There are some excellent, recent, European CX videos posted on the Cyclocross Channel. The most you're going to see is the last lap or two, but with recent mudbath weather in Belgium it's worth the 8 to 15 minutes of watching the best in the world slipping and sliding.
Nys & Albert, Jaarmarktcross(photo courtesy Sporza)
With Sven Nys now coming into form, the younger Neils Albert fighting to understand how this older Nys guy keeps fighting back year after year, Zdenek Stybar's domination of the early rounds now curtailed by a back problem, the ever-present Vantornout/Vanthourenout confusion of bodies, the steady drumbeat of Kevin Pauwels, and Bart Wellens always clawing his way into contention just when you think he's had enough--it's quite the drama.
Nys, Jaarmarktcross(photo courtesy Sporza)
And we can never forget the Americans: Jonathan Page mixing it up with the best and often slotting into the top twenty or better, and occasional incursions by Jeremy Powers and Tim Johnson (see Aigle).
Pauwels, Jaarmarktcross(photo courtesy Sporza)
The women's races are just as energized with the steady tussling among the top riders. Katie Compton, when the muscles are working and the injuries are at bay, is a domineering powerhouse, as are Daphny Van Den Brand, Katerina Nash, Hanka Kupfernagle, and--one of my favorites--Helen Wyman, to name a few. Videos of the women's races are harder to come by, unfortunately, but that's certainly not due to their lack of excitement. These are races well worth showing to those of us who look for great racing and a strong fighting spirit.
Nys (hauling through the mud), Jaarmarktcross(photo courtesy Sporza)
The production value of these Sporza broadcasts is excellent and one of these days it would be nice to get the whole race from beginning to end without a lot of hassle. It's the drama of seeing every lap unfold, the attacks and the tactics, the effects of weather on the course and on the racers (and the joy of deteriorating conditions--my own evil thrill), that makes these races so entertaining and engaging.
Until then:
Cyclocross Channel on YouTube
Albert, Jaarmarktcross(photo courtesy Sporza)
For some recent mucky fun:
Superprestige Hamme-Zogge
SuperTrophy Ronse
Don't miss the tumble by Neils Albert after the 11:00 minute mark and enjoy the steady thrum-thrum-thrum of Nys's amazing form, pedal stroke after pedal stroke.
Jaarmarktcross Niel
The ultimate mudbath.
Flemish Language Quiz (as heard through English language ears)
Define:
Clambake (or Clambitch) _________________
Montreal Post ___________________
One of these days, we may get race coverage and production quality in the States and Canada that matches that of European coverage. The CX racers here deserve that high quality. Until then, these videos show how well it can be done.
And, finally, go here: Cyclocross on Versus, find the ballot for supporting CX on Versus, and VOTE! We might just get our wish.
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