Rookie cyclocross riders at an amateur race in Chicago got a bit of a shock when former world champion Sven Nys joined them at the start line last weekend. The category 4/5 riders, the entry level for racing bikes in the US, were treated to a lesson in cyclocross.

He tore round the 1.5 mile circuit for a few laps before pulling out and allowing the local riders battle it out for the finish.