The Concap CX-Cup can look back on a successful first year
The idea and initiative originated with a few organisers of a B-level cyclo-cross event, in collaboration with former members of De Moedige Veldrijder and the Flemish Cyclo-Cross Cup. Together, they drew up a set of rules and are responsible for compiling the rankings. The Concap CX-Cup has now completed its first season, and we thought it was time to take stock and see if everything had gone smoothly. It’s great that the Concap CX-Cup – a unique idea – has become a reality in the cycling world, but did the implementation of this idea live up to expectations?
We spoke to Stijn Huys, one of the driving forces behind the Concap CX-Cup. Stijn was an active cyclo-cross rider himself between 2004 and 2018 and was crowned Belgian champion in the elite non-contract category in Antwerp in 2011. He also won the ‘Moedige Veldrijder’ six times, which was the precursor to the Concap CX-Cup. To say that Stijn, with all his experience on the B cyclo-cross circuit, is the right man for the job is more than just a euphemism. Stijn is also the father of Lentel (15) and Laurens Huys (13), and they too have the CX bug in their blood and are members of Team Kempen, where their dad is also active as a coach and cyclo-cross trainer. Lentel is regarded by many experts as the leading up-and-coming Belgian cyclo-cross talent. For Cyclelive Magazine, this therefore kills two birds with one stone, allowing us to feature more than one great article in this issue.
Hi Stijn, tell us why the Concap CX Cup was set up?
The idea to set up a follow-on series for the ‘brave cyclo-crosser’ came from a few organisers. We felt that the B circuit needed a ranking system that would benefit both the organisers and the riders. The riders need a framework to follow during the season, and the organisers needed greater certainty of having enough participants on the start line.
For the riders, the main advantage is that they learn to ride cyclo-cross from the very basics, step by step. They take their first steps in a B-level race, develop their skills, and then progress to the A circuit. But first, they learn to walk before they run.
In doing so, we also – and above all – give young riders the opportunities they need to learn the various aspects of cyclo-cross. The Concap Cx Cup features a range of races with diverse technical challenges: muddy circuits, forest circuits, sandy sections, technical sections, fast sections… Riders are rewarded for their consistency across all races with an attractive prize fund.
Furthermore, we also want to prevent riders who do not progress to the professional level after the youth series from drifting off to other cycling federations or abandoning cyclo-cross altogether.
Is your experience on the B cyclo-cross circuit what drives you to organise the Concap CX-Cup?
Absolutely. I know perfectly well what a Concap CX-Cup race has to offer and what an A-cross race has to offer. Winning and riding in a B-cross can be more rewarding than struggling in an A-cross every week, or riding in the middle of the pack and perhaps not even finishing the race. And… try winning a B-cross! As they say: many feel called, but few are chosen!
Are there any plans for expansion in the future?
Expansion isn’t a must; we want to re-establish ourselves as a permanent fixture on the B circuit as the successor to the Moedige Veldrijder. Above all, we want to be a stable organisation in the future that riders can rely on, with a guaranteed programme of races. When organisers join the Concap CX Cup, we want to offer them the assurance of a strong field of competitors.
‘This is the foundation of cyclo-cross and the stepping stone to the professional circuit’
Let’s take a quick look back at the first season – what could be improved?
The points classification could be improved; at the moment, you have to ride three-quarters of the races to be eligible for the prize fund. But sometimes someone suffers a long-term injury and just misses out. On the other hand, we definitely want to reward the regular riders. Still, we need to come up with something new for the unlucky ones so that everyone is happy.
How do you view the B circuit in relation to the A-crosses?
The B circuit is very important in the development of riders. At the moment, riders are too keen to take part in an A-cross too soon. New riders need to learn the ropes in a B-cross before taking part in an A-cross. The A-circuit needs to be fed by riders who have come through the B-circuit, so that they can later take part in an A-cross. If the B-crosses disappear, there will eventually be fewer participants in A-crosses too. That’s why I’ll say it again: go on, win a B-cross!
How many races are there in the Concap CX Cup and what is the prize money?
The Concap Cup comprises 13 races for masters, women and Elite 2. For novices and juniors, there are 15 races. The prize fund totals €15,000.
Where does the prize money come from?
We’ve raised it through contributions from the organisers and sponsors, namely Concap, Keukens Van Riel, Kalas cycling clothing and Ridley bikes. Keeping the prize money at least the same year on year – and, if possible, increasing it slightly – is, of course, also a challenge. That will be a driving force for us every year.
Thank you, Stijn, for this excellent explanation, and we wish you every success with the next stages and the future of this wonderful project.
Text: Patrick Van Gansen
