Watch: Sven Nys wows crowd with his cyclocross skills (video)
Belgian former cyclocross world champion gave crowd at Chicago Cross Cup a masterclass in how to bunny-hop and navigate steps without dismounting
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Former cyclocross world champion Sven Nys showed that he has lost none of his riding skills since retiring, giving crowds at the opening round of the Chicago Cross Cup series on Sunday a masterclass in how to stay on your bike over obstacles.
Nys was mixing it up with racers taking part in the event at Caldwell Woods, bunny-hopping over the boards and then riding up the edge of the steep steps lined with spectators.
However, even Nys didn't quite get it right first time. On his first pass, the 41-year-old Belgian ran out of momentum just at the top.
>>> Sven Nys to own and manage rival team after cyclo-cross retirement
Not to be outdone, he goes back down the steps and then has another go – riding everything perfectly, much to the delight of the crowd.
A video of Nys's riding was posted online by Peg Keiner, which has become a Twitter hit since Sunday.
Nys was at the event with fellow former top-level 'cross racer Sven Vanthourenhout holding clinics for riders. Nys now runs the Telenet-Fidea Lions cycling team, which signed young British talent and junior world and European champion Tom Pidcock for the 2017/18 'cross season.
The next round of the Chicago Cross Cup takes place in Hopkins Park on October 1.
Video courtesy of Peg Keiner
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, n exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
-
'We can't get enough high-end road and gravel bikes,' says Sigma Sports founder
Market demand remains strong for premium bikes and e-bikes, according to retailer
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Five dark horses for the men's Tour of Flanders 2023
Outside bets who could spring a surprise in 'De Ronde'
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Toon Aerts facing two-year ban for letrozole positive
Belgian cyclocross star vows to fight two-year ban and hopes to race again in 2024
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
'We all deserve an opportunity' - riders react as two trans women finish in CX Nationals top 5
What does the sixth place finisher think? “I think we all raced well."
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
CW LIVE: Is the love affair between Geraint Thomas and Oakley no more? Ineos Grenadiers to partner with SunGod for coming season; Tadej Pogačar's shiny new Colnago; new kit for Israel-Premier Tech in 2023 and Geraint Thomas confirms Giro return
The latest cycling news, as it happens
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
CW LIVE: Buy Wout van Aert's bike; Olympian's assault charges dismissed; Zwift bans race hacker; 89-year-old wins national CX title; Williams completes Israel-Premier Tech roster; Bike lane roundabout dubbed 'ring of fire'
The latest cycling news, as it happens
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Report suggests US cyclo-cross nationals will be targeted by protests
USA Cycling say that all fans will have to abide by their code of conduct
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Barbie, Beetlejuice and bikes: The best costumes from Herne Hill Halloween cyclo-cross race
Rapha-sponsored event brought spine-chilling racing back to South London
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
Dublin chosen over London for round of 2022-23 UCI Cyclocross World Cup
Organisers hope UK event can be added to schedule for 23-24 season
By Adam Becket • Published
-
After 16 years, America’s most successful cyclocross team calls it quits
Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com will not return come autumn
By Anne-Marije Rook • Last updated