When Sven Nys announced his imminent retirement before the start of the 2015/16 cyclocross season it was hard to imagine the sport without its best known and best loved racer. As his last season on the bike progressed, there were rumours circulating that while he might not be toeing the line next year, he would remain very much involved in the racing scene.
In a press release, confirming their ongoing support of Nys’ Telnet-Fidea team, Trek has also announced that Sven will stay using the bike brand with which he finished his racing career. More excitingly from a punter’s point of view is the prospect of the ‘Sven Nys Cycling Center’ in Baal. The facilities will ‘allow fans and enthusiasts to get a complete off-road cycling experience through special events, professional caliber outdoor circuits, and training facilities for the champions of tomorrow’.
The full details from Trek are below:
(Baal, BE/Waterloo, WI) – Trek Bicycle and Sven Nys have announced a partnership that includes support for the forthcoming Baal-based Sven Nys Cycling Center, sponsorship of Nys’ Telenet-Fidea cyclocross team, and a brand ambassadorship that will keep the former World Champion aboard the brand’s bikes in retirement.
This summer on the Balenberg in Baal, a state-of-the-art center will open, allowing fans and enthusiasts to get a complete off-road cycling experience through special events, professional caliber outdoor circuits, and training facilities for the champions of tomorrow. Trek, alongside NV Balenberg, have agreed to become the main partner of the center with Trek and its products playing a key role in the operation of the center. The facility will also continue to be the home of the GP Sven Nys cyclocross race.
Additionally, NV Balenberg, alongside Trek and Bontrager, have signed a collaborative agreement with the Telenet-Fidea Cycling Team. In the coming years, the US bicycle manufacturer will support the team with bicycle and cycling equipment.
In addition to its relationship with the cycling enter and the Telenet-Fidea Cycling team, Trek has extended its relationship with Sven Nys. Sven will be closely involved with the future development of Trek products, testing of future cycling equipment, and representation of the brand.
For a retrospective of Nys’ glorious career, check Issue 007 of Grit – available now.
