be a serious team expansion. Not confirmed yet but whoever we bring in will have to be behing the team philosophy 100% and work for the designated leader whenever asked. Or we might wait another season to expand to 5, with 17/18 being out first full year of 4 riders.
"There's a reason Ansbach is the most beautiful cross on the calendar. It's got everything a race needs and usually the strongest rider makes it to the finish line first. The race has changed a lot since my racing days, but it's still as beautiful as ever. The woods, the cobbled lanes, the constant twisting and turning. It's a cross for Champions."
Thomas Hilffer - 2005.
It's time for the Superprestige Weekend, where the Superprestige comes to a close! The win is as good as in the bag for World Champion Vague, but there's still much at stake further down the ranking, let alone the UCI Ranking and - most importantly - the last two chances at victory in a Superprestige event. Besides Goldenberg and Mazzarelli, nobody's been able to beat Vague in a Superprestige event this season, an amazing statistic. Can he continue down that path today in Ansbach?
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 8° C
Precipitation: Sunny.
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Start Line: Well, it's no new sight: Vague in the Rainbow Stripes. Only 6 riders did it before him: prolonging a World Title. Among them are Cornelis and, of course, Gasthuys.
Let's hope the World Champion kept the celebrating to a minimum so he's ready to take on the ending Superprestige weekend. With the overall victory as good as his, he'll still want to win as many races as possible. With just one more victory, he can become sole record holder of most Superprestige victories in a single season. Currently he shares that record with Pieter Gasthuys, who won 8 Superprestige races in 1988. Back then, it was a clean sweep for Gasthuys, as there were only 8 Superprestige races that season. So that record will stand unbroken this season. But still, winning one more would put Vague at 9 victories, an achievement worth noting, too!
Who are the other candidates for today's race? Hammarling wants to say goodbye in style, with a victory. Then there's Gormley, who seems to be getting back in form. But winning will be a stretch for today. Van Dyck is good, as is Listerijn.
And right before the start there's an honorary salute for Thomas Hilffer, the greatest German cyclo-crosser in history, who passed away earlier this season, aged 80. Hilffer won in Ansbach four times, was German champion for 11 years and became the oldest World Champion ever aged 37 in the Blaarmeersen, Belgium.
Lap 1: The riders are off.
As always, we see the riders contest heavily to get a good starting position. In the end, it's Milan Listerijn who dives into the field first!
The riders are taking it easy at the start. Best not to go too early here in Ansbach. Save your strength and study your opponents first. Vague hasn't won here yet and he wants to change that today. But there are others with the same idea. No ex-winners in this peloton, so everyone would love to add this race to his palmares.
There goes Gormley! The Irishman is coming into form and will want to get his usual victory of the season. Baris Dao goes with him. The Dane showed great promise a while ago, but has reverted back to a top 20 contender, nothing more. Is there a physical reason for that, or is it mental?
No immediate reaction. Wait - here comes Lachy Bauer! The Kiwi flies past Van Dyck, who's leading the chasing group, and joins up with the duo at the front.
The pace gets upped now, and it's Schiltz who's doing the work. With Vague getting stronger every season, Schiltz' fate is uncertain. Will he turn into Vague's first lieutenant permanently - even in classics? Today, it seems like the team will put everything on Vague. Not unwisely, too.
Lap 2: The three leaders are about to be caught. Bauer accelerates! Gormley and Dao don't have an answer and will be picked up by the chasing group soon.
And so we have Lachy Bauer alone at the front.
Robin Huser is still in the chasing group. As a German, he'd be all too happy to be the next Thomas Hilffer, but that's not happening, not yet anyway.
The pace slows a bit. Bauer gets a 14 second gap.
Lap 3: Vague is riding a patient race. The other favorites are not sure how to react. How will they beat the Belgian prodigy today? It won't be by waiting, I can tell you that.
And this man knows it! Chris Young goes on to the attack! And it's a good one! Louis Listerijn answers the attack, but has to succumb to Young's relentless pace and can't quite get to his wheel!
Listerijn gets picked up by the chasers again and now we have Eurasian Champion Mazzarelli attacking! He's not too bad on cobbles and with Kwaremont tomorrow, he'll be extra motivated!
Goldenberg gets dropped. That's early.
A flat tire! Robin Huser is losing ground quickly and needs to change his bike urgently! What a bummer for the German.
Young has caught up with Lachy Bauer. Oh and he goes up and over in one move! Young just got out of the saddle and left Bauer behind on one of the tougher cobbled sections. Not Young's speciality, but when you're that strong, does it matter much?
There are actually some Canadian fans here in Ansbach. There they are, waving their Chris Young flag proudly.
And now the favorites will have to react for sure. The gap is 13 seconds. Bauer is within reach, at 10 seconds off Young.
Lap 4: And here it is! On the cobbles, Mikel Hammarling lays down a merciless pace! The chasing group gets ripped to pieces. Gormley drops out, Louis Listerijn, McLaughlin, Visconti, Dubois... Van Dyck can't hang on, either.
We're out of the cobbles now and it's just Hammarling, Milan Listerijn and Vague left. Vague is quick to come to the front. The competition has been thinned out and Vague will want to take advantage of that.
A crash! Jan Soucek goes down hard and takes down Daniel Bruggemann, too. Once again it's a Bauknecht rider who's hitting the deck because he took one too many risk. Soucek's coming to be known as 'The Kamikaze.' He's young and fearless, but he can't judge his own abilities well sometimes and loses control of his bike.
Lap 5: Guido Visconti is barely going forward anymore. He was part of the chasing group until last lap but now he's really suffering. Luckily for him, Dubois is here, making the pace and dragging along Visconti.
Back to the front, where Young still has a few seconds over the chasing trio. Listerijn is dictating the pace now.
The three attackers understand each other. Hammarling, Listerijn and Vague relay well at the moment, keeping off chasers like Van Dyck, Mazzarelli.
Lachy Bauer is on the ground! His wheel got stuck between two nasty cobblestones and he hit the floor. His wheel is totalled, so he'll have to run to the next pit.
Lap 6: Vague gets out of the saddle and takes a long turn. And that's the end of Young's breakaway. Four leaders, now!
Van Dyck is not too far behind, but he's alone and it's still two laps. Louis Listerijn is just a bit behind Van Dyck.
An attack! Mikel Hammarling wants to go solo! Vague is the first to react. Listerijn follows. He's definitely the slyest of this company. Young has trouble hanging on, but he manages!
Van Dyck and Louis Listerijn have teamed up, but Listerijn won't work because his leader is at the front and bringing back Van Dyck is dangerous. As it stands now, Vague is the fastest at the finish line of the four leaders. Van Dyck is damn fast. There's a big gap behind these two, so don't look any further for the victory of the day. One of these six man will most likely contest for the win.
Make that one of these four, as Van Dyck is cracking, now. The gap is 20 seconds.
So we're going into the last lap with four leaders. Young, Vague, Hammarling, Listerijn.
Wait - not entirely. The rough surface and the many cobbles make for a very uncomfortable race. Once you hit your red zone, it's relentless. And that moment has come for Young. He gets bumped out of the leading group. Almost literally.
Lap 7: And so we have three leaders going into the final lap! All three of these riders are strong. Hammarling is among the very best on this terrain. Listerijn is becoming a top cyclo-crosser at his young age and Vague is... Well, Vague. A talent you only see emerge once every decade, even less.
And he attacks! Francis Vague with an acceleration! And Listerijn and Hammarling have been taken by surprise! There's a small gap! The narrow roads and many bends are to Vague's advantage now.
But Hammarling won't let it happen, he bites down hard and pushes hard to bring back the World Champion! Can he?
The gap is stablized. Here comes a longer cobbled section. This is make or break!
Vague hits the cobbles at a very high speed. He holds onto his bike firmly and controls every aspect of it. This is a very different approach to Hammarling riding cobbles. Here you see Hammarling only loosely handling the bike, let the bike choose its own trajectory over the cobbles, letting it bump freely. This is an expert in his area.
And the difference shows. The gap decreases...
And Vague is caught! Hammarling with a long and tiresome effort but he brought back the World Champion.
Milan Listerijn profited of the Swede's work and wants to take advantage of the situation now. He's a sly fox and he proves it again here. He attacks!
