In The Crosshairs

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.

In episode 1.1 of #LIKEAVOS we visit the sandy confines of Koksijde in West Flanders, Belgium, for round three of the UCI World Cup of Cyclocross. World Champion and series namesake, Marianne Vos, is once again a no show for the race but World Cup leader Katie Compton and a host of strong riders are on hand to run and ride some sand dunes. This episode focuses on riding and running in the sand, the importance of momentum, the rising star of Sanne Cant, and the continued dominance of Compton.

#LIKEAVOS is presented by Skills Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer, available at cyclocrossbook.com.

Looking to be #LIKEAVOS, or for a great gift idea? Check out our Rosie The Riveter Cyclocross Shirt atcrosshairscycling.com/product/rosie-t/. Shirts are available in women-specific sizing and cut.

Footage for this episode via the UCI. uci.ch/templates/UCI/UCI5/layout.asp?MenuId=MTI1OTg

Music for the episode:

White Tiger~Izzy Bizu: soundcloud.com/starslingeruk/izzy-bizu-white-tiger-star-1

Avocado Baby!~Los Campesinos: soundcloud.com/los-campesinos/avocado-baby

Lost Boys and Girls Club~Dum Dum Girls: soundcloud.com/subpop/dum-dum-girls-lost-boys-and

Julian (Minsieur Adi Remix)~Say Lou Lou: soundcloud.com/sayloulou/julian-monsieur-adi-remix

Thanks for watching.

In SVENNESS episode 2.8 we visit theHamme-Zogge stop of the Superprestige cyclocross series. It is muddy and there is a flyover at every turn. But more significant )or maybe not) Sven Nys is riding disc brakes!! But in the end, this race wasn’t about disc brakes but about perseverance. Niels Albert runs into the barriers and gets turned completely around in the first 30 seconds of the race. He slowly chips away at his deficit and by the end is soon back in contention. For this race we focus on riding in the mud, the run vs. ride decision, the picket fence, and flyovers flyovers flyovers.

Please visit cyclocrossbook.com to learn more about Skills, Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer. It’s all you need to know to create your own SVENNESS on the cyclocross track. And the sale of this book helps us to continue producing these SVENNESS videos. It’s a win-win.

Also check out our shirts, socks, gloves and WTFkits watterbottles at www.crosshairscycling.com/shop/. The SVENNESS shirt is sold out but we are coming out with a second design shortly. So stay tuned for that.

Music in today’s episode is by:

Flume & Chet Faker: https://soundcloud.com/futureclassic/flume-chet-faker-drop-the-3

We The Wild: https://soundcloud.com/wethewild/daisy-may-3

and

Ayer: https://soundcloud.com/officialayer/circle-down

Footage via Vier: http://www.vier.be/tags/cyclocross

Thanks for watching.

In episode 2.7, #SVENNESS visits the Belgian province of Limburg for the Superprestige Zonhoven. Known for its sand and perilous descents, Zonhoven was a study in balance and power. We highlight downhill action, the runups and a close race between Klaas Vantornout, Lars van der Haar, Niels Albert and Sven Nys.

#SVENNESS is brought to you by Skills Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer. Check it out at www.cyclocrossbook.com. Makes the perfect gift.

A few SVENNESS shirts remain available at www.SVENNESS.com.

Footage for #SVENNESS 2.7 via Vier. http://www.vier.be/tags/cyclocross

Music by Magic Man. https://soundcloud.com/magicmansounds

and

Coeur De Pirate https://soundcloud.com/gro-g/coeur-de-pirate-comme-des-enfants-le-matos-andy-carmichael-remix

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.7 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

In #SVENNESS 2.6 we visit the Koppenbergcross, which is part of the Bpost Bank Trofee series and takes place in Oudenaarde, Belgium. This cyclocross race took on the character of a road race, and we highlight Fidea Telenet’s team tactics that help put their riders in contention for the win. Also highlighted is a spectacular ride by Ian Field.

One thing not mentioned in the video that is important to point out: There are no forced dismounts on this course and many riders stay on their bikes the whole ride. That doesn’t mean it was easy, though, as these riders dealt with a brutal climb and a windy day.

Please support #SVENNESS episodes by buying a shirt at SVENNESS.com. Also, check out our book, Skills Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer at cyclocrossbook.com.

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

Music by TV on the Radio. itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tv-on-the-radio/id6562624

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.6 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

In #SVENNESS 2.5 we look at the Superprestige Ruddervoorde. The race features a lot of turns, a nice rhythm section, some sand, and a whole lot of looking around. A windy day on a course that didn’t have many super technical features made for a strategic race. We focus on running vs. riding, carrying the bike and some start strategy.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Skills Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer available at cyclocrossbook.com. Get faster without getting fitter.

Super sweet #SVENNESS shirts are now available. Go to SVENNESS.com to order.

Footage for 2.5 is via Vier: vier.be/tags/cyclocross
Music is by Santigold: soundcloud.com/santigold/santigold-disparate-youth

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.5 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

Let's hope i can do a #SVENNESS this weekend.

— Sven Nys (@sven_nys) October 24, 2013

Yep. That happened.

As did this …

@timjohnsoncx create a magic feeling. Use your technical skills ,stay calm and be sure you have a great shape. Your own #SVENNESS is born.

— Sven Nys (@sven_nys) October 24, 2013

So thrilled.

In #SVENNESS 2.4 we recap the first UCI World Cup race of the season, which took place at Valkenburg. The ep focuses on race management in the early moments, a tricky descent, disc brakes, power sections and bad luck. But more than anything #SVENNESS 2.4 focuses on the arrival of Lars van der Haar. We know he’s the fastest off the blocks and can finish among the best in the world, but can he win?

As always, #SVENNESS is brought to you by Skills, Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer. If you are looking to improve your cyclocross skills, or know somebody who is, this is the perfect book. Comes in one size fits all for easy gift giving opportunities. Check it out at cyclocrossbook.com.

Race footage is via Sporza sporza.be/cm/sporza/wielrennen/veldrijden

Music by Phenomenal Handclap Band: phenomenalhandclapband.com/

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.4 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

In this episode, #SVENNESS makes a stop at the GP Mario De Clercq. We look at the muddy, hilly terrain and highlight cornering, run-ups, choosing a line and knowing when to pit. We also take a look at the start. And remember kids, there are no rain jackets in cyclocross.

This episode is presented by Skills, Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer. You can learn more and purchase a copy of the book at cyclocrossbook.com. You can read a review at pavedmag.com/featured/book-report/.

Video footage via Sporza sporza.be/cm/sporza/wielrennen/veldrijden

Music by The Juan Maclean. thejuanmaclean.com/

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.3 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.