Hofstade, Belgium 22 Dec 2025 Class C2 – Class 2
Website https://x2otrofee.be/
The X²O Badkamers Trofee Hofstade Plage (often called the Plagecross) is a prominent cyclocross race held at the Bloso sports and recreation domain in Hofstade, Belgium. Its history is characterized by a high-profile “Golden Era” in the early 2000s followed by a 17-year hiatus before its major comeback in 2025.
1. The “Golden Era” (2001–2008)
The race was originally known as the Kersttrofee Hofstade (Christmas Trophy) and quickly became a centerpiece of the Kerstperiode (the intense Christmas racing block).
- UCI World Cup Status: From 2004 to 2007, the event reached its peak as a round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup.
- The “King of Hofstade”: Legend Sven Nys dominated the early history of the race, winning four of the seven editions held during this period.
- The Course: The race is famous for its unique “beach” sections around the lake at the Hofstade recreation grounds, often drawing comparisons to the sand-heavy course in Mol.
Past Winners (Original Era)
| Year | Men’s Winner | Women’s Winner |
| 2001 | Mario De Clercq | Not held |
| 2003 | Sven Nys | Hanka Kupfernagel |
| 2004 | Sven Nys | Hanka Kupfernagel |
| 2005 | Sven Nys | Daphny van den Brand |
| 2007 | Sven Nys | Maryline Salvetat |
| 2008 | Thijs Al | Marianne Vos |
2. The 17-Year Hiatus
After 2008, the race disappeared from the professional calendar. While the venue remained a popular training ground and hosted lower-level events (including a memorable Belgian National Championship in 2007 won by Sven Nys), it lost its status as a major international classification race for nearly two decades.
3. The 2025 Comeback
In 2025, the race made a triumphant return as part of the X²O Badkamers Trofee, replacing other rounds to become the fourth stop of the series.
- Return Date: December 22, 2025.
- Modern Stars: The comeback edition saw the renewal of the legendary rivalry between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.
- The “Turbo Cross”: Adding a modern twist, the 2025 event included the “Turbo Cross” organized by Belgian influencer Average Rob, featuring a mix of content creators and former athletes to appeal to a younger demographic.
2025 Results
- Men Elite: Mathieu van der Poel (1st), Wout van Aert (2nd).
- Women Elite: Lucinda Brand (1st).
Technical Characteristics
The Hofstade course is defined by its sand passages. Riders face a high-speed section on hard-packed sand at the water’s edge, followed by a grueling deep-sand exit that often forces even the elite riders to dismount and run. It is considered one of the most physically demanding “sand crosses” on the modern circuit.