Neither Hammarling nor Vague have an answer right now. Listerijn gets 5 meters... 10...
Another cobbled section. Listerijn tries to ride on the side, where the gaps between the cobbles are the smallest. Hammarling goes through the centre.
Vague gets dropped! Hammarling rides away from Francis Vague!
But that's probably for place 2, as Listerijn comes onto the final straight alone, in time trialing position. Can someone still threaten him? The final straight is still 400 meters!
Hammarling with a long effort, an attempt to sprint for 300 meters. He gets closer... Then Listerijn gets out of the saddle. Hammarling sits down again. Then looks behind and sees Vague coming! Vague can still grab that second place and is riding very hard to catch Hammarling!
Listerijn crosses the finish line first! He covers his face with his hands, he can't believe it. Second in the World Championships but today he was the best! Or rather, the smartest!
Hammarling is second. Vague couldn't bridge the gap anymore and is third.
Young is fourth.
A sprint for place five... Van Dyck ahead of Louis Listerijn.
Gormley is 7th, Mazzarelli 8th and McLaughlin 9th.
And completing the top 10 is Eddie Goldenberg, a few seconds ahead of Olivier Dubois.
See you tomorrow for the conclusion of the Superprestige! Kwaremont Cross, tomorrow!
We return to Belgium, where Vague can showcase his "new" World Champion jersey in the Kwaremont Cross. After three years at the pros, even the people of Flanders have by now fully accepted the Walloon rider as their national hero. The Oude Kwaremont will welcome Vague with open arms. And as last race of the Superprestige, there is nobody left to threaten his overall victory. A second Superprestige victory for the Belgian World Champion.
Race Information
Country: Belgium
City/Place: Oude Kwaremont
Classification: Superprestige
Starting Time (Elite Men): 15h30
Favorites: Matt Mazzarelli, Francis N. Vague, Mikel Hammarling.
Record: 10x Pieter Gasthuys (1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1995)
Race History: The Kwaremont Cross is older than human memory. Well, at least my memory. The Kwaremont Cross has brought forth legends, mostly. Looking over the list of winners, we almost only see giants of the sport. A young Pieter Gasthuys took his very first professional victory here, on the slopes of the Oude Kwaremont. In the next fifteen years of his career, his dominance was reflected in this race. On the Kwaremont, he was practically unbeatable. The Flandrien got his own museum only 200 meters from the foot of the climb. If you're coming to see the race, this is definitely worth checking out!
Route Information
Technical: 3
Sand: 0
Uphill: 5
Cobblestones: 5
A killer profile. Of course, the riders don't ride the Kwaremont all the way up. With 2.2 kilometers, they'd have to go down and you'd quickly have a race route of more than 5 kilometers. Instead, the riders start the race in the field. The Kwaremont Cross doesn't feature a single meter of tarmac. This is a factor you can't underestimate. Usually, some tarmac allows the riders to recover - if just slightly. But this race goes through the field, directly to the Oude Kwaremont.
They get on the Oude Kwaremont at about 600 meters in. So they're immediately close to the steepest sections of the climb. The riders take on about 500 meters, going through the toughest section of the climb. They turn back into the field just before the famous church. From there, it's one big downhill back to the start. The downhill isn't as steep, but carved out with some tricky bends and some U-turn sections.
Once you get back to starting level, there is still some route left in the field, going over a large bridge. The finish line is no longer on the Kwaremont itself. Since 2010, the finish line is drawn in the field right before the Kwaremont, so there is only a 100m straight line. The new finish allows riders to potentially return after they've been dropped on the Kwaremont and sprint for the victory.
But don't let that climb fool you. It's about half a kilometer of climbing on badly placed cobblestones. On cyclo-cross bikes, you may as well be spending 3 minutes on each climb. Add the extended downhill and the final section in the field, and you may have a lap time of around 7 minutes, meaning the Kwaremont could easily be climbed 9 times! That's 4,5 kilometers of climbing in one hour of cross!
The ground is quite loose and you constantly get the feeling that something is pulling you back, even if you're going downhill. Don't expect a fast race from this profile. History shows us it's not that uncommon to see riders breaking down completely.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 1° C
Precipitation: Sunny.
Wind: 0 Beaufort
It was hard to keep the emotion back as I crossed that line. I couldn't have dared to dream of winning such a big race against such tough competition. I couldn't believe it, nay, still can't. Certainly my biggest ever result and against the competition in that final trio, probably my best ever CX race. Granddad was there, as always. He won Ansbach once, you know. 1967, he won a close sprint where nobody expected him to. I fell into his arms as I dismounted, just like in Seattle. Granddad Louis, my number 1 supporter. This one was for him. It still hasn't quite sunk in, such a massive race and I won it. I'm just a boy from Kluisbergen, cliche as it is. Add onto that Louis came 6th - a fantastic result for him. He's been fantastic the last month and this is a great result for any rider and I know he was stoked.
The race was an hour-long blur, but some flashes stick out. My mind was racing the whole time and at the end I was exhausted. Guido kept me sheltered in a beautiful position, immense for the team as usual. I made pace and held the wheels of Hammarling and Vague on the rugged cobbled, brought back Young. I felt a little more confident, did some more work, even leading for a bit. Then Vague went, and I had to think on my pedals, as it were. Hammarling was in top form and I wasn't on his level today or any day on this course so I had to hope he could bring him back. He monstered the cobbled and gave me a perfect moment to try make something of the situation. I got 10 metres and that's all I needed to start my effort and I think I was just the freshest by a little bit after Hammarling and Vague chased on the cobbles. My proudest moment in cross, a phrase I've used a couple of times this past week.
Kwaremont today, woke up with a wee ache in my leg - hope it's nothing much, just a remnant of a hard day yesterday. The result halved the gap to Mazzarelli almost but as this is a course really suited to him I'm not holding my breath on second. I've got to be weary of an off day but really it's good result on the day, hopefully top 5 or so, rather than trying to crack Mazzarelli, though I won't give up on either. The course is a special one for me as it's as near to a home race as I can get. Not quite my speed - cobbles I'm still not sure on and although I love going uphill I'm not a Mazzarelli or a Vague right now, so maybe give it a few years and I'll be aiming for this race. It's another storied and special race and I'll be sure to give it my all - feeling much less fatigued in the closing of the season than last year so hope to finish strong - let's go for keeping the top 5s up and go from there, eh? Is that too much to ask ?
Luck. It wasn't more down to that in the final stretches of the last lap. Luck against Goldenberg and even more Listerijn. That Goldenberg kept chasing without a shot after the accident. Most against Listerijn, when the compatriot came still to the front but also would have made it. It was luck then that Vague overturned his new opponent and came just that few decisive centimeters ahead of Listerijn over the finish line. It was luck that crowned him back-to-back World Champion. The path to this race winning lap was class though.
Vague was onto something special in the last weeks coming up to Chicago. With the joy of a young racer, he forced his opponents stake at Coca-Cola Trophy and got away with a victory and a surprising, well-earned second place overall. After the misfortunes in the middle of the competition, this was probably the best Vague could make out of it. He claimed back then: "Mazzarelli had a great season. I have tried before Lviv to get back time but I failed each time. Today it worked out well but it did too late. This was a good day for me, to also leave behind Listerijn so narrowly."
Vague later returned to racing at Ostrava Circuit, a race that was not always a good place for him but he came of age in this race with a blistering performance of excellence. Ostrava meant that he was top favourite for the Chicago course. More than that, Ostrava made for an all-belgian podium and the promise of youth coming true. None older than 23 years old, the three belgians caught the spotlight in a race that belonged to veterans. But who was there to challenge them? Cornelis gone, Cook out for almost good, Lipawsky injured, Mazzarelli in limbo. It was a great victory but it was all a warning shot. That the Belgium team was in a state of turmoil if Vague let it slip out of hands.
As designated leader he came to Chicago but the sea was deep over the atlantic and the new world had some sharks waiting in harbor. Vague was quiet in front of his reprise in the role as top favourite but he well liked the words of his compatriots. With Welling not at his side, at least Louis Listerijn was well influenced by Vanbroucke's schemes. The walloon champion had ever since the route was announced, paid special focus on training on sand. This resulted in some strange race behavior early on in the season but it came to fruition later in some sandier races. Vague had found his own vibe for the sand and it just came in the right time.
