The Cannibal from Baal Will Race in Las Vegas
     In a move that will delight cyclocross fans across the world, CLIF® Bar CrossVegas has announced that reigning World Champion Sven Nys of Belgium will be racing in 2013. Nys returns to the U.S. after capturing his second World Championship title earlier this year in Louisville, Ky.
     CLIF® Bar CrossVegas 2013, in its seventh year, is scheduled for Wednesday, September 18 in Las Vegas, following the first day of the Interbike Show.
     Nys expanded on his upcoming race plans by saying, "I look forward to racing CrossVegas, and it’s great to start my season in front of the big crowds in Las Vegas.  I saw at the World Championships that American spectators are so friendly.  It gives me even more pleasure to bring the rainbow jersey to CrossVegas."
     CrossVegas Race Director Brook Watts reacted to the news, “It’s fantastic; this is going to be a treat for fans to have the greatest cyclocross racer of all time racing in Las Vegas.”
     Nys will be joined at CrossVegas by his fellow Belgian & Crelan-Euphony teammate, Sven Vanthourenhout. Nys commented on why he has not attended CrossVegas until now, "I have always wanted to race at CrossVegas after hearing about the big crowds from other riders, but until now I have not been able to arrange my schedule to allow it.  My schedule is a bit more relaxed now, but I know the racing will be just as serious."
     Watts reminded fans, “The seventh edition of CrossVegas should not be missed. I hope anybody who loves cyclocross makes plans to come to CrossVegas in September to enjoy several days of bicycle celebrations.” Fans will have an opportunity to meet Sven at a pre-race party on Tuesday September 17 at Las Vegas Cyclery. Additionally, for the first time, Interbike will open its doors to non-industry consumers on the last day of the trade show.
     In 2012, CrossVegas attracted elite competitors from 10 nations and was won by 2012 U.S. National Champion Jeremy Powers and Sanne van Paassen of the Netherlands. Fans can expect the best U.S. riders to line up against some of the top European pros, including two-time World Champion Bart Wellens of Belgium, who announced his return to CrossVegas last month. Watts stated that more announcements of top riders would be forthcoming.

         Photo@Golazo Sports

Bart Wellens Returns to CrossVegas in 2013

Telenet Fidea announced tentative plans for what has become an annual September trip to Las Vegas for CrossVegas.  Returning to compete in the largest cyclocross race outside of Europe will be two-time World Champion Bart Wellens.  Joining Wellens will be teammates Wout van Aert and Quinten Hermans.  Van Aert earned a podium spot at the U-23 World Championships in Louisville with his 3rd Place performance.  Hermans finished 8th in the Junior race but moves up to the U-23 category for the coming season.

Wellens is a veteran of CrossVegas finishing 8th in 2011 and was featured with teammate Rob Peeters in the Sporza TV program "Dollar Grabbing and Bunny Hopping" archived HERE.

Telenet Fidea General Manager Hans van Kasteren commented, “Telenet Fidea has been sending riders to CrossVegas for several years now and that makes us kind of a leader in traveling to America for cyclocross races. Also now, after the World Championships in America, we keep believing in the importancy of travelling overseas. It’s important for our sport and very intresting for our riders to gain UCI-point before the start of the European season.”

    In a move that guarantees the biggest show in American cyclocross race continues for the next three years, CLIF® Bar has extended its title sponsorship of CLIF Bar CrossVegas. CLIF’s commitment as title sponsor will continue through 2015.

    “As a longtime supporter of cyclocross, we are thrilled to continue our sponsorship of CrossVegas,” said Brooke Donberg, field marketing manager at Clif Bar & Company. “CrossVegas is an exciting event that celebrates athletic adventure and outdoor play, activities which are at the core of CLIF Bar’s heritage.”

    Race Director Brook Watts commented, “As CLIF Bar CrossVegas prepares to celebrate its 7^th birthday in 2013, I’m pleased that CLIF Bar’s sponsorship will allow us to move forward confidently into the cross off-season. Clif Bar & Company is a great bunch of people and a tremendous sponsor, but most importantly they share a passion for cross.”

    CLIF Bar CrossVegas 2013 is scheduled for Wednesday, September 18, following the first day of the Interbike Show. Complete information will be released in the next few months. Watts promises a few surprises - including some high-profile competitors - will highlight the 7^th edition of the race.

Did you miss the live webcast? View it completely at the link below:

http://www.ustream.tv/crossvegas