Hey there Cyclismasses! Bill, here, from In The Crosshairs, to introduce a little video series we produce. It’s called #SVENNESS and in it we break down the week’s Euro-pro cyclocross races to give you some play-by-play of key moments. We also know that many #SVENNESS viewers are racers, too, so we sprinkle in some tips and techniques to help you in your own cyclocross battles. In a nutshell, #SVENNESS is a mix of ESPN’s Primetime (that was a show about a ball sport, cycling friends) and VH1’s Pop Up Video.

Sounds great, Bill, but why is it called SVENNESS? Good question. It’s named after arguably the best cyclocross racer of our time, Sven Nys. To my ears, when the broadcasters on Sporza pronounce his name it sounds like Svenness. He has one of those names that you must always say the first and last together. At least it sounds better that way. So #SVENNESS became this way of describing the sublime in cyclocross. Clinical tactics, a beautiful pass, when done masterfully, it was #SVENNESS.

Oh, here’s a fun takeaway for you: the series could easily have been called “A moment of Sven” or even “Everything Sven,” but #SVENNESS, for whatever reason, stuck. I think we made the right call.

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.17 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

In episode 2.17, #SVENNESS goes to Hoogerheide, Netherlands, for the 2014 UCI Cyclocross World Championship. The elite men’s race was a battle of two giants, each with two Men’s World Championship jerseys to their name. Zdeněk Štybar won the rainbow jersey in 2010 and 2011, to go along with two U23 jerseys won in 2005 and 2006. Sven Nys is the reigning World Champion. He first won the title in 2005.

The Hoogerheide course is a tough one made even tougher by the wet conditions. The mud on the track is not necessarily deep but it is slick, which makes every turn an adventure. And speaking of turns, there are several significant rutted off-camber sections that play a part in the outcome of this race. We also look at the “swinging gate technique” of getting around a sharp turn, and the run vs. ride decision and it’s tactical application. But mainly, we just sit back and enjoy a barn burner of a race.

SVENNESS season two is sponsored by Skills Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer, available at www.cyclocrossbook.com.

It is also sponsored by CrossVegas, which will takes place September 10 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rumor has it that this may be a rematch of Stybar and Nys. Just a rumor, but how cool is that? Either way, come join us at the race. More info at www.crossvegas.com.

Finally, a great way to support this series is to buy a supercool SVENNESS t-shirt at www.SVENNESS.com.

Video footage for this episode via Sporza: http://www.sporza.be/cm/sporza/wielrennen/veldrijden

Buy some music from #SVENNESS 2.17:

Disk is Full, Not Full~Dudadius: https://dudadius.bandcamp.com/album/drowzium

Cutesy Monster Man~Iron Chic: http://ironchic.bandcamp.com/album/not-like-this

Ordinary Silence~Mixtapes: http://nosleepsampler.com/album/ordinary-silence

Is It Your Choice To Say That I Don’t Deserve You?~Souven!rs: https://souvenirsvannes.bandcamp.com/

Throw Me From the Bridge of Flowers~Wholesome: http://handsandknees.bandcamp.com/track/throw-me-from-the-bridge-of-flowers

Liar~Of Us Giants: http://ofusgiants.bandcamp.com/

Everything Between Paint and a Wall~Grandview: https://grandview.bandcamp.com/album/everything-between-paint-and-a-wall

Be Around~The Peach Kings: http://thepeachkings.bandcamp.com/album/mojo-thunder-ep

Thanks for watching.

SVENNESS and the SVENNESS hashtag © 2014 CXHairs LLC

Hey there Cyclismasses! Bill, here, from In The Crosshairs, to introduce a little video series we produce. It’s called #SVENNESS and in it we break down the week’s Euro-pro cyclocross races to give you some play-by-play of key moments. We also know that many #SVENNESS viewers are racers, too, so we sprinkle in some tips and techniques to help you in your own cyclocross battles. In a nutshell, #SVENNESS is a mix of ESPN’s Primetime (that was a show about a ball sport, cycling friends) and VH1’s Pop Up Video.

