Cyclo-cross is a particular sport because, apart from the World Cup, it is main a very national affair. One country has a calendar which is clearly above the rest, Belgium, where the Superprestige and the DVV Trofee Verzekeringen (formerly GVA then BPost Bank) series take place. It is the only country with regular live TV coverage on a national channel. It is also no coincidence that the world elite mainly consists of Belgians and Dutchmen who meet weekly at Superprestige and DVV Verzekeringen races which are just as prestigious as the World Cup events.

Belgian cyclo-cross is very popular and spectators gladly pay up to 15 € to attend a race even though the competition takes place in the winter when the weather is often cold, rainy or snowy. But this year, the popularity seems to falter as noted by the Het Nieuwsblad. And the culprit is evident: the retirement of Sven Nys, the legend of the discipline who had an impressive array of fans. Now it seems that they have retired from the sport, just like Nys.The figures speak for themselves: there were 1500 spectators less in Ruddervoorde last week compared to last year. The Waaslandcross in Sint-Niklaas went from 8000 to 4000 spectators although this is a figure that has to be put into perspective since it was the final round of the BPost Bank Trofee last year while it was not part of one of the series in 2016. The Jaarmarktcross in Niel also had fewer spectators.
 
Daam Van Reeth, a sports economist, analyzed the situation for Het Nieuwsblad and claims that it is not only about Nys. The entrance fee also plays a role. Many have undoubtedly been loyal to Nys whom they have followed for years and they don’t see Wout Van Aert as a true successor. However, the discipline does not lack a spectacular show as we have had beautiful duels between Van Aert and Dutchman Mathieu Van der Poel most weeks but these young riders are still to build a fan base. The younger fans seem to be more hesitant to pay the entry fees. 
 
Is it a crisis? Only the future will tell, but luckily for Belgian cyclo-cross, the business model is not based solely on entry fees. Hospitality programs are another pillar of the discipline in Belgium.