Cyclo-X. Get dirty!

I say: "Belgium" - you hear: "Chocolates", "Manneken Pis", "EU HQ", "Beer", "Jacques Brel". Correct but also there is cyclo-cross and today I witnessed the Cyclo-Cross World Cup in Koksijde (Flanders).

CX is strongest in the traditional road cycling countries such as Belgium, France and the Netherlands. This winter-only sport is extremely spectator-friendly in which mud-soaked cyclists twist and turn their way through soil trails before shouldering the bike and running up a hill. Riders lap the course many times in the hour-long race and you have plenty of chances to see the race as it develops.

“Often I feel like a kid again, when I used to really enjoy just getting completely dirty,” said Bart Aernouts - professional cyclist and former cyclo-cross Junior World Champion.

Have a look...