On Saturday, the first ever European Cyclo-Cross Championships will be held for the elite men. The Dutch city of Huijbergen will be the scene of the battle for the European title. Sven Nys is looking forward to the debut in his final season:"I am very motivated to participate."

Sven Nys and Dutch world champion Mathieu van der Poel are the ambassadors of the first ever European championships.

The course includes some grass sections and two hills: Tiestenberg and Nootjesberg. For the first time there will be what is called a "Chicken Run." Here the riders can choose between a dangerous descent or an alternative path that takes more time.

"It is a very nice course in Huijbergen," Nys told Sporza. "I'm very motivated to participate.

"Of course I hope once more to be on the podium in my last year as a professional. Whatever the outcome is, it is in any case special to be present at the first European Championships. That goes for the fans, but also for the riders."

Nys does not want to predict too much. "First I need to recover from the Koppenbergcross (where he abandoned, red). Then we'll see for the next races. I'm certainly not a favorite. With Wout Van Aert, one man is above everyone else it and Lars van der Haar is  dangerous. I have to hope for a great day to compete for the podium," he concluded.