Sounds great, Bill, but why is it called SVENNESS? Good question. It’s named after arguably the best cyclocross racer of our time, Sven Nys. To my ears, when the broadcasters on Sporza pronounce his name it sounds like Svenness. He has one of those names that you must always say the first and last together. At least it sounds better that way. So #SVENNESS became this way of describing the sublime in cyclocross. Clinical tactics, a beautiful pass, when done masterfully, it was #SVENNESS.

Oh, here’s a fun takeaway for you: the series could easily have been called “A moment of Sven” or even “Everything Sven,” but #SVENNESS, for whatever reason, stuck. I think we made the right call.

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.16 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

In episode 2.16, SVENNESS goes to Leuven, Belgium, for the latest round of the Soudal Classics Cyclocross Series, which took place January 19. The Leuven course features some short tough climbs, and one particularly hairy descent. There is also a fun ramp section and a touch of mud. A handful of different riders take their shots riding off the front but nothing sticks until Tom Meeusen, Kevin Pauwels, and Sven Nys get away with five to go. Meeusen is the aggressor in this race launching attack after attack. Pauwels counters and Sven once again shows incredible patience.

With parts of the Leuven course bordering on single-track, we took the opportunity to review a couple MTB skills that are definitely ones you need for your cyclocross skill set. We also look at ride vs. run opportunities and how the pros handle a little contact between riders.

SVENNESS is presented by Skills Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer, available at www.cyclocrossbook.com and by CrossVegas, which takes place September 10, under the lights. More info at www.crossvegas.com.

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

As always, if you like the songs on this episode, please visit the artist links below and buy the track or even the album.

Lady in Waiting~U.S. Royalty: https://usroyalty.bandcamp.com/track/lady-in-waiting

Hawk in Harness (Chris Sheldon Mix)~My First Tooth: https://myfirsttooth.bandcamp.com/track/hawk-in-harness-chris-sheldon-mix

Feelin’ It!~Ex Norwegian: http://shop.exnorwegian.com/album/feelin-it

Reggie Lewis~Sport: https://sport.bandcamp.com/track/reggie-lewis

Dreamers Asleep at the Wheel~The Ambulars: https://theambulars.bandcamp.com/album/dreamers-asleep-at-the-wheel

Cast a Shadow~Coves: https://soundcloud.com/coves/the-coves-cast-a-shadow-master

Thanks for watching.

SVENNESS and the #SVENNESS hashtag © 2014 CXHairs LLC

Hey there Cyclismasses! Bill, here, from In The Crosshairs, to introduce a little video series we produce. It’s called #SVENNESS and in it we break down the week’s Euro-pro cyclocross races to give you some play-by-play of key moments. We also know that many #SVENNESS viewers are racers, too, so we sprinkle in some tips and techniques to help you in your own cyclocross battles. In a nutshell, #SVENNESS is a mix of ESPN’s Primetime (that was a show about a ball sport, cycling friends) and VH1’s Pop Up Video.

Sounds great, Bill, but why is it called SVENNESS? Good question. It’s named after arguably the best cyclocross racer of our time, Sven Nys. To my ears, when the broadcasters on Sporza pronounce his name it sounds like Svenness. He has one of those names that you must always say the first and last together. At least it sounds better that way. So #SVENNESS became this way of describing the sublime in cyclocross. Clinical tactics, a beautiful pass, when done masterfully, it was #SVENNESS.

Oh, here’s a fun takeaway for you: the series could easily have been called “A moment of Sven” or even “Everything Sven,” but #SVENNESS, for whatever reason, stuck. I think we made the right call.

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.15 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

For episode 2.15, SVENNESS makes a stop at the Belgian National Cyclocross Championships, which took place at the Gaverbeek Hippodrome in Waregem, West Flanders, Belgium. The race takes place on a flat track with several flyovers and drainage ditches. It is a bit muddy and there is one long stretch of sand that plays an important role in this race.