The race itself was a panicked, fast-paced skirmish. Crossing over the laps, the Belgium squad put the Americans to the sword and demanded all of them. By the work of Guido and Louis, Belgium had dominating numbers. When the edge was close, Vague pushed and Listerijn followed. Goldenberg at that time in front, was the man to duel with them, which came as no-surprise. In a tactical-nuanced race, Listerijn and Vague swore loyalty to their team colours but surely both were happy when Goldenberg caught their counterparts. In terms it was due to Goldenberg's continuous struggle and fight that the Belgium order was not questioned and thus Vague profited most. Goldenberg held the resurging Listerijn at bay and the race was deemed to go in the final sprint. From there on out, it was luck that crowned Vague again and gave him the honour of wearing the rainbow jersey another year.
"I'm sure belgians have had a heart beat pumping high today. It was a great day for us, the win is beyond words now. Last year, maybe I won. This year, the squad won truly", he is being quoted at the ceremony.
That he was denied to raise his arms was a bit sad for him, he claimed, however, Vague described the moment of the podium ceremony all the sweeter. "I am not sure how I did it really. I was dead and I had to keep going. The race last year was tougher, but the victory this time might have been even better."
As the already designated Superprestige winner Vague returned in old and new colours in Ansbach Cross. He gave his best on that terrain but was denied victory by two stronger men that day. Sti llhe look fit for the Oude Kwaremont to give his best for a victory. But, the goal is not this race now but rather the Ardennes Cross coming up soon. With the World Championships won and the Superprestige secure and just one race and one opponent in the form of Goldenberg keeping him from the famous, prestigious Triple Slam of World Cup-SUperprestige-World Championships. This time, so Vague, he is even more determined to get it.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
To work for the guy who just beat you a week ago all over the place, isn't the most logical thing to do but Listerijn made it easier for me. When I was riding my guts out, it was for Milan and I didn't mind a Coup d'Etat. It didn't work out really but Belgium got two medals out of it, including the one that matters. The after-show party made up for all the suffering. I narrowly missed the Top 10 to Louis but I didn't mind much since I had already that result previous year and I was only interested in improving in big steps really.
Like in Ostrava Circuit, where I showed my guts and spilled them out first on the attack, then for Milan, then for myself to secure that podium spot. A great success and I knew right there that my legs could have meant a captain role in any other national squad. As it comes, I decided with my mother and father that I ride for Belgium rather than Italy and it's a decision I stick with, I won't question it at least.
Milan has shown that there is also a chance for the gold medal even if Vague is on a streak. This confirms my ambitions too and I want to further improve in the upcoming races. For now I am stuck with a helper role though in the Lotto squad after some stellar performances by Milan.. Of course this helper role is up to opportunistic interpretation and my racing has shown that CX is a sport of individuals, lending occassionally a hand to your x-captain. Our team antics work out so far and Milan seems to be pleased with my occassional help, so I don't see myself slaving for him like Schiltz does it for Vague. I help when I can but I still got a big fish to catch this season.
Ansbach Cross wasn't much to my delight in that regard but I had good showings in the past at the Oude Kwaremont, where history was often forsaking my father. I want to change for the name Visconti eventually. This year it might be too early but I've made progress, again in the second season half. So I want to see what's possible before the tired legs run empty. Season closing is soon now, and I need it really.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
BKCP-Corendron manager Vanbroucke was explicitly vocal ahead of the World Championships. With a quiet Vague on his mind and victories in Lviv and Ostrava Circuit, the belgian team had high hopes. Vanbroucke was just the man to turn them that pressure into a media fanfare. In several press releases, he had praised the belgian roster and put Vague into the center of a black-yellow-red armada. "Belgium has come overseas to win this medal." Just as a matter of luck, Vanbroucke predicted right when he said: "Vague is the man to make it back-to-back. Now. And for the next few years."
In his treatment pre the race, Vanbroucke was not only shy about his opinions of Belgium but also about the current state of affairs. "The riders are exhausted and I wonder how it'll be next year with the Olympic race. For now, Cook is gone, Cornelis retired, Lipawsky injured. It's unlucky that the sport has deterioted just within a few weeks, it has changed face. But I await an exciting race. Goldenberg, Mazzarelli, Van Dyk and recently Dubois are capable riders. Listerijn and Visconti are equally harsh opponents, given that they ride for Lotto-Fidea."
Vanbroucke watched the race not on the course itself but from the VIP tent. Begrudingly he shouted several times at the video wall, did not just say good words about the other riders. But he shrugged shoulders when people looked at him funny. "I am belgian after all", he said to a reporter later, minutes after Vague was confirmed the win, and justified some words coming from his mouth. He also said and jokingly mused: "I prefer the calm of the tent or our team bus. At the sidelines, there is usually too much going on and I didn't actually have access to the belgian squad. That strikes me as odd since I saw Cornelis lingering around."
Days later, Vanbroucke took to an interview with belgian newspapers and was suddenly none quieter. "Sometimes you need to make a bit of fuzz. Francis was not so sure about his chances this time. The course isn't ideal for him. So I decided it was best to swing the hammer for him. By making some PR, by taking focus on him. He got confidence through that. Vague is no man who can be crushed by words, so I was not worried that I would over-do it. I believe in him and he proved me right. But honestly, I was actually a bit suprised he considered it a main goal of his season, given the course. Someone like Cook would have made it nigh to impossible last year that he'd win it. But Francis did it. He set himself a goal, worked hard for it all year and rewarded himself. His determination to improve on his weakness for the rainbow jersey is inspirational."
He also praised the belgian team and found it amazing how well it worked together. "I remember the world championships in the past. D'Anvers, Cornelis, Welling and Co. Sven was really angry at the two Lotto riders for conspiring with the dutchies in order to drop him. It was generally a very unforgiving bunch of riders, they all wanted the glory. Sometimes they put themselves in front of the nation then. Listerijn and Visconti were very impressive in that regard. Vague managed Milan well in that final lap but even before, they worked well together." However Vanbroucke is quick to denounce any sort of paybacks that Vague should hand to Milan. "They are professionals and racers. I don't think it crossed the mind of either of them."
Asked whether Milan was an option for the team, since Louis is already on the roster: "Yes generally there is always the option and we have followed him for some team of course, however we lost sight of him when he moved to New Zealand. So interest is always there, but it's for most riders the same really. And Lotto-Fidea wouldn't let him go and he is too expensive by now I guess. We have Vague either way and I am very, very happy with him since we signed him. I love success and he loves to win. Christian has ambitions as well. Signing Milan would mean maybe only trouble right now for the team. Besides that, maybe we already have the right Listerijn for us. Louis has well earned his World Championships spot and did vital work for our team. In general his performance as of late have been outstanding. High placings for a neo-pro, superb work for his teammates too. Lotto got one Listerijn, we got the other. It's okay. It's a dynamic that could be vibrant for the sport, no one wants to see Andy and Fränk-antics in the sport [laughs]."
Said of the recent team performances then, "our Vague-Schiltz double spearhead works miracles. Christian had some bad luck this season and so some races were below his usual quality. But he has found his rhythm when it mattered, and got a great win in Luxembourg again, recently. Vague broke double digits. This is impressive really, I havn't seen this consistency in a very long time." However Vanbroucke regrets the recent crash of Welling and is sad that the veteran misses such a large part of the season. Additionally, he has underlined in a side-comment the Bauknect race behavior. "Another crash by Soucek..."
Meanwhile, Vanbroucke has been reluctant to comment on the current plans of the UCI. He is wary of taking a whole competition to Africa. "They have failed twice in short time to provide for a race. Now to set up an entire competition. This puts the whole african cycling body at a risk, this is a huge investment. If it's good for the continent I don't know then." At least Vanbroucke is relatively confident that the Superprestige stays super at 12 races, and also praises the disabandoment of the NES-competition. "The sport needs experiments. This one was fun to follow but it doesn't work out long-term."
Lastly, Vanbroucke was also happy about the sponsor change of the trophy. "It proves that the sport has some reach. Coca-Cola did a nice job setting up the trophy, to see however new companies coming into the sport, willing to invest. It shows that the interest is real, that the sport is alive. We need a fluctuation, a change of names actually. Sure Coca-Cola is a world brand, it gives you certain lifestyle. But Cyclo-Cross is more than soft drinks. I'm sure the trophy will be exciting to watch regardless of the sponsor change. BKCP-Corendron certainly is well linked to it already, every year a BKCP rider made it on the podium and we won its debut!"
