Heusden-Zolder, Belgium 23 Dec 2025 Class C1 – Class 1
Website https://www.superprestigecyclocross.be/en https://cyclocrossheusdenzolder.be/
Source: https://cyclocross24.com/
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The Telenet Superprestige Heusden-Zolder, also known as the Grand Prix Eric De Vlaeminck, is one of the most iconic and high-speed fixtures in the cyclocross calendar. Held at the Circuit Zolder motor-racing track in Belgium, it is famous for its unique blend of asphalt straights, steep wooded embankments, and its traditional slot in the Christmas “Kerstperiode” of racing.
1. Origins and the Legend of Eric De Vlaeminck
The race is named in honor of Eric De Vlaeminck, a Belgian cycling legend who won a record seven Cyclocross World Championships.
- The Start: While the Superprestige series began in 1982, the Heusden-Zolder race as we know it today was first organized in 2000 as a rehearsal for the 2002 World Championships.
- Summer Cross Experiment: Interestingly, in 2003 and 2004, the event was held in August as a “Summercross” before returning to its natural winter setting.
2. Evolution of the Series
For most of its history, Heusden-Zolder was a cornerstone of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup.
- World Cup Era (2008–2019): For over a decade, it was a highlight of the World Cup circuit, usually held on December 26 (Boxing Day).
- Move to Superprestige (2020–Present): In 2020, the race shifted from the World Cup to the Superprestige series. This move consolidated its status as one of the “Big Three” series in the sport (alongside the World Cup and X2O Badkamers Trofee).
- 2025 Return: After a one-year hiatus from the Superprestige in the 2024-2025 season (during which it hosted the Belgian National Championships), it has returned to the Superprestige calendar for the 2025-2026 season.
3. The “Formula 1” of Cyclocross
The course is built within the grounds of the Circuit Terlaemen (Circuit Zolder), which formerly hosted the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix.
- The Terrain: It is known for being a very fast course. It starts and ends on the wide, flat asphalt of the motor circuit, allowing for massive “drag race” starts and tactical group finishes.
- The Sacramentsberg: The technical heart of the race lies on the wooded hill known as the Sacramentsberg. Here, riders face treacherous off-camber sections, steep “wall” climbs, and rapid descents that test even the best bike handlers.
4. Major Championships
Due to its world-class infrastructure, the venue has hosted the UCI Cyclocross World Championships three times:
- 1970: Won by Eric De Vlaeminck (Pro) and Robert Vermeire (Amateur).
- 2002: Won by Mario De Clercq, a race remembered for its blistering speed on a frozen track.
- 2016: Won by Wout van Aert, marking his first-ever Elite World Title in a legendary battle against Mathieu van der Poel.
5. Historical Dominance
The race has been a playground for the sport’s greatest names.
- Sven Nys: Known as the “Cannibal,” Nys dominated the early years of the modern era.
- Mathieu van der Poel & Wout van Aert: The two modern titans have traded victories here for nearly a decade, with Van der Poel often favoring the high-speed technicality of the track.
- Lucinda Brand & Marianne Vos: On the women’s side, these two have defined the race’s history, with Lucinda Brand remaining a dominant force in recent years.