We focus on the sand, the planks, the attrition of an already small field, and the solidification of a legend. For the Belgian elite race, only racers who have full-time contracts are allowed to compete. That means the field is only 14 deep. The elites without contracts race a minute after the full-time pros start their race.

This episode is presented by Skills Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer, which is available at www.cyclocrossbook.com.

SVENNESS is also presented by CrossVegas. Find out more at www.crossvegas.com.

SVENNESS t-shirts remain on sale at www.SVENNESS.com. Quantities are limited.

Footage for this episode via Sporza: http://www.sporza.be/cm/sporza/wielrennen/veldrijden

If you like the music, please purchase the track. Support the artists who liven up these episodes. Tracks for 2.15 are:

When I’m Down~Simone Rubi: https://simonerubi.bandcamp.com/

A Button on Your Blouse~The Drowners: https://soundcloud.com/frenchkiss_records/a-button-on-your-blouse/s-NC0Wj

Weird Purr~Eugene Quell: http://eugenequell.bandcamp.com/track/weird-purr

Tell the Teller~Toy Soldiers: https://soundcloud.com/toy-soldiers-1/tell-the-teller-1

Miss Teen Massachusetts~Skaters: https://soundcloud.com/skaters/miss-teen-massachusetts

Thanks for watching.

SVENNESS and the #SVENNESS hashtag © 2014 CXHairs LLC

Hey there Cyclismasses! Bill, here, from In The Crosshairs, to introduce a little video series we produce. It’s called #SVENNESS and in it we break down the week’s Euro-pro cyclocross races to give you some play-by-play of key moments. We also know that many #SVENNESS viewers are racers, too, so we sprinkle in some tips and techniques to help you in your own cyclocross battles. In a nutshell, #SVENNESS is a mix of ESPN’s Primetime (that was a show about a ball sport, cycling friends) and VH1’s Pop Up Video.

Sounds great, Bill, but why is it called SVENNESS? Good question. It’s named after arguably the best cyclocross racer of our time, Sven Nys. To my ears, when the broadcasters on Sporza pronounce his name it sounds like Svenness. He has one of those names that you must always say the first and last together. At least it sounds better that way. So #SVENNESS became this way of describing the sublime in cyclocross. Clinical tactics, a beautiful pass, when done masterfully, it was #SVENNESS.

Oh, here’s a fun takeaway for you: the series could easily have been called “A moment of Sven” or even “Everything Sven,” but #SVENNESS, for whatever reason, stuck. I think we made the right call.

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.14 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

In episode 2.14, SVENNESS visits Loenhout, Belgium for Azencross, the fifth round of the Bpost Bank Trofee series. The race took place on friday, December 27, in rainy conditions. The course is covered in a slick mud that gets deeper as the rain and race progresses. Zdeněk Štybar is back and has plenty of opportunities to get rad on this course. Niels Albert does his best to not get caught out at the start like he did at Zolder. Thijs van Amerongen continues to show his face at the front of the race, and Sven is being Sven.

This race was tactical from the start with lots of looking around and regrouping. But in the end, the final selection included the usual suspects.

This episode is presented by Skills Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer, which is available for sale at www.cyclocrossbook.com. Your racing season may have ended, but it’s never too early to start preparing for next year. Skills Drills and Bellyaches will help you do just that.

The episode is also presented by CrossVegas. Find out more about the United States’ biggest cyclocross race at www.crossvegas.com.

Finally, there is still time left to pre-order the new SVENNESS t-shirt. Check it out at www.svenness.com.