But right now there are greater fishes to catch. The famed triple-slam of the sport is (again) close to reach for Vague. He has secured two titles already. Just the Ardennes Cross is left to take and Vanbroucke knows, his champion has learned from the past. "Ardennes Cross was a freak show last year. I think there was nothing Francis could have been better in that race. He lost it in Trondheim, their he got a lesson and Cornelis got wings. The triple slam would be fantastic for the team. I think, Francis will keep a cool head and ride his race as he always does. He has the upper hand and there is no one who can play the cards to his strength like my boy."
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Welcome to the Oude Kwaremont. We're ready for the final Superprestige race of the season. After today, only the World Cup and two classics remain. Milan Listerijn took yesterday's race in style. Can he repeat his win here? Mazzarelli and Vague are the two previous winners here.
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 1° C
Precipitation: Sunny.
Wind: 0 Beaufort
Start Line: Vague succeeded himself as World Champion just last week. He's apparently in top shape, ever since the start of the season. Can he finish his incredible Superprestige campaign with a record 9th victory? The season's been long for him. And the upcoming Ardennes Cross is of utmost importance, while the Superprestige Trophy is already in the bag. Will he save powers or not?
His biggest adversary in today's race should be Mazzarelli. The Italian has performed well here in the past, with a win and a fourth place. His form seems a bit off lately but he's bound to want to make something of his final races this season to go into the off-season with some sort of mental rest. Put his mind at ease.
Another favorite is Listerijn. The young Belgian seems to be growing into Vague's main rival. Can he stay on that path and maybe even one day surpass the master?
Lap 1: No tarmac in this race and that always gives a special start. That opening rush on grass is different from one on tarmac. This is more about power! And so it's actually Chris Young who reaches the foot of the climb first.
Bad luck for Hammarling. We see a replay of the start, his foot got out of his pedal and he's turning onto the Kwaremont in last position.
And will we see fireworks on the first ascent of the Kwaremont? Young leads the pack, no acceleration so far. However, the door is wide open at the back of the peloton. Visconti moves up a few places, but he's just positioning himself.
Lachy Bauer comes to the front and attempts an attack!
At the top of the Kwaremont, he has a minor gap over Dubois, who's now taken over Young's job.
Lap 2: Bauer is leading with about 7 seconds. Don't give this man too much space. He knows how to handle this Oude Kwaremont well. We're back on it, now.
Matt Mazzarelli attacks! The Italian opens for the favorites! Now who has a reaction?
Vague answers his attack. Goldenberg decides to ride his own tempo. Listerijn gets out of the saddle but then sits down again, his legs won't work with him just this moment.
And the duo has a gap! Van Dyck realizes the danger and tries to bridge the gap. McLaughlin jumps on his wheel.
Lap 3: Bauer is now being left behind by Mazzarelli and Vague, who're not keeping anything back. No, no, the race has started! Those who missed the boat, too bad.
Van Dyck and McLaughlin do their best to catch the leading duo. Here they pick up Bauer, who seems fatigued.
In the background, Visconti and Listerijn work hard in the chase. Lotto wants that second place in the Superprestige and with Mazzarelli gone ahead, it won't be happening.
Mutahi, last year's second, is now being dropped out of the second chasing group. He's never accomplished his potential. So far.
Lap 4: Mazzarelli is once again in a good position to win this race. But he'll need to beat Vague. Two years ago, the Italian managed to outfox both Cook and Vague, so we know he can do it.
McLaughlin thinks it's not going fast enough and he's right. He and Van Dyck are already 12 seconds behind. He accelerates. Oh and Van Dyck drops off the pace! He can't follow the Brit! I thought it was a bluff, but he just can't follow.
Meanwhile Mikel Hammarling has finally managed to get some clear space ahead of himself. It took four laps to recover from his start. He's between positions 10 and 15 and can start thinking about the top 10. Although he already has quite a chase behind him.
And here goes Vague! He leaves Mazzarelli behind on the large wooden bridge. Mazzarelli, caught by surprise, is trying to sprint to Vague's wheel instantaneously. But the Belgian is an expert in this work, he keeps off the Italian and hopes to sink his morale.
Lap 5: The race leader crosses the finish line. Four laps completed, about five left. Almost halfway and he's got a long, lonely journey ahead of him. Did he pick his moment too early?
Mazzarelli still has the Belgian in his sights. And this part of the Kwaremont is great, with this camera. You can see all the way to the point where the riders turn back into the field. Even riders a minute behind can still see the race leaders.
It's also a perfect place to look behind and judge the situation. Vague does just that before turning back into the field for the downhill.
Lap 6: A bike change for Young. Apparently he entered the pit without his front wheel. How did that happen, we wonder?
Visconti is keeping the pace high. Schiltz and Dao can't follow anymore. So let's see if we can get an overview of the situation at the top of the Kwaremont.
McLaughlin has been caught in no-man's land for quite a while now. But I think he's got that podium spot in mind and will just keep riding his own tempo, hoping to realize that third spot.
Mazzarelli feels Vague slipping away completely. He can only hope that Vague makes a mistake somewhere. Closing those 17 seconds on pure strength won't be possible. Especially not since Vague created that gap all by himself, by pure class.
Only on the Kwaremont itself it seems that Mazzarelli keeps the gap about the same. In the field, he always loses more time.
Lap 7: Hammarling just passed Dao, with Goldenberg on his wheel. He now has Schiltz in his sights.
Vague has half a minute. I'd say this race is over. Bar accidents, Vague wins the Kwaremont Cross a second time. Still far away from Gasthuys' 10, though.
Louis Listerijn not with his greatest day. And who can blame him. The youngest in the peloton, he has proven himself over again this season. He's allowed bad days. It's all part of the learning curve. He's in about 15th position and even the fact that we talk about a bad day when he's in the 15th spot is a credit to his season.
Lap 8: Lachy Bauer was today's first attacker, but now he's already over two minutes behind race leader Vague. That's the Kwaremont for you. If you are wasteful with energy, it can consume you.
Mazzarelli is still hoping that happens to Vague, too. He doesn't give up. And it's nice to see Mazzarelli back at the front of a race, fighting for the win or at least a podium spot.
This way, he's also securing his second place in the Superprestige and even making a bid for the second place in the UCI Ranking.
Lap 9: Last lap! Vague's last lap wasn't as fast as his others. It seems he's saving his legs, now. It's not important by how much he wins. Ardennes is close and he's very wise to keep that in mind.
McLaughlin is still holding off the chasers and he seems set for a 3rd spot. Good for him. If he can work hard in the off-season, he can still amount to much. Still young, that lad! Can he fill a hole that Cook left for Great Britain?
Oh and now Visconti actually has to wait for Listerijn on the Kwaremont. Listerijn is having a tough time and Van Dyck and Dubois ride away from him, without accelerating. Visconti drags Listerijn up the climb as well as he can.
Vague is now finally making a fist. Nothing can go wrong now. The finish is close. The end of the season is close. And what a season it's been so far. But still so much at stake.
Here it is. The finish line. His World Champion jersey shines once again. He raises both arms in the air and bows his head slightly. The crowd loves it. Their hero won, and did it convincingly.
Mazzarelli is second. He can't blame himself. Only for that moment of being inattentive, perhaps. But in the end, Vague was superior today. Look he's only 14 seconds behind. Vague really slowed down in the last half lap.
McLaughlin is third. A great result for him and Great Britain.
Dubois wants to surprise Van Dyck but the young Dutchman is too quick and takes the fourth place.
And then we have Listerijn with Visconti. He'll have to settle for a 3rd place in the Superprestige.
Hammarling is 8th. Impressive race he's got behind him. Coming from last position, this is quite the achievement. He's in top form!
Schiltz outsprints Goldenberg and so we complete the top 10.
That was the Superprestige for this season. Let's hope the UCI keeps the Superprestige at its worth. 12 races. Don't take this away from us! It has been wonderful. Practically a one-man show. But did we enjoy it. Hope you did too, folks. See you at the Ardennes Cross!
A perhaps sub-par performance given his stellar form for Milan Listerijn as he gives his teammate Visconti a grateful pat on the back. Sometimes, it just isn't your day.
