"We certainly hope so" - Hofstade cross organizers predict MVDP and WVA could open their winter at the returning venue
Cyclocross
The cyclocross debuts of superstars Mathieu van der Poel and Wout Van Aert this winter are still written in the stars, but for both, we already have an approximate estimate of when they should join the action. For the Belgian, one of the options seems to be the returning cyclocross in Hofstade just ahead of the Christmas. As for his Dutch rival, we will know more at the end of this week, but starting in Hofstade also seem like a plausible option. And the Belgian champion Thibau Nys shouldn't be absent either. With all that, Hofstade promises to be an exciting race.
After seventeen years, 'Hofstade Plage' is returning to the cyclocross calendar. The fourth round of the X2O Badkamers Trophy will take place on December 22nd at the Sport Vlaanderen site, and the course has already been unveiled. Mayor Bart Coopman explained that the disappearance of the Herentals cross from the calendar created an opportunity to bring the racing back to Hofstade.
With a beach section, a long running track, and technical loops, there's something for everyone. "The big question is whether the 'Big Two' will be at the start. We certainly hope so. If that's the case, Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel are immediately the two favorites," concludes Erwin Vervecken of organizer Golazo.
Their program is still pending, however other interesting names are already more or less confirmed. "Of the current generation of cyclocross riders, Thibau Nys, as a local, will be very motivated to win. Laurens Sweeck is from the area and a sand specialist. Niels Vandeputte is also a sand specialist, and Joris Nieuwenhuis is doing very well," Vervecken said, reviewing the contenders during the official presentation.
Sales are through the roof
Vervecken indicated to Wielerkrant that he expects incredible atmosphere in Hofstade after return from an 18-years-long racing hiatus. "We expect this to be a race that will draw a large crowd."
It's a hunch backed by the great interest in ticket pre-orders. "You often see advance ticket sales selling out quickly in the final days leading up to a race. For Hofstade, advance ticket sales peak much more than usual a month beforehand."
Organizers hope that ideally all medallists from last year's World Championships: Wout Van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel & Thibau Nys will be at the start
Vervecken tries to estimate the interest numerically. "It's five or six times the amount of a 'normal' cyclocross. That's the effect of a cyclocross with tradition coming back and a bit of nostalgia among the older cyclocross fans."
Turbo effect
But there's more to the incredible interest in the 2025 edition. The race joins forces with the fun race Turbo Cross organized by Average Rob, which will take place the same day in Hofstade. "And Average Rob will also have its effect," confirms the former three-time world champion Vervecken.
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Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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