Footage for SVENNESS 2.14 is via Sporza: http://www.sporza.be/cm/sporza/wielrennen/veldrijden

Music:

No, I Can’t~Pebaluna: http://pebaluna.bandcamp.com/track/no-i-cant

Subtle Romance (Don’t Fall In Love)~The Wallies: http://thewalliesusa.bandcamp.com/track/subtle-romance-dont-fall-in-love

Black is Good~Young Rival: http://youngrival.bandcamp.com/track/black-is-good

Miss American Bookworm~PAWS: http://wehavepaws.bandcamp.com/track/miss-american-bookworm

We Were Kids~Turtle Giant: http://we.turtlegiant.com/track/we-were-kids

Red Light Green Light~Dune Rats: http://dunerats.bandcamp.com/track/red-light-green-light

Thanks for watching.

SVENNESS and the #SVENNESS hashtag are © 2014 CXHairs LLC

Hey there Cyclismasses! Bill, here, from In The Crosshairs, to introduce a little video series we produce. It’s called #SVENNESS and in it we break down the week’s Euro-pro cyclocross races to give you some play-by-play of key moments. We also know that many #SVENNESS viewers are racers, too, so we sprinkle in some tips and techniques to help you in your own cyclocross battles. In a nutshell, #SVENNESS is a mix of ESPN’s Primetime (that was a show about a ball sport, cycling friends) and VH1’s Pop Up Video.

Sounds great, Bill, but why is it called SVENNESS? Good question. It’s named after arguably the best cyclocross racer of our time, Sven Nys. To my ears, when the broadcasters on Sporza pronounce his name it sounds like Svenness. He has one of those names that you must always say the first and last together. At least it sounds better that way. So #SVENNESS became this way of describing the sublime in cyclocross. Clinical tactics, a beautiful pass, when done masterfully, it was #SVENNESS.

Oh, here’s a fun takeaway for you: the series could easily have been called “A moment of Sven” or even “Everything Sven,” but #SVENNESS, for whatever reason, stuck. I think we made the right call.

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.13 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

Episode 2.13 of #SVENNESS takes a look at the UCI Cyclocross World Cup race that took place December 26, 2013, at Heusden-Zolder. This race features the return of former two-time elite cyclocross world champion Zdeněk Štybar. The race is in the red from the start with Štybar, LvdH, Marcel Miesen, Rob Peeters, and Philipp Walsleben pushing the pace. Ep 2.13 focuses on a crazy start, the ongoing tops vs. drops debate, and the tactic of “go.” No mud, no sand, a tough run-up, a killer descent and some super high-speed racing. The only thing this racing is a Sven vs. Niels battle. But it’s nice to bring in some other characters for a week.

#SVENNESS is presented by Skills, Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer available at www.cyclocrossbook.com and CrossVegas, America’s largest cyclocross race, which takes place September 10, 2014, under the lights in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Please help support #SVENNESS by picking up the latest SVENNESS t-shirt. Check out the design at www.svenness.com.

Footage for this episode via Sporza: sporza.be/cm/sporza/wielrennen/veldrijden

Music by:

Man I Need // Exercise (white label version)~Jagwar Ma: https://soundcloud.com/jagwar-ma/man-i-need-white-label-version

I Got Skills~Mozes and the Firstborn: https://soundcloud.com/mozes-and-the-firstborn/i-got-skills-mozes-and-the

See It My Way~Mikal Cronin: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mcii/id601409150

Snakedog~together PANGEA: https://soundcloud.com/togetherpangea/snakedog

Soothing Me So~Victory Is Music: https://soundcloud.com/victoryismusic/soothing-me-so

Thanks for watching.

SVENNESS and the #SVENNESS hashtag are © 2014 William Schieken and CXHairs LLC

In this tradition of video genius, we’re stoked to present #LIKEAVOS, Bill’s homage to perhaps the greatest contemporary bike racer we know, the incomparable Marianne Vos.

I give you the third episode of #LIKEAVOS.

Enjoy!

