This travelogue is inspired by and dedicated to the many race organizers in the United States who are aspiring to grow
the sport of cyclocross and who in the last few years entered their long standing events onto the UCI international calendar.
I have been truly impressed with dedication and passion that these organizers have shown and I thank the UCI and USAC for
having assignment me as a commissaire to help these events. This account is intended to share observations on the organization
of cyclocross races in Belgium with US race organizers and race officials so that all can gain from this experience.
Belgium is practically synonymous with the sport of cyclocross. In the last weeks of December, Belgium hosts several international
calendar races, where most of the world’s best crossers gather. In a span of ten days, you can race eight to nine of
those days. This is why Geoff Procter has held his Euro Camp during the Christmas holiday week for the past three years. And
for the same reasons, I ventured to this "mecca" of cyclocross to visit the Super Prestige race in Diegem on Christmas Eve
and the World Cup in Hofstade the day after Christmas in 2005. I have the good fortune of having residence and
family in Belgium, which allows frequent visits to this "mecca" of cyclocross.
As an "A" level UCI International Commissaire for over twenty years, I have the unique privelege to have seen
races in over a dozen countries. Recently, I have started these bicycle race travelogues to share through the internet with
the many people who would like to learn about these races to improve cycling in the areas of the world. I
hope that this cyclocross site is of benefit to those of you who have not been able to travel to Belgium to see this culture.
The photos featured in this travelogue are still frames from the mini-DV camcorder video footage I shot at these 2005 events.
A more comprehensive video intensive program is under preparation to be shared with those interested in learning more about
the operation of these events.
In 2007, updates have been added to show the growth in US cross racing over the past two seasons, as well as another series
on 2007 Belgian races (still to come).
---- Thomas Nee
