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Watch: Sven Nys uses pseudonym to race ‘cross but his skills give him away

The Cannibal from Baal has some fun at local cross race

Sven Nys retired from professional cycling in March 2016. As one of the greatest ‘cross riders of all time, he won multiple world championships titles as well as rounds and the overall at World Cups throughout his career. Retirement doesn’t mean he can’t race once and a while.

The Cannibal from Baal still likes having some fun. On Sunday at the Chicago Cyclocross Cup, Nys lined up in the category 4/5 field and if you just looked at the start list you wouldn’t have been able to find him. If you were spectating or riding the race there was one rider who stood out.

On one particularly technical section of the course with a barrier then a flight of stairs, one rider is seen dismounting before the barrier then running the stairs. Another rider, clad in a black kit a top a white Trek Boone comes flying by. Nys effortlessly bunny hops the barrier then takes a line next to the stairs not needing to dismount.

All the rider running his bike can do is glance over as Nys goes flying by him. Right at the top, Nys stumbles as his front wheel hits the stairs. Instead of continuing he turns around, runs down the stairs to have another crack at them. This time he nails it to the cheers of the crowd. Sometimes having some fun is more important than the result.