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
-
-
Best cycling base layers: A buyer's guide
Our guide to cycling base layers, including long sleeve, short sleeve and sleeveless base layers, as well as what you should look for in terms of fit and materials
By Rupert Radley •
-
CHPT3 and Vielo claim to have created the perfect gravel bike
The limited run of 50 bikes will each receive a unique custom paintjob
By Stefan Abram •
-
Cyclocross rider hospitalised after disc brake causes wound
The junior world champion, Shirin van Anrooij, was rushed to hospital with a nasty open wound on her arm caused by a disc brake
By Tim Bonville-Ginn •
-
Tom Pidcock delays start of his cyclocross season
Tom Pidcock postpones the start of his cyclo-cross season to focus on training before returning to racing for the first World Cup race
By Tim Bonville-Ginn •
-
Founder of Three Peaks Cyclocross John Rawnsley has died
The founder of the iconic Three Peaks Cyclocross event, John Rawnsley, has died.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Organisers welcome 31 event applications for expanded Cyclocross World Cup
The new series will be without some historic events after race organiser Golazo fails to submit any of its events
By Owen Rogers •
-
‘The death of our sport’: Cyclocross world in uproar about changes to race calendar
Stars of the cyclocross world fear “the death of the sport” as the UCI plans to introduce a revamped calendar next season.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Cyclocross: the ultimate guide to racing and training
Cyclocross season is on the way. Five time British National Champion Ian Field and racer Louise Mahé explain the training and techniques to get you from zero to hero.
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan •
-
Multiple British cyclocross champion Helen Wyman announces retirement
British cyclocross star Helen Wyman has announced her retirement after a 15-year career.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Belgian cycling federation apologises for fans’ ‘unsportsmanlike and offensive behaviour’ at cyclocross World Championships
The Belgian cycling federation has been forced to apologise for the ‘offensive behaviour’ of fans towards Mathieu van der Poel at the cyclocross World Championships.
By Alex Ballinger •