Milan, not what you were hoping for?
Yeah, what can I say? 5 better riders today, really 6 with Guido. It was great of him to help me out when he could have fought for 4th, just one of many performances I want to pay him back for. Yesterday was a hugely taxing effort for me, but I'm happy with a 3rd overall in a competition I skipped two races. Today was amazing still for me and Louis, almost our entire extended family on Dad's side lives near here and they turned out in full force, safe to say I'll have a good drink, dinner and catch-up with everyone before crossing into Vague country, Wallonia.
Could you have came second?
Look, I skipped two races. Could I have came 9th twice? Maybe. But it'd have affected the much-needed break that gave me such strong form for this last part of the season, indeed giving me a win in Ansbach and 2nd in Ostrava among others. Maybe I regret giving up so easily, my choice of ambitions classification-wise will be further set in stone next year with a calendar announced and hopefully I can ride a full season as my body matures. So no, Mazzarelli would always have come second, and watching time travel movies, I know me skipping three races probably set off a complicated chain of events that made Sylvain crash [laughs].
Guido Visconti has talked openly about your team dynamic recently...
Look, these weeks I won't deny I've been in the form of my life. When that happens I have to lead, I'm not a natural leader by any means but I'd expect Guido to do what he did at Ostrava or Worlds when I'm in that vein of form, as I'd unwaveringly do for him. We talk all the time and he's a real mate now. He's right CX is much more individual than the road, and his help is therefore much more valued. But he's right, maybe I took a front seat recently, but if he has the legs and I can do something to get him a hard-earned win, I'll be damned if I don't do it. We're on equal pay and will be so or even he's more next year roughly, maybe recently I've been captain but on our days I consider us co-leaders of this team.
Speaking of pay, Vanbroucke talked a few days ago about you coming to BKCP. Ever an option?
Well I don't think I'd be anywhere near too much for their budget unless Vague wants a pay rise, but no, not an option right now. I like it at Lotto and with me and Guido always getting better I don't think being on a team with Vague and Schiltz would work as I'd be a super-slave for their golden boys. Riding with my brother is an enticing prospect, though.
You're in 2nd overall in the UCI rankings now, a feat little would have predicted even a few weeks ago. Can you hold it?
Yeah I was shocked when I found out! I guess the Cornelis vacuum meant there'd always be a surprising new face once Cook left, and with Sylvain crashing it was like we were down to fourth choice! But no it's surprising I overtook Mazzarelli, van Dyck and Goldenberg, but it shows really that I'm what, almost 1000 points behind Vague now? It's good to be in such a prestigious position and though it'll be hard to defend it'd be a great way to finish the season.
Where to for the rest of the season?
Guido and I will have to see about Ardennes and Arenberg but I'd love to work for him or give him a boost to hunt a win. In Dunkerque the same I guess but it's a race that if not too quiet I think I can do well. We'll take it
It wasn't the emotional salute to the past or the fulfillment of a life-long dream this time around. It happened last year. But instead, it was the work a man knowing what he is doing. At a place, where they came to see him win. And Vague didn't disappoint.
Francis, congratulations. As the World Champion you have yet again won the Superprestige. How does it feel compared to last year?
Just as brilliant as ever. As an athlete, you strive for the top, and you always have to prove it. You never run out of competition, never run out of goals. In that way, I was really glad that I could finish the Superprestige on a high note after yesterday, and get the win here.
Your thoughts on the race?
It was similiar to last years, really. At the Oude Kwaremont, you say that you have to be careful with your energy but I have learned that when you are upfront here, the fans carry you with their voices, with their noise up the climb and cross the fields. It helps a lot when you race to win here. Nowhere else it is louder, more intense. It was another beautiful edition really. When Mazzarelli went early, I knew that I had to be on him if I wanted the win. Both of us know what the other is capable of, so it wasn't surprising that we cooperated well together. He too wanted to win of course but he also wanted to get a gap on Listerijn, which helped me. I didn't want to make it easy for him, and so I always pushed a little and at some point, I got the gap I needed. From there on out, my team did great services and I had lots of support on the course. It worked out really well for me.
Do you think racing for the win today may have cost you a bit too much energy?
Of course you have to watch your energy and all, but I am euphoric now and my legs are great really. I am currently on a great streak, wins in Lviv, Ostrava Circuit and Oude Kwaremont. Chicago to top it off. I had a slow January a bit but I feel like I'm proftiing of that now. The goal is the Ardennes Cross and I have time to concentrate on it. That I raced to win today may not help me then but I would never pass up a chance to win at the Kwaremont. I own it to the fans who show up and want to see him compete 100%, and I also own it to the sport and the classification.
Well, the fans certainly loved it. Gasthuys too. He was saying the Oude Kwaremont deserves the best of each rider.
That's a sentence I can get behind. I know him a bit better than some other people, but he knows the Oude Kwaremont maybe better than himself [laughs] I saw him actually a few moments ago, and he was talking with Vanbroucke. I imagine those two will have some beers tonight in the tavern up the Kwaremont. Me, I can't celebrate much. The World Cup is still open and hard fought out.
It's your second Superprestige classification win. Your total lead is impressive really. It's an arrogant question maybe but: What is too easy for you?
No, it's never been easy. Sure at some point you know that you've got it covered, after Ostrava Circuit I knew I won and they couldn't take it from me anymore, even if I'd crashed twice. But you also aim for other goals. For me, it was about writting history then. To get the most Superprestige wins, ever in a season. I'm happy I have made that happen. But the Superprestige is packed and I always have to be careful. I was lucky many times in this season and just really focused much of my energy into the Superprestige. That helped me a lot. Also that some rivals took away points from each other, you know. Of course it was harder when Cook or Cornelis still were racing, they were formidable opponents. I really hope that Elliot Cook returns to the sport, because he is a character and a rival that is worthy of the challenge he represents. But like I said, the Superprestige has been a difficult classification to win again, but I am proud in the way that I have achieved it, and me and the team are very happy.
A lead of 1.000 points in the UCI classificaiton, too. This is almost unheard of. What's your take?
Lipawsky got injured, Mazzarelli a drop in form. It's not unusual to end up with some more points then, pretty much the same as for the Superprestige.The UCI classification is in many ways just a representation of the quantity of races you do, and I just did most of them in full force. Others like to give a rest now and then. We knew it'd be crazy after the Cornelis vacuum and it got stranger when Cook left. I think I profited a lot from that, if it's enough we'll find out soon.
Ardennes Cross is next, the big showdown against the American. What's your take?
Since Chicago, he has focused and concentrated all on Ardennes Cross. Ansbach and Oude Kwaremont seem like just build-up races where he didn't bleed, wasted no energy. Goldenberg is a man who knows what he wants and he's going for it, definitely. But I have a great advantage, racing at home. In Walloonia, I know this course by heart. So it's a challenge, a big one. But I intent to race as always, try to go for the win, find the right strategy. I have a strong team around me, with Christian and Louis. Sven will be there for support, my family too. I have good and bad memories of the Ardennes Cross, last year was special then. The way that I was riding against Cornelis was a thing once in a lifetime. My muscles were crying pain there. If Goldenberg manages to beat me in that way, if he puts me into this kind of state. In front of my people. If I give my best and it's not enough, then... then.. But I won't let that happen. I really, really want that triple [laughs]
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
The World Cup comes to its conclusion on the hilly slopes in the Belgian Ardennes. It's the perfect setting for a final showdown between Vague and Goldenberg. Who of the two will take the Trophy home tonight?
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 4° C
Precipitation: Dry.
Wind: 0 Beaufort
Start Line: Goldenberg has had a great World Cup so far and has established himself as one of the top riders in the field. But gaining ground on Vague in his Ardennes is quite the challenge. There is no doubt that Vague is the top favorite to get his Triple Crown today. Only the American can still stand in his way, but he'll need to bring his A-game. And even then, the task seems very tough indeed.
Lap 1: The riders are gone! A fast paced start on this narrow Ardennes road. Vague not jumping the gun but staying near the front either way.
Dubois has had an amazing debut season in this sport but that win has been eluding him so far. Can he change that around today? He doesn't want to wait to find out and there he goes! A very early attack to make his intentions clear! Bauer joins him.
