The UCI World Cup celebrates the turn of the year in Belgium. What does this country represent while you're working on the globalisation of cyclo-cross?
TVDS: “Belgium remains the main market, the country where cyclo-cross is most famous. Other nations have a great tradition, and there are countries with a lot of potential such as Great Britain and the USA. We're trying to get them more and more involved but it's a huge tradition in Belgium, especially at Christmas and New Year. Now the fans have to watch it on television, but they usually attend the races. It's part of our culture, we're proud of it. And the fans can still enjoy high level races in these times.”
Dendermonde is a newcomer in the UCI World Cup. What can we expect?
TVDS: “I think it's a unique parcours with no equivalent on today's circuit. It's very difficult to compare it with other venues and we hope it will be a great success for this first before it comes back in the future. In Belgium, it's easy to find cities willing to organise events and I expect a great show in Dendermonde.”
The riders will then go to Hulst, in the Netherlands. This round illustrates the necessity to adapt to the health situation...
TVDS: “We have to take responsibility not to put anyone in danger. That's why we don't have fans at our events. We're working with the UCI and with National Federations to enforce strict protocols. The situation in Hulst is specific because the race was supposed to be held in the city. With the help of the local organisers and authorities, we were able to move it to a venue outside the city so we can control the crowds and not jeopardise public health. We also need to protect the riders, they are the stars of the show.”
Beyond health matters, how does Flanders Classics work with local organisers to build the calendar of the UCI World Cup?
TVDS: “Every year, organisers can submit their case. There are many candidates. We have direct talks with most of them. We look at what they offer, and we try to build an attractive calendar. This year is a bit different, we've had to adapt, but Hulst, for instance, is a beautiful event and it has a future in the UCI World Cup.”
What do you want to keep developing as part of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup reform launched in 2020?
TVDS: “We hope the situation will get back to something more usual in 2021. The model of cyclo-cross needs it, with paying spectators enjoying food and drink, hospitality programmes... We're counting on a return to normal for 2021-2022. And we want 14 to 16 rounds in different countries, as was planned for this season, to have an event every Sunday. We've always said we want to follow the model of the Champions League. We are combative and optimistic for next year.”