The Kerstperiode CX Gallery is here, and it's a thrilling time for cyclocross enthusiasts! But who are the untouchable stars of this festive cycling spectacle?
Lucinda Brand and Mathieu van der Poel are undoubtedly the ones to watch as they dominate the early stages of this much-anticipated event. With the Kerstperiode finally underway, the cycling world is treated to a two-week celebration of cyclocross, featuring 12 intense races across 16 days on some of the most iconic courses.
The action kicked off with a World Cup doubleheader, starting in Antwerp, a port city near the Dutch border, and then moving to Koksijde, a seaside town known for its sandy terrain. Both locations hold a special place in cyclocross history.
But here's where it gets exciting: World Champion Mathieu van der Poel, fresh from his triumph at Namur, was joined by his longtime rival Wout van Aert. And in the women's category, Lucinda Brand, the rider of the season so far, had the chance to secure her first-ever win in both events.
The Antwerp race, also known as 'Scheldecross', held extra significance as it marked the return of age-group categories to the World Cup. The juniors and under-23 men had their moment to shine.
And the results? Well, Brand and van der Poel proved their dominance by winning both Antwerp and Koksijde races. Van der Poel even hinted at the challenge he faces, likening it to racing against Tadej Pogačar on the road.
With such a strong start, the Kerstperiode promises more thrilling moments. The upcoming races include X2O Hofstade, Superprestige Heusden-Zolder, World Cup Gavere, and more. And we'll be there to capture it all in our galleries on December 28 and January 4.
So, will Brand and van der Poel continue their reign? Or will their rivals step up and challenge these seemingly untouchable champions? Stay tuned as the Kerstperiode unfolds, and feel free to share your predictions in the comments below!
