Was Cyclocross's Kerstperiode a Predictable Snoozefest, or a Thrilling Rollercoaster? You Might Be Surprised!
The Kerstperiode, that intense block of cyclocross racing over Christmas and New Year's, just wrapped up – and it was a wild ride. We saw dominance, nail-biting duels, a few unfortunate crashes, and enough drama to fuel water cooler conversations for weeks. But here's the burning question: did the predictable wins of some riders overshadow the excitement?
Photos by Kristof Ramon and Cor Vos
The Kerstperiode is done, but its legacy lives on! Think about it: 12 races crammed into just 16 days. We experienced everything from sunshine and sandy beaches to snow-covered courses. Eight different elite riders took home victories. Crowd sizes soared, breaking records left and right. Old rivalries were reignited, and unfortunately, one top contender suffered a broken ankle, sidelining him at a crucial moment. More on that later...
Now, let's be honest. It's easy to see why some might dismiss cyclocross as boring, especially given the perceived dominance of riders like Mathieu van der Poel and Lucinda Brand. On paper, their performances were undeniably impressive, racking up eight and seven wins respectively. But here's where it gets controversial... to focus solely on their victories is to miss the bigger picture. The Kerstperiode offered so much more than just a predictable procession of wins. Even with family gatherings and holiday festivities in full swing, there was plenty to get invested in. And this is the part most people miss...the smaller battles, the rising stars, and the sheer unpredictability of cyclocross made for compelling viewing.
Take the elite women's races, for example. Early in the Kerstperiode, Lucinda Brand looked unstoppable, but her dominance was challenged, or at least dented, towards the end. Riders like Puck Pieterse and Ceylin Del Carmen Alvarado hit their peak form at just the right time, proving that anything can happen on any given day. And then there are riders like Amandine Fouquenet, whose relentless spirit and underdog status make her incredibly easy to cheer for as we head into the new year. Even when Brand won, the races were often tactical and hard-fought.
As for the elite men, any race without the reigning world champion (Van der Poel when he was absent) turned into an absolute free-for-all – a delightful mess of elbows and audacious attacks. Remember the Heusden-Zolder race? Or Gullegem (more on that below)? These were races where the other riders had a chance to shine. Let's not forget the emergence of new rivalries, the kind that could define the sport for years to come. The Kerstperiode wasn't just about the established stars; it was also a glimpse into the future of cyclocross.
Kerstperiode CX gallery, part 2: Fighting over leftovers
Brand and Van der Poel continue to dominate when they race, but there’s plenty left for others to enjoy too, with Fouquenet, Nys and Del Grosso enjoying the best of the spoils.
Escape CollectiveKit Nicholson
Here's a quick rundown of the week's results:
- X2O Loenhout Azencross (Monday, December 29th): Lucinda Brand and Mathieu van der Poel
- Superprestige Diegem (Tuesday, December 30th): Puck Pieterse and Tibor Del Grosso
- X2O Baal 'GP Sven Nys' (Thursday, January 1st): Lucinda Brand and Mathieu van der Poel
- Exact Cross Mol 'Zilvermeercross' (Friday, January 2nd): Ceylin Del Carmen Alvarado and Mathieu van der Poel
- Superprestige Gullegem (Saturday, January 3rd): Amandine Fouquenet and Niels Vandeputte
- World Cup Zonhoven (Sunday, January 4th): Ceylin Del Carmen Alvarado and Mathieu van der Poel
So, that's a wrap on this year's Kerstperiode. But don't worry, cyclocross season is far from over! Next up are the National Championships, where riders will compete for the coveted title in their home countries. And fear not, there will be another CX gallery here at Escape Collective after World Cup Benidorm on Sunday, January 18th.
In the meantime, grab a warm drink – maybe a cup of tea, some mulled wine, or a festive glühwein – and settle in for one last look at the Kerstperiode through the lens of our photographers.
And about that broken ankle... Wout van Aert's unfortunate injury robbed us of what could have been an epic showdown with his longtime rival, Mathieu van der Poel. Van Aert, fresh off some strong performances, looked ready to challenge Van der Poel's dominance. His absence definitely changed the dynamic of the races, leaving many fans wondering what could have been. It's a reminder that even in a sport known for its predictability, anything can happen.
Loenhout's 'Azencross' is a legendary venue with a rich history, having hosted races almost every year since 1984 (with the exception of 2020). It's been the site of many landmark events. It was the first Belgian cyclocross race to feature a women's race alongside the men's event. It also pioneered the 'washboard' feature, a short, bumpy section where maintaining momentum is key. The Azencross course is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable conditions, making it a favorite among riders and fans alike.
So, what do you think? Did the Kerstperiode live up to the hype? Were you entertained by the dominance of some riders, or did you find the undercard battles more compelling? And how much did Wout van Aert's injury impact the overall excitement? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective!
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News & Racing (https://escapecollective.com/tag/news-and-racing/) Cyclocross (https://escapecollective.com/tag/cyclocross/) Cyclocross World Cup (https://escapecollective.com/tag/cyclocross-world-cup/) Mathieu van der Poel (https://escapecollective.com/tag/mathieu-van-der-poel/) Lucinda Brand (https://escapecollective.com/tag/lucinda-brand/) Zoe Bäckstedt (https://escapecollective.com/tag/zoe-backstedt/) Wout van Aert (https://escapecollective.com/tag/wout-van-aert/) Tibor Del Grosso (https://escapecollective.com/tag/tibor-del-grosso/) Thibau Nys (https://escapecollective.com/tag/thibau-nys/) Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (https://escapecollective.com/tag/ceylin-del-carmen-alvarado/) Puck Pieterse (https://escapecollective.com/tag/puck-pieterse/)
