In #SVENNESS 2.9 we travel to Jaarmarktcross Niel in Belgium. This race is part of the Soudal Classics and has been won by Sven Nys four times prior to this year’s event. Would this race mark his fifth victory at Niel? The course was extremely wet and we focus on mud riding, a tricky off-camber section, and isolated displays of strength and power that make all the difference in this race. The race also features a breakout performance by 19-year-old Wout van Aert who is right at home mixing it up with big boys.

As always, #SVENNESS is presented by Skills Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer. The perfect gift for you or that buddy who always says “maybe next season I’ll try ‘cross.” To find out more and to purchase, go to cyclocrossbook.com. Also, check out our shirts, socks, gloves and waterbottles at crosshairscycling.com/shop.

Footage is via Sporza: sporza.be/cm/sporza/wielrennen/veldrijden

Music in this episode is:

Elastic Heart~Sia ft The Weeknd & Diplo: soundcloud.com/diplo/sia-ft-the-weeknd-diplo

Riptide~Vance Joy (FlicFlac Edit): soundcloud.com/flicflac/vance-joy-riptide-flicflac

Heresy Baby~Paul Conrad: soundcloud.com/dangervillage/paul-conrad-heresy-baby-2

Don’t Wait~Mapei:soundcloud.com/mapei/dont-wait

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.9 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.