Page III: Bellum iustum – a just war?
Cyclocross isn’t just a battle of the athletes – it’s also a battle of equipment, demanding the right team and support. Just humble steel steeds a few years ago, modern cyclocross bikes are now irrefutably cutting edge.
In the fight for decisive seconds, the rider’s skills, tactics and endurance are vital. But being talented is pretty useless if your material isn’t up to scratch.
“Whatever can survive a cyclocross race,” explains Dieter, a mechanic for the Beobank-Corendon team, “will last in every other discipline too.” Two years ago World Champion Mathieu Van der Poel switched to disc brakes and Shimano Di2 and has never looked back. He sums up the benefits: “Ride faster for longer, with more controlled and dependable braking.”
Domus populi, domus dei – House of the people, house of God
Everyone’s equal at the campsite, regardless of whether they’re a cyclocross demi-god or a fan. At Mathieu Van der Poel’s pitch, we see his mum cooking and washing up, their dog desperate to be stroked – you’d almost be forgiven for thinking you’re just on a regular camping holiday. Shoes off before you enter the caravan. It’s only the presence of the admittedly kind-hearted press officer and their impatient taping of the watch that reminds you that you’re at the Cyclocross World Cup in Namur and not on holiday in the south of France. Oh, and the drizzle gives you a clue to your whereabouts as well. It’s this accessibility to the riders that makes cyclocross central to the Belgian sporting psyche; their heroes are laymen.
Memento moriendum esse! – Remember that you have to die
No victor is immortal. And even winners are still human. Those triumphant few back in ancient Rome were just as accepting of this as cyclocross talent Mathieu Van der Poel, who’s kicking back and chatting with us in his camper, signing jerseys for expectant fans. It’s just a simple deed but it means a lot to both parties.
Van der Poel understands that the fans are the ones who brave the elements, lining up next to the tape marking the track, screaming in excitement to spur him on to ride harder in the pursuit of victory.
The real experience
Much like in ancient Rome, Belgian cyclocross races also cater to the privileged elite, with VIP tents giving off a warm ethereal glow, free food and a certain standard of luxury to revel in while watching the riders do battle on big screens. Just a few metres away from the track glass-fronted walls separate the nobility from the combatants, giving the VIPs barrier from the baying masses (and masses of mud).
But to experience the real action, you’ve got to immerse yourself in the cold air and throw yourself into the horde yelling support for the heroes.
Pain is temporary, glory is forever
As this was a weekend in which we personally neither suffered (hangovers don’t count) nor won, you can forget the subheading: ‘pain is temporary, glory is forever.’
But if there’s one thing you should take away from this story, it’s the need to attend a cyclocross weekend in Belgium. From Antwerp to Gent, Koksijde to Leuven, Belgium’s appeal goes way beyond its architecture, beer culture and frites. These are more than races; they’re public gatherings, fetes and festivals.
Instead of glory, we’re taking home memories of a brilliant weekend, the bellowing of the crowd and observations of a population that understand how to celebrate cycling: from famous bars, tents at the events and pubs at Brussels airport, cyclocross is a fluid way to get to know this country’s population. Beers & cheers.
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