Page II: Ludi incipiant – Let the games begin
Gloria fortis miles – The glory of a brave soldier
Biting cold, knee-deep mud and demoralizing sand: these lycra-clad heroes are expected to battle for glory using all of their reserves. Those who take to the start line have no fear. The brutality that they willingly confront produces an alarmingly honest sort of suffering, which makes them today’s gladiators, and subsequently elevates them to idol-like status. Unlike many other sports, these heroes are within touching distance, just beyond the flimsy bit of tape.
There’s a stifling silence that engulfs the crowds as riders make their way to the start. They’re called up individually not unlike the gladiators of Rome, entering the scene of battle while the crowd erupts into roars.
A hero crashes, the crowd howls. But it’s a honest and forgiving race circuit in Namur. Crash here, and there’s chance to redeem your race – just like the reigning World Champion Wout van Aert, who crashes in the first lap but comes back from his mistake. Crashing is an inherent part of cyclocross, skinny tires hunting for grip in the muddy arena floor. The blood from that old Roman saying is embodied in the riders’ crashes and risky maneuvers. The hero is on his feet once more; he’s back in the race. Unlike road racing, cyclocross is far less of a team sport. The rider and their mechanic against the rest of the field, doing battle with the mud, the course and the elements.