#LIKEAVOS 1.2 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

For #LIKEAVOS Episode 1.2 we visit the fourth round of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup, which took place December 22, 2013, on the slopes of the citadel in Namur, Belgium. The race is punctuated with tough climbs and fast, slippery descents. This is the first time since the opening round in Valkenburg that World Champion Marianne Vos is back. In that race, Vos took a commanding win over US National Champion and current World Cup leader, Katie Compton. Since finishing second to Vos in Valkenburg, Compton went on to win the next two rounds. The long-awaited rematch did not disappoint as these two stars went head-to-head on this demanding Namur course.

We concentrate on the difficult start, the long off-camber section, the ability to stay patient, and a wild battle for fourth place. Compton, Vos, Nikki Harris and Eva Lechner feature.

This episode is brought to you by Skills Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer. Just because the holidays are over, doesn’t mean you can’t buy yourself a present. It’s never too early to start preparing for that 2014-2015 cyclocross campaign or even to pick up some last minute tips heading into your national championship race. The book and more info is available at www.cyclocrossbook.com.

#LIKEAVOS is also sponsored by CrossVegas, which takes place September 10, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is America’s Fabulous Cyclocross Event and an amazing opportunity to see many of the stars of SVENNESS and LIKEAVOS in person on US soil. More info at www.crossvegas.com.

Footage for this episode via UCI: http://www.uci.ch/templates/UCI/UCI5/layout.asp?MenuId=MTI1OTg&LangId=1

Music by:

Younger (Kygo Remix)~Seinabo Sey: https://soundcloud.com/kygo/seinabo-sey-younger-kygo-remix

Bounce Above~Pleasure Curses: https://soundcloud.com/pleasurecurses/bounceabove

Completely Broken~Sundials: https://soundcloud.com/asianmanrecords/sundials-completely-broken-1

Straight Outta Compton (Cazzette remix)~NWA: https://soundcloud.com/officialhype/nwa-straight-outta-compton

Hey there Cyclismasses! Bill, here, from In The Crosshairs, to introduce a little video series we produce. It’s called #SVENNESS and in it we break down the week’s Euro-pro cyclocross races to give you some play-by-play of key moments. We also know that many #SVENNESS viewers are racers, too, so we sprinkle in some tips and techniques to help you in your own cyclocross battles. In a nutshell, #SVENNESS is a mix of ESPN’s Primetime (that was a show about a ball sport, cycling friends) and VH1’s Pop Up Video.

Sounds great, Bill, but why is it called SVENNESS? Good question. It’s named after arguably the best cyclocross racer of our time, Sven Nys. To my ears, when the broadcasters on Sporza pronounce his name it sounds like Svenness. He has one of those names that you must always say the first and last together. At least it sounds better that way. So #SVENNESS became this way of describing the sublime in cyclocross. Clinical tactics, a beautiful pass, when done masterfully, it was #SVENNESS.

Oh, here’s a fun takeaway for you: the series could easily have been called “A moment of Sven” or even “Everything Sven,” but #SVENNESS, for whatever reason, stuck. I think we made the right call.

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.12 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

For episode 2.12, #SVENNESS travels to Kalmthout, Belgium, for Vlaamse Industrieprijs Bosduin. The race is held at night, under the lights. The course is flat and fast with three short sets of stairs and one set of planks. Lars van der Haar sets the pace from the start and Kevin Pauwels emerges from his early season anonymity to animate the race. We briefly focus on three hotly-debated topics: riding vs. running barriers, saddle position when carrying, and remount technique. Then it’s on to the final laps, and some exciting tactical riding between the leading pair.

Also included is a bit of bonus coverage highlighting the last lap of the U23 race. It is safe to say that the future of world class cyclocross is in a good place.

Hat tip to John Verheul @Jverheul and @JBVCoaching for the Albert start line tip.

This episode is brought to you by Skills Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer. It’s never too early to start drilling for next year. This book gives you the know how. Available at www.cyclocrossbook.com.

The episode is also sponsored by CrossVegas. Come to Vegas September 10, 2014, for the 8th annual CrossVegas cyclocross race. See the stars under the stars. Visit www.crossvegas.com.

