Namur World Cup Elite Race - Photo by Tom Robertson
In the United States, Cyclocross is a growing sport, but is still very small in comparison to mainstream sports like Football, Baseball, Hockey, and Basketball. In Europe, Soccer is the most popular sport. However, cycling is right up there. The discipline of Cyclocross is particularly popular in Belgium.
In the US, an event is deemed popular if they can draw more spectators than racers. In Belgium, they have permanent cyclocross venues, and spectators pay around 10 euros to enter. Events get THOUSANDS of spectators, filling stands, and lining much of the course, several people deep.
Sponsorship is clearly at another level at these events. Crowd barriers line most of the course, with sponsorship banners drapped over every inch of the course. Belgian cross superstars like Sven Nys and Kevin Pauwels are worshiped by fans, seeking their trading cards and autographs. Yes, they have trading cards!
The UCI (United Cycliste Internationale) is the world governing body of cycling. They oversee, and set policy, for all of the biggest bike races in the world. These include the Tour de France, World Championships, and Cyclocross World Cup Series.
The 3 biggest European UCI Cyclocross Series are the UCI World Cup, GVA Trophee, and Super Prestige. Each series boasts 8 events, most of which are in and around Belgium.
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