Sven taking the win at CrossVegas 2013. Photo courtesy of CrossVegas
After a successful debut at 2013 edition of Clif Bar CrossVegas that saw him solo to victory wearing the rainbow stripes of World Champion, Sven Nys announced he will be returning to Las Vegas on September 10 to kick off his cyclocross season. Nys will defend his CrossVegas win wearing the colors of the Belgian national champion in 2014.
Nys commented on his plans, “I had a great time racing CrossVegas last season, I was pleased to win but more than that I enjoyed the exciting atmosphere and the big crowds. It is a great spectacle for our sport and an important early season race on the world calendar ”
CrossVegas will be Nys’ only race appearance in the US for the season. The two-time world champion plans return to Belgium immediately after CrossVegas to start his European season on home soil.
Nys went on to say, “I look forward to coming back to CrossVegas; there is nothing easy about the race even though there isn’t traditional ’cross ingredients like mud and cold. The parcours is difficult and the competition will be watching me carefully, I imagine.”
“CrossVegas presents a great version of our sport that is perfect for the time and location. I understand there are some new course elements proposed for this year that should make it even more challenging,” the Belgian champion added.
Nys will be joined once again by his Crelan-AA Drinks teammate Sven Vanthourenhout who placed 36th at CrossVegas 2013. Sven Vanthourenhout commented, “CrossVegas is a nice opener of the Cyclocross season and a good example of the internationalization of cyclocross.”
Racers from 12 nations competed in CrossVegas 2013. Race Director Brook Watts says that additional rider announcements will be made in the coming weeks in both the men’s and women’s fields. Watts hinted at some names that will make for an especially strong women’s field in 2014.