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

Music:

Take Me To Church~Hozier: https://soundcloud.com/hozier/take-me-to-church-1

Follow My Feet (Elephante Remix)~The Unlikely Candidates: https://soundcloud.com/iamtheelephante/unlikely-candidates-follow-my-feet-elephante-remix

Pacifier~Catfish and the Bottlemen: https://soundcloud.com/catfishandthebottlemen/pacifier-radio-edit

Dirty Sheets~The Orwells: https://soundcloud.com/the-orwells/dirty-sheets

Follow on Twitter: @cxhairs 

Instagram: http://instagram.com/cxhairs

Tumblr: http://cxhairs.tumblr.com/

Hey there Cyclismasses! Bill, here, from In The Crosshairs, to introduce a little video series we produce. It’s called #SVENNESS and in it we break down the week’s Euro-pro cyclocross races to give you some play-by-play of key moments. We also know that many #SVENNESS viewers are racers, too, so we sprinkle in some tips and techniques to help you in your own cyclocross battles. In a nutshell, #SVENNESS is a mix of ESPN’s Primetime (that was a show about a ball sport, cycling friends) and VH1’s Pop Up Video.

Sounds great, Bill, but why is it called SVENNESS? Good question. It’s named after arguably the best cyclocross racer of our time, Sven Nys. To my ears, when the broadcasters on Sporza pronounce his name it sounds like Svenness. He has one of those names that you must always say the first and last together. At least it sounds better that way. So #SVENNESS became this way of describing the sublime in cyclocross. Clinical tactics, a beautiful pass, when done masterfully, it was #SVENNESS.

Oh, here’s a fun takeaway for you: the series could easily have been called “A moment of Sven” or even “Everything Sven,” but #SVENNESS, for whatever reason, stuck. I think we made the right call.

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.11 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

#SVENNESS 2.11 from the World Cup race that took place in Koksijde, Belgium, is a long one. But there’s a lot to cover. This sandy monument of cyclocross has a lot of history, which we will touch on in the finale. The site has been the home to two World Championships and is always an exciting race to watch.

Racing in deep sand involves constant strategic changes. And, although, these riders have the power to churn through the deep stuff, doing so may not always be the best strategy. Conserving energy and picking your spots to go hard may be the better way to go.

During this race Wietse Bosmans crashed hard on a tricky sandy descent. He was taken off on a stretcher and spent the night in the hospital with a possible concussion. We left that out of the video. He’s back to racing and turned in a nice 8th place performance at Kalmthout.

It’s Koksijde so we are focused on sand: the lines to ride, when to run, where to remount. We also get a good look at Sven Nys’ perseverance and Niels Albert’s patience. Another theme that is beginning to form is that the “holeshot” has its advantages and is fun to track, it’s not an end-all be-all to race success. If you have the legs and the race smarts, winning from behind is always a possibility.

This episode is presented by Skills Drills and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer, available at www.cyclocrossbook.com. Also please check out all of the goodies, including cycling-related shirts, gloves, and socks, available at www.crosshairscycling.com/shop.

#SVENNESS 2.11 is also brought to you by CrossVegas, which takes place September, 10, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mark your calendars now! www.crossvegas.com

Footage for this episode via SporzaHD: http://www.sporza.be/cm/sporza/wielrennen/veldrijden

Music:

Eskimo Boy (URU Project Remix): https://soundcloud.com/strangetalkmusic/eskimo-boy-uru-project-remix

Stay Coloured~I Know the Chief: https://soundcloud.com/iknowthechief/stay-coloured

Shame~All the Colours: https://soundcloud.com/allthecolours/shame

Salt~Bad Suns: https://soundcloud.com/badsuns/salt

Birth in Reverse~St. Vincent: https://soundcloud.com/st_vincent/birth-in-reverse

Wu Tang Clan C.R.E.A.M.~Phoniks Remix: https://soundcloud.com/phoniksbeats/wu-tang-clan-c-r-e-a-m-phoniks

Thanks for watching.

