Visit to the Sven Nys Cycling Center, Belgium!
We know Belgium isn’t exactly short of cycling attractions, but a recent addition to the kids ‘why we want to go to Belgium again…’ list is the Sven Nys Cycling Center in Tremelo, near Baal in Belgium - roughly halfway between Brussels and Antwerp.
The name will be familiar, as the multiple Cyclocross World Champion is possible the best known rider in Cyclocross, with a pro career spanning 18 years at the highest level, to call him a legend may be an understatement. He was also the Belgium MTB Champion 5 times too.
The purpose-built centre is tucked away in a quiet little spot in the middle off the Belgian countryside (no signs from the main road, but it is there!) and has facilities to rival the best we’ve seen, anywhere. A dedicated ‘Grand Prix’ Cyclocross course with plenty of climbing, sandpit, steps, bridge etc and an MTB course with rock garden and technical single track and a pump track.
TeamHUP were lucky to take a ride with Sven during their visit and chat about his son’s season on the UCI World Championship. The viral video of Thibau jumping the steps was filmed during a kids CX course on site, during the half term holidays.
The centre runs holiday courses for the kids during half-terms, which would be quite an experience. They are also happy to arrange private groups or even 1-2-1 with Sven coaching, which he was doing during our visit.
Indoors, there is the cycling experience centre to take a look round and a cafe too. You can also hire bikes on-site, although it would be worth checking well in advance about suitably sized kids bikes.
Oh, and in the classic style of the continent (so anything outside of the UK) it's FREE. There is a small charge to visit the Experience Center, but there is no charge for parking and cycling on the various courses!
One thing is for sure, we will be going back…CLICK HERE FOR THE SVEN NYS CYCLING CENTER