Even American believer Sven Nys has doubts: “I ask myself more questions than last year”

The Cyclocross World Cup has flown to the United States for nearly 10 years now. Gone are Las Vegas, Iowa or Fayetteville, leaving only Waterloo.

“The trip was definitely interesting for us,” opens Sven Nys, Team Manager of Baloise – Trek Lions.

“The Cross at Waterloo takes place at our sponsor Trek ground. Here's a look at our bicycle manufacturing staff. It's a great way to provide feedback on the material.”

Trek uses the World Cup to organize team-building activities. Nys is the perfect guest to give a cyclo-cross demonstration.

Because the sport is alive there, says the former cross country champion. “Here in the state of Wisconsin alone, cyclocross will be organized every week until December. We'll have to keep an eye on that, too.”

“We also show respect for Americans crossing into Europe with our presence,” Nys points out.

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The cost of the trip to America is considerable. At Pavel's Sassen-Bingol, a crossing for 4 riders and an equal number of crew costs between 20 and 25,000 euros.

Sven Nys' team can rely on Trek's logistical support in Waterloo, but the riders must also invest in the trip to America.

“For us, it costs 2,500 euros per rider for a week here, the rest we take care of as a group. We pay for the staff, the rental cars,… the riders pay for the hotel and food. That's good. Everyone together,” says Nys.

“Don't forget that the World Cup in Dublin will also cost us a lot of money. Nobody talks about that.”

To keep costs down somewhat, the Nys team relies on American cross fans.

“They see it as a great honor to help us with the economic station, and we use it with gratitude. The reverse happens when Americans come to race in our country.”

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“In 2 to 3 races you can recoup the investment as a rider,” continues Sven Nys. “And what's more, you can earn something out of it.”

The US program has more than one World Cup cross. Not so this year.

“With 2 World Cup races, this trip is even more interesting,” Nice also knows. “Chicago will be the perfect place for additional cyclocross.”

“Because you land there, they're cross-crazy and so are bicycle companies like SRAM.”

Nys doesn't know if America will still be on the cross calendar next year. “I hope so, but today I have more questions than in previous years. So the second round will be important.”

Follow tonight's Waterloo World Cup Cyclo-Cross via our app and our website. The women will race at 7:40pm and the men at 9:10pm.