Pétange, Luxembourg 01 Jan 2026 Class C2 – Class 2
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The Grand Prix Garage Collé (also known as the Grand Prix du Nouvel-An) is a historic cyclocross race held in Pétange, Luxembourg. Along with the GP Sven Nys in Belgium, it is one of the premier New Year’s Day fixtures in the sport.
While it lacks the massive series status of the X²O Trofee, it is celebrated for its deep historical roots and its role as the most prestigious cyclocross event in Luxembourg.
1. A Legacy Dating Back to 1948
The race is one of the oldest on the international calendar, with a history spanning over 75 years.
- The Early Years: The inaugural race was held in 1948 and won by Frenchman Robert Oubron. During the 1950s and 60s, it attracted the biggest names in the sport, including world champions like Erik De Vlaeminck and Renato Longo.
- The Hiatus: There was a significant gap in the race’s history between 1974 and 1996, after which it was revived as a staple of the European New Year’s circuit.
2. The Course: Pétange
The race is held around the Centre Sportif “Bim Diederich” in Pétange.
- The Terrain: The course typically features a mix of fast grass sections and technical wooded areas.
- The Atmosphere: Because it is held in Luxembourg (near the borders of France, Belgium, and Germany), it draws a multicultural crowd and a diverse field of riders compared to the often Belgium-centric series races.
3. Key Figures and Records
The GP Garage Collé has been a “stomping ground” for specific riders who returned year after year to dominate.
| Rider | Notable Achievement |
| Daniele Pontoni | The Italian legend won four consecutive editions from 1997 to 2000. |
| Marcel Meisen | The German champion is the modern “King of Pétange,” winning six times (2016–2020 and 2022). |
| Marianne Vos | The greatest of all time has won the women’s race five times, including four in a row (2010–2013). |
| Christine Majerus | Luxembourg’s own superstar and multi-time national champion has won her home GP four times. |
4. Modern Standing
Today, the race is classified as a UCI Class 2 (C2) event. While many of the world’s top-ranked riders head to Baal (Belgium) for the GP Sven Nys on New Year’s Day to chase series points, the GP Garage Collé remains the primary destination for top French, German, and Swiss riders, as well as the elite of Luxembourg.
It is organized by the Union Cycliste Pétange (UCP) and continues to be a vital part of Luxembourg’s cycling culture, often serving as a final tune-up before the National Championships in mid-January.
