Kerstperiode CX Gallery: The Unstoppable Duo
The Kerstperiode is upon us, and the cyclocross season is in full swing. This festive fortnight, spanning from December 20th to January 4th, is the pinnacle of the 'cross season, featuring 12 races across 16 days, many on iconic courses. The opening weekend saw a World Cup doubleheader in Antwerp and Koksijde, both known for their sandy terrain and rich CX history.
The highlight of the weekend was the presence of two cycling powerhouses: Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, who joined forces a week after van der Poel's victory at Namur. In the women's category, Lucinda Brand, the rider of the season and World Cup leader, had a chance to make history. Before the Antwerp event, the top contenders were Aniek van Alphen and Thibau Nys, both with strong performances throughout the season.
The results of the weekend were as follows:
- Antwerp 'Scheldecross' (Saturday, December 20th): Lucinda Brand and Mathieu van der Poel
- Koksijde 'Duinencross' (Sunday, December 21st): Lucinda Brand and Mathieu van der Poel
Van der Poel's words after his dominant performance in Antwerp: "You always have to keep believing... It's a bit like me racing against Tadej Pogačar on the road."
The Kerstperiode continues with a packed schedule of races:
- Monday, December 22nd: X2O Hofstade 'Plage Cross'
- Tuesday, December 23rd: Superprestige Heusden-Zolder
- Friday, December 26th: World Cup Gavere
- Sunday, December 28th: World Cup Dendermonde
- Monday, December 29th: X2O Loenhout Azencross
- Tuesday, December 30th: Superprestige Diegem (a night race!)
- Thursday, January 1st: X2O Baal 'GP Sven Nys'
- Friday, January 2nd: Exact Cross Mol 'Zilvermeercross'
- Saturday, January 3rd: Superprestige Gullegem
- Sunday, January 4th: World Cup Zonhoven
Stay tuned for more exciting Kerstperiode galleries, as we bring you the action from the remaining races.