Goldenberg sits in Vague's wheel. He'll have to pick his moment carefully in this race. Vague, on the other hand, has the task of controlling Goldenberg.
Schiltz makes the pace, with Dubois and Bauer slowly riding away.
Lap 2: Visconti has a flat tire at a bad time. He gets dropped out of the first chasing group.
And now it's Listerijn who takes initiative! And Vague counters! This means Goldenberg has to react, too, or the World Cup is lost!
Goldenberg knows this and gets out of the saddle. Mazzarelli follows his wheel. Markson and Van Dyck try to hang on.
Schiltz drops off the pace, he can't keep up any longer!
The American has a tough time... but he closes the gap and Vague eases up. A warning shot, so to speak.
But now it's Mazzarelli with the counter-attack. Nobody reacts. Vague leads the group but is too busy with Goldenberg. The Triple Crown is an achievement he won't pass up on. Even if it means not winning his Ardennes Cross. For one day, winning is not the most important thing in a race for Vague.
And Listerijn senses this and sneaks away. No reaction!
Lap 3: Bauer is already having trouble hanging on to Dubois but fortunately for the Swiss, Listerijn and Mazzarelli are on their way to join up.
Some of these climbs are rather brutal. Mazzarelli seems to be growing in the race. He's not looking to troubled going up, or down. Meanwhile, Bauer has reached his boiling point and has to let Dubois go. Immediately he sees Mazzarelli and Listerijn rush past him. They're catching up on Dubois and we'll have three leaders.
Markson is still here to support Goldenberg, but there's not much he can do, as the pace is getting to him. Van Dyck is still in this group, too, and probably cursing himself for missing that important attack. As things progress at the moment, it doesn't look like Vague or Goldenberg are too eager to chase down the attackers. Not yet, anyway.
Lap 4: Jan Soucek is recovering a bit from a terrible start. He's minutes from the race leader, though, so a podium seems lost either way. But a top 10 might still be possible, who knows?
Bauer is now caught in no-man's land and can feel the chasers drawing nearer.
The three leaders have come to an understanding and work together quite well. They increase their lead to over 20 seconds.
Behind them, only one things matters. Vague vs Goldenberg. The two are playing a game of chess, so it would seem. And both quite defensively at that.
Lap 5: The gap is almost half a minute. Looking at the quality up front, it would seem the winner of the race will be one of these three. Dubois has the skills, Mazzarelli the legs and Listerijn the brain. But who wins out today? Or will Vague and Goldenberg still fight for the win once they bring out the big guns?
Bauer gets picked up by the first chasing group. There, Markson is still hanging on for Goldenberg. Schiltz tried hard to get back for Vague but is still lingering behind.
Andrew McLaughlin is finding the hills in the Ardennes to be a bit too much for him. He falls out of the top 10.
Lap 6: Mazzarelli attacks! Dubois and Listerijn try to follow his wheel immediately... They have almost been taken by surprise! Nobody's dropped but does this mean the end of their cooperation? It would seem now, as Dubois keeps calm and relays again. Will this make Mazzarelli fall back in line?
Meanwhile, Vague is trying to put Goldenberg to sleep. He keeps the pace up, but not too terribly high. The American needs to take the initiative or else he'll play right into Vague's hands.
Lap 7: And there it is! The American gets out of the saddle and accelerates! Vague saw him coming and answers the attack, with some effort.
But we soon hit some slopes again and there Vague is boss.
Markson and Van Dyck have been dropped, though! Goldenberg's acceleration was the final push for both of them. That shows the pace set by Vague all this time wasn't that low as we thought. Still, it wasn't high enough to gain back any time on the attackers.
Meanwhile the three leaders are back to cooperation. It looks like they've now decided all will be played out in that final lap.
Bakari has quit the race. Apparently he went down and hurt his finger.
Lap 8: Final lap! Who will win the Ardennes Cross? Who will win the World Cup? These are the two things left at stake, the two questions to be answered within minutes.
Dubois is the first to launch a final offense! Mazzarellli draws out Listerijn to close the gap.. And the young Belgian obliges. Mazzarelli follows his wheel as Listerijn slowly decreases to gap to 5 meters... 4... Closed.
And it's the Italian with the counter attack! Dubois immediately reacts! Listerijn gets out of the saddle. But he lacks the acceleration needed to answer the attack, and so he has to sit down again. This is a crucial moment!
Mazzarelli looks behind him and looks in the eyes of Dubois. He also spots Listerijn suffering behind. He gets out of the saddle again for another acceleration! What a beast! Uphill now. Dubois folows... Still follows.
And Dubois cracks! Mazzarelli takes a few meters and growing.
Over the top and the Italian has about 6 - 7 seconds. Is it enough to win the Ardennes Cross? It'd be the first time in his career!
Meanwhile, Goldenberg tries to shake off Vague, but the Belgian knows perfectly what he has to do to achieve his dream, the Triple Crown. It won't do any good now. Vague is too determined, too much in control.
Mazzarelli raises his arms. A victory in the Ardennes, and what a win it is!
Dubois is second, Listerijn completes the podium. And now we wait...
Goldenberg and Vague come to the finish together. Vague doesn't leave anything to chance and gets out of the saddle to overtake Goldenberg in the final 20 meters. He did it!
This concludes the World Cup. It's been a two-way battle for a long time, with Goldenberg resisting to Vague until the very end. But eventually, everyone had to step aside for the new King of Cyclo-Cross, Francis N. Vague. Only he decides who goes and who doesn't. And today, the victory might've been Mazzarelli's, but it's Vague's just the same.
See you for the final weekend of this season of Cyclo-Cross!
With the World Cup decided in Vague's favour, the end of the season was just around the corner. Only a Classics Weekend was between the riders and a deserved moment of rest, a holiday, a small break before they should start getting ready for the upcoming - Olympic - season.
Arenberg and Dunkirk were all that remained, both in France, not too far from each other. A final chance for the riders to take a last victory before heading into the off-season.
Arenberg Classic
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 2° C
Precipitation: Sunny
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Race Summary: Arenberg saw a quick-paced start with Schiltz really doing some damage. Vague was eager to prove he can do his thing in classics, too, and launched an attack in the third lap. Then the race really broke open.
It took a strong Mikel Hammarling to rip open the entire field in lap 4. Hammarling, retiring at the end of the season, in his last chance to win a cross. Talk about your motivation! After an incredible effort of about 3 minutes, only Vague and Gormley remained. Behind them, Listerijn, Schiltz and McLaughlin were trying to organise a chase to come back to the front. But Schiltz was not cooperating and the chase would never amount to a real threat. Instead, they looked backward and hoped to keep off Mazzarelli.
At the front, the fight for the win opened up in the penultimate lap, with Gormley accelerating on the long cobbled section. Hammarling followed, but Vague had a moment of weakness and fell behind.
In the last lap, Vague managed to gain back some time, but when Hammarling launched his powerful attack, the two leaders rode away again. Vague was going to have to settle for third. Gormley was forced into making a small technical mistake by a relentless Hammarling, who made his last career highlight come true on the stones of Arenberg. A proper goodbye to the Swedish cobble-eater.
Full Result
1
Mikel Hammarling
Team Odfjell
62'14”
2
Shay Gormley
Team Red Bull
s.t.
3
Francis N. Vague
BKCP-Corendron
0:07
4
Andrew McLaughlin
Glasgow City Council
0:23
5
Milan Listerijn
Team Lotto-Fidea
0:28
6
Christian Schiltz
BKCP-Corendron
s.t.
7
Matt Mazzarelli
Team Mapei
0:38
8
Chris Young
Blue Bell CX
1:03
9
Fred Markson
Blue Bell CX
1:12
10
Hafthor Eldfjallsson
Team Odfjell
s.t.
11
Michael Bollinger
Glasgow City Council
s.t.
12
Guido Visconti
Team Lotto-Fidea
1:22
13
Pieter Van Dyck
Randstad
1:47
14
Rudy Verboven
Topsport Vlaanderen
2:02
15
Baris Dao
Randstad
s.t.
16
Olivier Dubois
Team Red Bull
s.t.
17
Louis Listerijn
BKCP-Corendron
2:22
18
Jan Soucek
Bauknecht-Author
2:41
19
Lachy Bauer
All Blacks
2:52
20
Estifanos Mutahi
NamDeb CycloX Project
s.t.
