Sven Nys on Dutch cyclocross issues: "It remains an ice-skating country, in one way or another"

With figures like Mathieu van der Poel, Joris Nieuwenhuis, Lars van der Haar, Pim Ronhaar, Fem van Empel, Puck Pieterse, Lucinda Brand, and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, the Dutch elite cyclo-cross team appears stronger than ever. However, professionals like Ryan Kamp find themselves struggling for a contract. National coach Gerben de Knegt raised the alarm, prompting questions about how this issue is perceived in Belgium. Baloise Trek Lions team manager and cyclo-cross legend Sven Nys provides insight on IDLProCycling.com.

A few weeks ago, De Knegt expressed the need for a Dutch cyclocross team, elaborating on the matter in Benidorm. "Secretly, there are also many people in Holland who watch cyclocross and enjoy it all, but there has to be someone who can shake things up a bit. That's what I've tried to do now, and hopefully, people will rally behind it. There is a genuine need," stated the national coach. He identified the differing perceptions of the sport between Belgians and the Dutch as a potential cause.

Despite having Nieuwenhuis, Ronhaar, Van der Haar, Brand, and Shirin van Anrooij on his Baloise Trek Lions team, Nys acknowledges the irony of being essentially a Dutch team with a Belgian license. He humorously notes, "I think we are actually a bit of that Dutch team, but we have a Belgian license." However, he underscores the seriousness of the issue.

Highlighting the unfortunate situation of Ryan Kamp, Nys emphasizes that Kamp rightfully deserves a place in a professional cyclocross team due to his capabilities, past world championship title, and overall skill. Nys expresses disappointment that they couldn't provide him with the opportunity. He clarifies that while they cannot offer everyone a chance, they have their limitations and aim to elevate their current team members whenever possible. This explanation comes from Benidorm during the successful winter training of his riders.

Nys: "Flanders remains beating heart of the sport"

Nys has been a prominent figure in the sport for years and even competed in Dutch service for an extended period. So, if anyone can articulate the state of the sport among his northern neighbors, it's him. 'Even though we have many successful Dutch riders, the beating heart of cyclo-cross racing remains in Flanders,' he asserts without hesitation. "The financial resources predominantly come from there, but it's not just about that; even the foreign World Cups are organized by Flemish individuals. I hope that, with time, we can begin to attract Dutch (financial) contributions because that is also something the sport needs and can benefit from."

Nys finds it challenging to explain why the current successes in cyclo-cross aren't serving as a sufficient foundation. The World Championship in Hoogerheide was a brilliant promotional opportunity for the sport, but there hasn't been a rapid influx of corporate support. This lack of immediate partnerships, which also applies to Gerben de Knegt and the national selection, is a real disappointment.