Hey there Cyclismasses! Bill, here, from In The Crosshairs, to introduce a little video series we produce. It’s called #SVENNESS and in it we break down the week’s Euro-pro cyclocross races to give you some play-by-play of key moments. We also know that many #SVENNESS viewers are racers, too, so we sprinkle in some tips and techniques to help you in your own cyclocross battles. In a nutshell, #SVENNESS is a mix of ESPN’s Primetime (that was a show about a ball sport, cycling friends) and VH1’s Pop Up Video.

Sounds great, Bill, but why is it called SVENNESS? Good question. It’s named after arguably the best cyclocross racer of our time, Sven Nys. To my ears, when the broadcasters on Sporza pronounce his name it sounds like Svenness. He has one of those names that you must always say the first and last together. At least it sounds better that way. So #SVENNESS became this way of describing the sublime in cyclocross. Clinical tactics, a beautiful pass, when done masterfully, it was #SVENNESS.

Oh, here’s a fun takeaway for you: the series could easily have been called “A moment of Sven” or even “Everything Sven,” but #SVENNESS, for whatever reason, stuck. I think we made the right call.

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.10 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

For episode 2.10, SVENNESS travels to Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic, for the European Championship. We take a look at the U23 race, which features such up-and-coming (or arguably already here) starts as Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel.

The course is a mix of paved road and mud. Nothing in between. However, it is for the most part all ridable and there isn’t more than a couple feet of elevation on the course. This is the first course SVENNESS has visited that is similar to something most amateurs would race on the weekend.

For this race we focus on riding in the mud, cornering, tactics and blocking. The pro moves these guys are putting on each other as the race gets heated at the end is not to be missed.

As always, this episode is brought to you by Skills Drils and Bellyaches: A Cyclocross Primer. It is available for sale at www.cyclocrossbook.com. Also, check out the shirts, socks, water bottles and gloves we have available at www.crosshairscycling.com/shop.

Footage via Česká televize: http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/sport/

Music in this episode:

My Friends Ft. Mick Coogan & Panic City: https://soundcloud.com/mcscottd/my-friends-ft-mick-coogan

ZZ Ward – 365 Days – Jerry Folk Remix: https://soundcloud.com/jerryfolkmusic/zz-ward-365-days-jerry-folk

Raleigh Ritchie – Bloodsport: https://soundcloud.com/raleigh-ritchie/bloodsport

Gnarls Barkley – Crazy (TEEMID & Joie Tan Cover): https://soundcloud.com/teemid/crazy-teemid-joie-tan-cover

Hey there Cyclismasses! Bill, here, from In The Crosshairs, to introduce a little video series we produce. It’s called #SVENNESS and in it we break down the week’s Euro-pro cyclocross races to give you some play-by-play of key moments. We also know that many #SVENNESS viewers are racers, too, so we sprinkle in some tips and techniques to help you in your own cyclocross battles. In a nutshell, #SVENNESS is a mix of ESPN’s Primetime (that was a show about a ball sport, cycling friends) and VH1’s Pop Up Video.

Sounds great, Bill, but why is it called SVENNESS? Good question. It’s named after arguably the best cyclocross racer of our time, Sven Nys. To my ears, when the broadcasters on Sporza pronounce his name it sounds like Svenness. He has one of those names that you must always say the first and last together. At least it sounds better that way. So #SVENNESS became this way of describing the sublime in cyclocross. Clinical tactics, a beautiful pass, when done masterfully, it was #SVENNESS.

Oh, here’s a fun takeaway for you: the series could easily have been called “A moment of Sven” or even “Everything Sven,” but #SVENNESS, for whatever reason, stuck. I think we made the right call.

Thanks for watching.

#SVENNESS 2.9 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

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 makes all the difference in this race. This 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 www.cyclocrossbook.com. Also, check out our shirts, socks, gloves and waterbottles at www.crosshairscycling.com/shop.

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

Music in this episode is:

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

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

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

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

Thanks for watching.