21
Iban Etxeberdea
Vittel
3:17
22
Mustafa Moli
NamDeb CycloX Project
3:33
23
Alessio Forcellini
Team Red Bull
s.t.
24
Amadou Bakari
Team BAKARI
3:56
25
Camilo Osorio
Vittel
4:00
26
Pierre Lipawsky
Vittel
4:13
27
Ferdi Kloet
Randstad
4:28
Dunkirk Classic
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 6° C
Precipitation: Sunny
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Race Summary: A race where Goldenberg would've been top favorite. But the American ended his season after the Ardennes Cross. He was close to the World Cup, but there's no doubt he will one day raise the trophy in the air proudly. It's what he excells at, and having been so close, he'll come back even more determined.
And so we headed into the final race of the season. A first move by Dubois meant this would be heavily fought for. No taking it easy on the last day of the season. Vague liked the idea of a tough race and surprised everyone by attacking in the sand and leaving everyone behind.
Listerijn knew he had to react and was the only one who was able to close the gap. Dubois and Markson came short just a few meters but then fell behind quickly, when Vague and Listerijn worked together a while.
Dunkirk showed us one of the nicest duels of the season. Listerijn and Vague attacked each other at every opportunity in the final three laps. Vague showing his power and his domination, Listerijn showing his cunning and wil-power.
In the end, it was Vague's acceleration that did the trick. He left Listerijn behind half a lap from the finish and raised his arms high, crossing the finish of his first Classic victory. What a season it's been for the World Champion. Next year, the competition will have to come up with a damn good plan to get in his way. Or else they'll be racing for crumbs.
Thanks so much for being with us this season. We'll see you next year, for a first Olympic season. Until then, this was Ian Butler reporting the beautiful sport of Cyclo-Cross!
It was the 11th of February 2018. For the very first time in its history, Cyclo-Cross would get its proper place in the Olympic Events. Part of the Winter Olympics, 50 riders lined up for what would be a historical event. All ready to represent their nation's colors in a race for that once in a lifetime opportunity: a golden medal at the Winter Olympics.
February 2018
The course was a tough one. Icy conditions, slippery terrain, many technical difficulties. Among the favorites for the Golden Medal were King of Cyclo-Cross Francis Vague, the hard-headed Brit Elliot Cook and the rising star Milan Listerijn. But this being an Olympic event, anything could happen.
The race itself was noticable and historical for many a reason. Dries Cornelis attented as part of the Belgium team, coming out of retirement for the Olympic dream. He had raced only a few crosses as preparation. He would never threaten anyone for the medals, but finished a respectable 8th and was thrilled about this performance and the experience.
Halfway the race, a group broke away and would stay away. Besides Vague, Listerijn and Cook, there was the Swiss Olivier Dubois, who was an ex-world champion trial bike, talented Norwegian Anders Haugen, who had won his first professional cyclo-cross early in the season and had added four more to his palmares in his debut season and lastly there was Chris Young, Canadian late-bloomer and winner of the Alpe d'Huez Cross.
Cook forced everyone's hand three laps from the finish with an excruciating attack. Haugen, Young and Listerijn had to let him go. Vague and Dubois were the only ones managing to hang on. Two laps from the finish, Cook looked like the strongest in the race. Would he take home the Golden Medal?
The three riders entered the final lap together, with Listerijn chasing closely behind, still contesting for a medal, when bad luck took Cook out of the running. A flat tire at a bad moment meant he would finish fourth, just outside the medals. Some day the Brit never really got over it, others say it never meant anything to him. The Brit has always remained an enigma, so who knows? All we know is that - despite having a fruitful career with plenty wins and trophies - he never returned to the Olympics, stating it was too much trouble for nothing.
Listerijn would come up short and finished with a Bronze Medal. The young Belgian was very happy with it and it would be a turning point in his career. He made that final step forward and finally got that extra percentage of power he lacked before. Listerijn was ready for a sweet career, the only one to challenge Vague on a weekly basis, with his brother on his side from the 2019 - 2020 season onwards.
The race was decided two corners from the finish. Olivier Dubois might've been the only one to ever outmanoeuvre Francis Vague. And he only did that a few times. But never was it on a more essential moment than here in Pyeonchang. Dubois crossed the line a mere second ahead of Francis Vague, but he had won the Golden Medal Cyclo-Cross in the Winter Olympics. To this day, he persists it was the most beautiful moment of his entire professional life.
As for Vague, he had to settle for a Silver Medal. But the frown would make place for a smile four years later. In the 14 years that would span his professional career, Vague won just about anything there was to win. Sure, occasionally a trophy slipped between his fingers. Listerijn winning the Superprestige twice, Goldenberg and Cook taking the World Cup, Cook, Schiltz and Lipawsky winning the Solar Impulse Trophy, for example. But mostly, it was Vague who took the cake, year after year. With the World Championships as the pinnacle of his career.
You could argue there are several important moments in the history of Cyclo-Cross. The first race on the Oude Kwaremont, the first World Title of Pieter Gasthuys, Vague and Cook's first true duel... But Pyeonchang 2018 will always keep the edge, it might just be the biggest moment of cyclo-cross history. It was the start of a sport that'd continue to grow, continue to touch many hearts throughout the years. It would continue to produce wonderful athletes, legendary rivals and so much joy to fans worldwide. Be it a solo win by Vague, a dominating performance from Cook or a sprint finish by Pieter Van Dyck. It would always be Cyclo-Cross at its purest form.
The years leading up to Pyeonchang set the tone and started the sport on a new track.
And so the New Dawn made way for a new, beautiful day.
Edited by Ian Butler on 21-08-2016 13:30
"The King is dead. Long live the King!" It was the title of a major belgian newspaper on the day after my return to the Dunkirk Classic. Indeed the old king Cornelis has left the sport for good, unbeaten in the World Cup by me. But the crown was not lying around. It was not waiting to be taken. I myself have had to fight it for it, to claim it.
Vanbroucke has hugged me countless times since I took the triple. He wants me to appear in commercials but I feel like taking a rest. Despite my performances, I don't like to be the man for commercials and product placements. So I told him no but he wasn't happy. He said, I get good money from him, so we should parade through Belgium as winners, not hid behind rocks. I am so tired, I want to hid in a bed. So I said no again.
It was the longest season I have experienced and it ended in the best way. With the Triple achieved and my first Classic win, I was traveling to my village. There the mayor wanted to host a little event for my honour. When I stepped out to the balcony of the town hall, and I looked upon the square of the Church, a thousand people gathered and they all shouted my name. It was a humbling, cheerful moment in the village I was born and raised. It reminded me when I started out and got my first wins as an amateur. It has been a long road since then. Winning for the first time in Blaarmeesen set it all in motion; my career, my life.
It was the strongest performance to date - this entire season. With 14 wins, I had luck on my side but the determination and focus was all me. I was proud to not have given in when the odds were low. Not even when Goldenberg was on a run in the World Cup. Or when my form was fading. I was proud to keep on pushing. I knew now why I'd do it. I knew how hard I worked for it. How I turned all those no's into yes'. No, to the cake. No, to the coke. No, to giving up.
The race at the Ardennes Cross was a nervous play of cat and mouse. For some time, I knew the win was eluding me that day, so I had to focus on Goldenberg and parry all his countless moves. The American dug deep enough to push me at the edge but I held out for the sprint. This time around, I had enough in the tank. Unlike the result of Cornelis comeback strikes, I had all the cards to play in this instance.
It turned out all the better a week later when I finally achieved my first Classic win and could say farewell to this nagging thought of not having won a Classic, yet. It was a small detail that needed to be corrected but it was the conclusion of my ultima season. People often talk about Gasthuys magic season, where he practically won everything. I know I'll never reach such a domination, the sport is different now, I am different. But I know in my heart I'll never be able to match this season either. The Triple, 14 wins. Maybe it's the best I can ever achieve; if it's like that, it's okay. I could have settled for less, too.
It's the continuiation of a dream. Is the dream too good? Is my life too good? Still so young, I think I already reached my peak to be truthful. The years coming up will be a whole lot tougher, so this Triple will always be special to me. The years coming up will always be measured up to this season. There will be the eternal conflict of having to match it. I'm well aware of that. It can be a curse, but I want it to turn it into everlasting motivation. Into hunger. For more.
