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.

belgium-shimano-cx-worldcup-namur-78 belgium-shimano-cx-worldcup-namur-73
belgium-shimano-cx-worldcup-namur-143 Wer hier stürzt, kann sich wieder vorkämpfen, wie auch dieses Mal der Weltmeister Wout van Aert, der direkt in der ersten Runde stürzt.

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.

Given these hardships, you can even overlook the injustice that the crowd are downing beer and guzzling frites while the riders are giving their heart and soul to win the race – providing, of course, that the crowd cheer loudly enough.
Given these hardships, you can even overlook the injustice that the crowd are downing beer and guzzling frites while the riders are giving their heart and soul to win the race – providing, of course, that the crowd cheer loudly enough.
The best rider needs more than just courage, fitness and ability – they’ve got to deal with the pressures of an expectant public too. They become the subject of the will of the beer-fueled masses. The crowd have expectations, they urge the riders to take more risks.
The best rider needs more than just courage, fitness and ability – they’ve got to deal with the pressures of an expectant public too. They become the subject of the will of the beer-fueled masses.
The crowd have expectations, they urge the riders to take more risks.
WThe more in favour the rider is with the crowd, the more they’ll be cheered on to a victory. These are the rules of the arena.
The more in favour the rider is with the crowd, the more they’ll be cheered on to a victory. These are the rules of the arena.
The same scenario played out thousands of years ago. The gladiator fights, World Champions fall, the people’s Champion hopefully wins. It isn’t just money either; it’s glory, respect, and honour. Those that win become famous, writing their names in the history books. The crowd roars and celebrates. The meaning of the game is still the same. Even 2000 years after Rome.
The same scenario played out thousands of years ago. The gladiator fights, World Champions fall, the people’s Champion hopefully wins. It isn’t just money either; it’s glory, respect, and honour. Those that win become famous, writing their names in the history books. The crowd roars and celebrates. The meaning of the game is still the same. Even 2000 years after Rome.

About the author

Robin Schmitt

Robin is one of the two founders of 41 Publishing, a visionary and go-getter. While he now enjoys every second on the bike – whenever his busy schedule allows – he used to race against the clock at enduro events and a few Downhill World Cups. Besides that, Robin practises kung fu and Zen meditation, plays the cello or with his dog (which actually belongs to his girlfriend), travels abroad and still reviews numerous bikes himself. Progressive ideas, new projects and major challenges – Robin loves exploring undiscovered potential and getting to the bottom of new trends.