ANALYSIS: A deep dive into Flanders' love affair with cyclocross

Cyclocross is a sport like no other, blending athletic endurance with technical skill, and the conditions couldn’t be more fitting: it takes place from October to February, with mud, cold, and unpredictable weather as standard. It involves skidding through sand, dismounting and carrying the bike on shoulders, and mud, a whole lot of mud.

While cyclocross is an emerging sport in many parts of the world, in the Flanders region, it has a dedicated following and a rich tradition. But why is it so popular in this region?

Although cyclocross is immensely popular in Flanders, its roots actually trace back to France. Cyclocross’ beginnings are nearly as old as the bicycle itself, dating back to the early 20th century when cyclists started testing the ruggedness of their machines in rough terrain. Daniel Gousseau, a French soldier and later the secretary-general of the French Cycling Union, is widely credited with the sport's invention. Gousseau would cycle through forests alongside his horse-mounted general, and soon enough, he started organizing races for others to join him. In 1902, he organized the first French cyclocross championship.

Despite its French origins, it was in the Flemish region of Belgium that cyclocross truly found a home. By the mid-20th century, Belgium—especially Flanders—had embraced the sport, and it became a key part of the country’s cycling culture.

The popularity of cyclocross in Flanders is tied to the region’s long history with cycling. Belgium has always been a cycling powerhouse, producing legends in road cycling like Eddy Merckx and Tom Boonen, and Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert in modern times. In Flanders, cycling isn’t just a sport, it’s part of the culture. The cobbled roads and challenging terrain make cycling an integral part of daily life, and this extends to the muddy, rugged courses of cyclocross.

Cyclocross became a natural fit for the Flemish people, especially because of its appeal during the winter months when road racing is less viable. The sport allows cyclists to stay in peak condition during the offseason, and its challenging conditions are well suited to the rough weather of northern Europe. What might be seen as brutal weather for some is the perfect backdrop for the muddy, tough courses of cyclocross.

Cyclocross enjoys significant popularity on television in the Flanders region, where it competes with football as one of the most-watched sports. In Belgium, cyclocross events regularly draw large TV audiences, particularly during the winter when road cycling has wound down. Events like the UCI Cyclocross World Cup and Superprestige series dominate the sports schedule, with fans tuning in to see their local heroes race across the muddy tracks.

In terms of comparison, while football remains king in Europe, cyclocross holds a unique position in Flanders. It's common for thousands of fans to line up at the race courses, braving the cold and rain to cheer on their favorite riders. The sport’s growing viewership is a true example to how ingrained it has become in Flemish culture.

The success of Flemish cyclists in cyclocross is not a coincidence. The region has a long history of producing world-class cyclists, and the tough terrain and weather conditions are ideal training grounds for cyclocross riders. From an early age, Belgian riders are exposed to cyclocross, and many of the best road cyclists in Belgium, like Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel from the Netherlands, started their careers in the sport.

The emphasis on technique, power, and the ability to handle a bike in unpredictable conditions has made Flemish riders masters of cyclocross. The courses, often wet and muddy, require constant dismounting, running, and remounting of the bike, skills that Flemish riders have honed over years of practice in their local terrain.

Gravel cycling is on the rise worldwide, offering riders a chance to explore new terrain on bikes built for rugged conditions. But how do gravel bikes differ from cyclocross bikes? While the two bikes may seem similar, there are key differences. According to an article by Felt Bicycles, the principal difference between a cyclocross bike and a gravel bike is the geometry. Cyclocross bikes have steeper angles for sharp handling on technical courses, while gravel bikes are built for comfort on long, rough rides. Gravel bikes typically have more tire clearance, allowing for fatter tires to handle rocks, dirt, and even snow.

With gravel racing gaining popularity, some may wonder if it poses a threat to cyclocross. However, the answer is a clear no. Cyclocross remains the ultimate spectator sport, thanks to its short, intense courses that allow fans to see their favourite riders pass by multiple times in a single race. Gravel races, while exciting in their own right, are typically longer and spread out over enormous distances, making them less spectator-friendly. In Flanders, the two sports can coexist, but cyclocross will always have a special place in the hearts of local fans.

When discussing the greatest cyclocross rider of all time, many would argue that title belongs to Erik De Vlaeminck. De Vlaeminck, a Belgian legend, was a seven-time world cyclocross champion, with over 200 career wins. His dominance in the 1960s and 1970s helped cement Belgium’s status as a cyclocross powerhouse. He was renowned for his technical skill, ability to read a race, and a seemingly relentless winning streak.

Albert Zweifel, a Swiss cyclist, was also a five-time world cyclocross champion during the same era. Sven Nys, another Belgian legend, carried the sport into the modern era, winning two world championships and nine Belgian titles during his career.

But in recent years, the sport has been dominated by two names: Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. Van der Poel, a six-time world cyclocross champion, is widely considered one of the greatest all-round cyclists in history, having also won world titles in road and gravel racing. His rivalry with Van Aert, a three-time cyclocross world champion, has defined the sport for the past decade. Last season, Van der Poel dominated the cyclocross calendar, winning 13 out of the 14 races he entered, continuing his reign at the top of the sport.

While cyclocross enjoys immense popularity in Belgium and the Netherlands, the sport hasn’t quite reached the same heights in the UK, where cross-country running is more popular. The question is, why hasn’t this translated to cyclocross?

One factor could be cultural. Cross-country running has long been a staple of UK school sports, and its simplicity and accessibility have made it the go-to winter endurance sport. In contrast, cyclocross requires not only a bike but a specific set of skills, and the infrastructure to support the sport isn’t as developed as in Belgium.

However, there are signs that cyclocross is growing in the UK. Tom Pidcock’s victory at the 2022 World Championships brought attention to the sport, but it’s worth noting that neither Van Aert nor Van der Poel competed in that race, somewhat diminishing its impact. Despite this, Pidcock’s success, alongside the rising popularity of gravel racing, could help cyclocross grow in the UK, although it will certainly be difficult for British riders to catch up to those from Belgium or the Netherlands.

The cyclocross calendar is packed with action, and fans won’t want to miss the World Cup, which kicks off in Antwerp on November 24th. December and January promise a busy schedule, culminating in the 2025 World Championships, which will take place on February 1st and 2nd in Liévin, France. With fierce rivalries between Van der Poel, Van Aert, and Pidcock, this season promises to be another thrilling one for cyclocross fans.

Cyclocross is more than just a sport in the Flanders region, it’s a way of life. Its history, the challenging nature of its courses, and the region’s deep connection to cycling have made it the beloved winter pastime it is today. Whether battling through the mud or watching from the side-lines, the people of Flanders know that cyclocross is a sport that they truly rule.