It's the essential year that I can look back. It's the definition of what I am as a rider. It's the height of my abilities and the best I could ever dream of. I have achieved it and it's mine, this season is all I could have wanted.
I could have settled for less, but I will always fight for more. So, we know what I'm capable of, and I wonder, what is there in store for me left. I am here now, wide awake, in the jersey of the World Champion with two trophies under my arm, the fight for it has meant the world to me in the past months. Although I am tired of a long season, stretched out over several months and countless competitions, it's the latest accomplishments that have made me feel so tired. I am not wary of the success, but the burden and the promise is always heavy.
Quo vadis, Francis? I was wondering how I'd go on from here. The media has said that the road was just a matter of time, now that I have successfully achieved my dearest wish. But who am I to turn my back on a loving crowd and the appeal of history to be written.
Then I think of all those hours in the dirt. The amazing attacks and the quality comebacks, the tactical foreplays, the animosity and companionship and conflict inside the peloton. Beautiful little moments ang great grand gestures of victory and defeat. My first win at Oude Kwaremont is great, my first defeat at Oude Kwaremont in the fog by the hands of Mazzarelli still cut deeper. Little games, the storm and the cold. Rasterhoff with bruises on my body in the hailing storm, Corners of Alpe d'Huez, sun bath and heatstroke at the Rio Challenge. Duels with Goldenberg and Van Dyck, Listerijn and Lipawsky, Dubois and Mazzarelli, the Cookie Monster and Old King Cornelis.. countless names, many memories. It's a Free For All for the best, moshpits and chaotic racing. Full Speed, always.
You know you don't want to leave. But finding the motivation and the compassion to be right up there again, to perform on the highest level. I guess that's what off-season is for. To find the purpose of it again. Because inside those few months of racing, of competition, you are in tunnel. You work and ride and race. You lose yourself in the face of your competition, you fight all the time. But there's little time to reflect on it. To question your motivations. To ask why. To find it anew, to rekindle your passion. I think I should go for a rider later in the evening, just me and the woods of the Ardennes.
I come closer to the balcony, and keep hearing them shouting my name. My family is here, somewhere, down there. I havn't spotted them in a while. The town has prepared a long table with waffles, cakes and cheese and somewhere there they enjoy having a meal. The mayor galopps towards me, gives me a hand. When he congratulates me, little pieces come out of his mouth and land on the rainbow stripes. He looks so happy to have me around. Maybe I can turn mayor one day, I think. The most bikefriendly city of all time? How about a Cyclo-Cross event one day? I think to myself of the possibilites, when my phone beeps. I receive a message on my phone. "See you next season Kid". Sender: Elliot Cook. I smile at the thought of dueling him again, the long rival, a nemesis for the ages. If I ever needed motivation for training, there's always the thought of a nice duel with Cook that keeps me going. Him and me battling out for a place inside Top 10 at Duinencross, both our pro debuts.
Maybe it's the asterisk of this wonder season of mine after all, that Elliot Cook was just there for half the way. That he wasn't at the World Championships, didn't compete in the Superprestige. It's almost the same with Lipawsky, and Cornelis retired. Maybe they'll ask: who else but Francis? It was too easy for him, too early for Milan, too much bad luck for Goldenberg, too much.. cold for Mazzarelli? You know, the drill of the doubters, nay-sayers. The ones who hate you. It was never easy at all. It's a special phalanx of people I race against. It's not just riders from the Americans to odd nations, from the home-grown talent in Listerijn's and Visconti to the men from far away. I also race against the past. Against the myth of Gasthuys and Vandewalle, of the accomplishments of former belgian heroes. I have to prove myself to those ancestors of the sport. And to the worshipping public that still loves them as much as their bike. This is not a given, people coming here and saluting me. This had to be earned, this will always have to be earned. As a Walloonian in a flandriennes sport, I will always have to prove myself.
I reckon, there are always changing names. It's a flux in this sport. Some leave the sport to go for the road or mountainbike. Some are not good enough to find a contract again, some race other events, smaller ones. There will be new names and old known faces that I will compete against in the coming years. Maybe that's the trick and the gist of it all in sport, to do it over and over again, and to enjoy it still everytime. It's pretty simple coming down to it. I'd like that to say that at least the sport is staying them. But it's not like that, it's not the truth. Cyclo-Cross evolves and changes its face too. We still ride our bikes though. Just the bike riders made Cyclo-Cross so special. In Belgium it's a beloved sport, it's our dearest sport. Being a champion in this sport will always demand sacrifices and training, but the support on the sidelines makes up for it. I look down from the balcony, and as they keep shouting my name, the happy faces of fans disappear behind a sea of belgian flags.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
You know what? Screw my hopes of winning Le Tour. I just am not cut out for that kind of thing, and I regret even trying. I used to be a decent crosser, nothing more, nothing less. But now, hell yeah now I really wish I would have understood that sooner. Yet, I'm here, at almost 30 years old, feeling like my legs are actually older, drowsier and my mind is younger, naiver.
It's 2022 here in France, and I'm in some dim, claustrophobic hospital room. They say I don't have as many teeth as I used to have, and apparently I had my good share of tarmac, too. Bullshit I say! I don't remember it happening at all. Or actually it did, there are a few amateur videos showing me face down, laying on the ground with some scrapes and scratches on my old Mapei suit.
I checked my Social Media a couple of minutes ago, and the admin of my page has been updating it with details on my health every once in a little while. It's fucking desolation out there. There's literally only foreigners giving me their support - which is great in itself, if it wasn't they are 5 of them who have commented on my FB page and there's less than 100 retweets on Twitter. I haven't been doing CX for 5 years now, not even on amateur level. I left after the 2016-2017 season ended, I wanted to forget that nice niche sport that barely brought bread to my house. My friends hardly knew what I was doing in my life: what I did for 3 straight years was not broadcasted a single time in my country. You read that? Not once.
In Belgium, in the Netherlands, in Czech Republic, heck even in motherfucking France, Cyclo Cross is a religion. Go ask who Gasthuys, who Cornelis, who Vague are in any outskirt of Ghent, Aalst or Tábor, and they'll answer you as enthusiastically, detailedly as my relatives will explain you how to cook pasta, or if you ask any Neapolitan who Maradona was. Go ask who Mazzarelli is in my country though. A football player maybe? Some crooked politician? No. He used to be a cyclo crosser, as well as a 5th tier professional cyclist. People will give you a weird look and go on with their lives, and they'll probably forget that name again.
Actually, I have an even bigger regret: not promoting this in my own country. Did you ever notice the boost in popularity some totally unknown sports get, once one of your countrymen starts winning stuff and makes his way to the news? It happened with fencing, shooting, archery here, at every single damn Olympics. I had the chance to let my name get impressed in some kid's mind when CX made its way to the Winter Olympic Games of Pyeongchang. Except, I had already switched to road cycling, obtaining some of the meagrest, mediocre results you can imagine.
At some point in my career, even if I had one of my best seasons, I decided living life on my own knees wasn't worth it anymore. No big sponsors ever called me up after a win, no one ever reached out to help me go on with my career in an acceptable way. Mapei was basically paying me as much as the salary of any shitty Continental road cyclist; I wasn't treated like a professional sportsman. But in the middle of the 2017 season, they announced they were coming back to road cycling. As a PCT team. They offered me a contract with one condition: I had to cut my CX career short, at least for the time being. Do you think I was undecided? Well call me a terrible man, but no: I wasn't at all. Especially at the thought of settling down for years with the contract they were offering me.
And well, my career sucked. After my contract expired, they left me on the street - and I don't even blame them! 3 years passed since then, my life has only gotten worse. I have been making pizzas for a living for some time now, and it's hard for me to think I could do anything else from now on. Even these holidays in Bretagne sucked, I thought I could make my family happy, but fuck man, I didn't manage that.
Actually, no, there's something else I regret even more. Not giving the last farewell CX deserved when the time was right. I could have been remembered as a hero, I could have been better than the now legend Novelle, even if for just less than a season. Yet, I preferred taking the easy path. And I lost my own fight.
So long, cyclocross. I used to love you, even if I've never been your favorite son.
Ansbach Cross - Preview
WHO IS ANDERS HAUGEN? 
Goldie
Hammer Time
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
Kwaremont Cross - Preview
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Arenberg Classic
