Hofstade (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – After a 17-year hiatus, the iconic cyclocross race at Hofstade’s Sport Vlaanderen domain returns to Aalst, reigniting excitement among local residents.
It is hoped that elite athletes like Wout Van Aert and Mathieu Van der Poel will start. According to Koen Vandermeiren (Iedereenzemst), alderman for Sports, “Residents have been requesting the return of the cross for years.”
After 17 years, Cyclocross will make a comeback to Hofstade on Monday, December 22. Hofstade hosted the international cyclocross eight times between 2001 and 2008; the Belgian championship in 2004, which Sven Nys won, was the clear highlight.
With tens of thousands of spectators and a live television broadcast, the race has developed into an annual tradition.
“Our residents have been asking for the return of the cross for years,” says alderman for Sports Koen Vandermeiren (Iedereenzemst).
“For us, that was a top priority. We are proud that we were able to bring the organization back to Hofstade. It will be a day that the entire municipality will look forward to.”
Mayor Bart Coopman (Iedereenzemst) agrees:
“The event puts Hofstade on the map, it will be a real festive day.”
Golazo, who organizes sporting events including the Brussels Marathon, will be in charge of the cross. The discussions between Sport Vlaanderen and the municipality are proceeding smoothly.
“A cooperation agreement is currently being worked on,”
Golazo spokesperson Gerd Van Goolen affirms. The application is still being processed by the international cycling association, UCI.
Later on, further information regarding the course and the riders taking part will be released. Following in Sven Nys’s footsteps, it is hoped that the cross would draw in new elite riders like Mathieu Van der Poel and Wout Van Aert.
What makes Aalst a popular venue for cyclocross events?
Having hosted the Kersttrofee Hofstade, a renowned race that was a part of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup from 2001 to 2008, Hofstade has a long history in cyclocross. Because of this, the site became a well-known and iconic part of the Cyclocross schedule.
Traditionally, the race was held around Christmas, which created a lively and joyous environment that drew up to 20,000 spectators. It is a unique occasion for both riders and fans because of its holiday timing.
The technical demands of Belgian cyclocross courses, like Hofstade, are well-known. They include a variety of terrain, including grass, mud, sand, and barriers that require riders to dismount and carry their bikes. Both competitors and spectators find the racing thrilling and captivating as a result.
