"We certainly hope so" - Hofstade cross organizers predict MVDP and WVA could open their winter at the returning venue

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.

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."

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."

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.