Alpecin-Deceuninck manager doesn't think that cyclocross is at risk thanks to rise of gravel racing: “Cyclocross is a great spectator sport”

A debate has been brewing in cyclocross circles recently, sparked by comments from former rider and analyst Jan Bakelants, who suggested that cyclocross could be increasingly marginalized and eventually swallowed up by the rising popularity of gravel racing. While his statement caused a stir, others within the sport, like Alpecin-Deceuninck general manager Philip Roodhooft, disagree with this grim outlook.

In an interview with WielerFlits, Roodhooft voiced his belief that gravel racing won’t overshadow cyclocross but rather complement it. “We believe in gravel. Not only because of that World Championship victory with Mathieu, because Gianni Vermeersch had already done that two years ago. We have shown something in that discipline a few times. But we think that it can only be a strengthening for the other disciplines rather than the other way around,” he explained.

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Roodhooft highlighted the enduring appeal of cyclocross, especially in countries like Belgium and the Netherlands, where the sport remains a major spectator draw. Cyclocross, after all, has deep roots in these regions, and Belgian and Dutch fans have historically shown up in droves to watch the sport's top athletes. Among them is six-time cyclocross world champion Mathieu van der Poel, one of the sport's most celebrated figures.

“There is a simple reason for that,” Roodhooft added. “Cyclocross is a great spectator sport that still attracts a lot of public. Agreed, that was also the case at the World Cup Gravel in Leuven, but I do not believe that such an event is representative of what gravel is in general.”

Alpecin-Deceuninck’s success in gravel racing, including victories from stars like van der Poel and Gianni Vermeersch, hasn’t diminished their commitment to cyclocross. Roodhooft emphasized that the team’s foundation is deeply tied to the sport. “After all, we grew from that discipline with our structure. And we think it is important to continue to do well in that. If cyclocross itself were not important to us, then after growing into the World Tour we could have said: we limit ourselves to the road. But we certainly do not want that. Because we still find cyclocross fun.”

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However, Roodhooft did acknowledge one challenge that could arise as gravel racing continues to grow: top riders like van der Poel, who compete in multiple disciplines, may have to choose between certain races. Van der Poel has had a particularly busy season on the road, and it remains unclear how this will affect his cyclocross campaign this winter.

“We have made a plan up to and including the World Championship, and what comes after that is vacation,” Roodhooft confirmed. “Only then will we look further towards the spring. Based on those plans, we will then calculate back to what the cross winter could possibly mean for him. Since there is no plan yet, it is also possible that he will not cross. Making plans is one thing, but vacation is also necessary.”

As gravel racing rises in prominence, it may require some juggling for multi-discipline athletes, but for now, figures like Roodhooft believe cyclocross remains a vital and exciting part of the cycling calendar, especially in countries where it holds significant cultural importance.