The season on route is ending. Kigali delivered a red-hot World Cup, France is preparing to thrill with Europe, and while the last iridescent jerseys are being distributed on the asphalt, another battle is about to begin: that of the undergrowth, the plowed fields, and the quagmires. Cyclo-cross is back in full swing. And this year, one question is burning: what if cyclo-cross became an Olympic discipline?
By Jeff Tatard – Photos: DR
Imagine the scene...
A frozen circuit at the foot of the French Alps, in the middle of February 2030. Nice for the ice, Courchevel, Méribel, La Clusaz or even Le Grand-Bornand for the snow… and why not an Olympic cyclo-cross circuit traced between fir trees, mud and slush? The stands are packed, Belgian, Dutch, French, and Japanese flags fluttering in the cold air. And at the microphone, Anthony Colas and Steve Chainel shouting their passion:
"Van der Poel versus Van Aert, once again! But look at Pidcock who's pulling it together! And behind them, Pim Ronhaar, Ryan Kamp, Thibau Nys... What a firework!"
And what about women?
"Fem van Empel attacks in the sand! But Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado responds! Lucinda Brand hasn't said her last word, and watch out for Line Burquier, the Frenchwoman who dreams of Olympic gold on home soil!"
A thrill. A clamor. HISTORY.
Why is cyclo-cross already Olympic in spirit?
- Because it's short, intense, dramatic: 50 minutes where every second counts.
- Because it's easy to understand: even a novice spectator understands that you have to hold on, attack, avoid falling, and overcome obstacles.
- Because it's telegenic: the mud, the rain, the snow, the faces distorted by exertion... Images that stick to the retina.
- Because it's popular: beer, fries, music, enthusiasm. The very DNA of sport that brings people together.
And at the Winter Games, it's obvious
In 2030, the Olympic Games will take place in the French AlpsA land of cycling, a land of mytagThe perfect opportunity to join a discipline that connects the two worlds: the route and snow, mud and ice.
- The Winter Olympics sometimes lack diversity: too white, too “Northern.” Cyclo-cross is an open door to the whole world.
- Yes, there's not necessarily snow... but there's mud, ice, and cold. And if skateboarding has found its place in the summer, cyclocross can be the winter equivalent of cycling.
- In 2030, imagine: a podium with Van Aert, Van der Poel, Pidcock on one side… and on the other, the explosion of the younger generations: Thibau Nys, Pim Ronhaar, Line Burquier, Zoe Bäckstedt. A mix of legends and new faces.
We say stop to the wait-and-see attitude
Cyclo-cross deserves its rings. Not in 20 years. Not in “phase” test". NOW.
When the route falls asleep, cyclo-cross wakes up. When the cold closes the stadiums, cross country opens its barriersAnd when the IOC is looking for a new lease of life, you only have to look at the start of a World Cup to understand:
Cyclo-cross at the Olympics, it's written in the stars.
So, to your signatures, to your partages, to your cries in the mud. Because in 2030, in the French Alps, we all want to vibrate together in front of the first Olympic cyclo-cross champion.
To sign the petition => It's here.
