During a week in November, the UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) in Aigle, Switzerland, transformed into a melting pot of cultures, dreams, and mud. Twenty-five athletes from 16 countries gathered for an international cyclocross training camp, a discipline that demands as much from the body as from the mind. Guided by three renowned coaches —Ed Collins, Eva Lechner, and Sven Vanthourenhout— the participants not only refined their technique but also shared experiences that transcend the sport.

The camp, which this year received 67 applications for only 25 spots, concluded with all athletes taking part in the fourth round of the Swiss Cyclocross Cup, Eagle Cross. For many, it was their first time competing in such demanding conditions. For others, it was a chance to fine-tune technical and emotional details. Six countries —Croatia, Greece, Jamaica, Norway, Poland, and Slovenia— made their debut in this experience, marking a milestone in the global expansion of cyclocross.

Young voices defying mud and limits

Jordanio James, a 19-year-old Jamaican, discovered cyclocross almost by accident in the United States. In her home country, the discipline still has shallow roots, but she dreams of planting them. Her time at the camp was a revelation: “I’ve learned that weather can complicate cyclocross a lot. But I also learned that I’m very determined.” On Sunday, under relentless rain and a course turned to mud, her goal was simple: finish. And she did. Beyond the result, she carried with her a lesson in resilience and the support of a technical team that stood by her even in moments of doubt.

From Slovakia, Sofia Ungerová arrived with more experience but the same humility. At 19, she has already competed in World Cups and World Championships, but she acknowledges she still has much to improve. In Sunday’s Elite Women’s race, she came back from a difficult start to finish 11th, applying what she learned throughout the week: staying calm, adjusting her technique, and trusting her body. “This camp has been really valuable. I feel more prepared for the next races,” she confessed, her eyes set on what comes next.

Comprehensive development: athletes and coaches evolving together

Sixteen-year-old Greek rider Iraklis Magioglou represents a new generation living cyclocross with unstoppable passion. Based in Paris and with experience in mountain biking and road cycling, he found in this camp a platform to consolidate his technique and vision. “I love it, and I want to spend the whole winter racing,” he said after finishing fifth in the junior race. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his ability to apply what he learned —such as cornering with determination or accelerating on fast sections— shows that learning is not only technical but also emotional.

While the athletes pushed their limits in the mud, another group experienced their own transformation: coaches from Japan, Croatia, Estonia, Sweden, Ireland, and Greece took part in a level 2 cyclocross coaching course. Among them, Swedish coach David Eriksson closed a personal circle by returning to the same place where he trained as an athlete a decade ago. Now as an instructor, he especially valued learning how to translate intuition into words: “You may know things that feel instinctive, but are difficult to explain. This course has been really useful.”