CYCLOCROSS: X²O Badkamers Trofee GP Sven Nys 2026 (BEL)

Baal, Belgium 01 Jan 2026 Class C1 – Class 1

Website www.gpsvennys.be

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

The X²O Badkamers Trofee GP Sven Nys, often simply called the GP Sven Nys or the Cross of Baal, is one of the most prestigious and technically demanding races in the cyclocross world. Held annually on New Year’s Day in Baal, Belgium, it serves as a high-stakes kickoff to the calendar year.

1. The Origins and Namesake

The race was first held in 2000 and is named after the legendary Belgian cyclist Sven Nys, widely regarded as the greatest cyclocross rider of all time. Nys, a resident of Baal, dominated his “own” race for years, winning it 12 times out of 16 appearances.

• Location: The race takes place on the Balenberg, a hill in Baal that Nys used for training throughout his career.
• The Sven Nys Cycling Center: In 2016, the site was expanded to include a permanent cycling center and museum, cementing the location as a “shrine” to the sport.

2. Part of the X²O Badkamers Trofee

The GP Sven Nys is a cornerstone of the X²O Badkamers Trofee (historically known as the Gazet van Antwerpen Trofee or BPost Bank Trofee). Unlike other series that use a points-based system, this trophy is decided by cumulative time. Every second in Baal counts toward the overall series standings, making the “time-trial” nature of the race vital for the title contenders.

3. Key Characteristics

The GP Sven Nys is famous for several unique elements:

• New Year’s Day Tradition: Because it falls on January 1, it is often the first race where riders wear their new kits or ride for new teams, as most professional cycling contracts begin on the first of the year.
• The “Washboards” and Dirt Jumps: The course is highly technical, featuring a famous series of undulating bumps (washboards) and steep drops that require elite bike-handling skills—a hallmark of Sven Nys’s own riding style.
• The Mud of Balenberg: The clay soil of the Balenberg hill becomes incredibly heavy and sticky when it rains, often turning the race into a brutal “running” contest.

4. Hall of Fame (Notable Winners)

While Sven Nys holds the record for most wins, the race has been the stage for the modern “Big Three” era as well.

5. The “Nys” Legacy Continues

The race remains a family affair. Sven’s son, Thibau Nys, is now a top professional competitor. For the local fans in Baal, the GP Sven Nys has transitioned from a tribute to the father into a hometown cheering section for the son.