SVEN NYS (2)

Sven Nys just keeps going. He is dominating this year's cyclo-cross season, with 11 victories and five podium finishes already, and is the hot favourite to win the world title in Louisville, Kentucky, in February.

Now aged 36, he should be at the tail end of his career, not in the prime of his life. He attributes the good form to his training during the summer for the mountain bike race at the Olympic Games. Cyclo-cross races tend to last about an hour; since mountain bike races are longer, it has increased his stamina.

Whatever. A great champion, however you look at it.

Walter Blotscher