Diegem, Belgium 30 Dec 2025 Class C1 – Class 1
Website Diegemcross.be https://www.instagram.com/diegemcross/
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The Telenet Superprestige Diegem is one of the most iconic and atmospheric races in cyclocross history. Often referred to simply as the “Avondcross” (Evening Cross), it is famous for its festive, high-energy environment and its unique status as a night race.
1. Early Origins (1975–1981)
The race was first held in 1975 in Diegem, a district of Machelen near Brussels. In its earliest years, it was a standard daytime race. The first winner was the legendary Belgian Albert Van Damme, who dominated the early editions by winning the first two years (1975–1976).
2. The Birth of the Superprestige (1982)
In 1982, Diegem became a founding member of the Superprestige, the oldest season-long classification series in cyclocross. It has remained a cornerstone of the series ever since, rarely ever missing a year (with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic years).
During the 1980s, the race was synonymous with Roland Liboton, who holds the record for the most wins in Diegem with 8 victories (mostly consecutive from 1982–1988).
3. The “Night Cross” Era (2000–Present)
The defining characteristic of modern Diegem is that it is held under floodlights.
- The Experiment (2000): The race was first held under artificial lighting in 2000.
- Permanent Tradition (2007): Since 2007, the race has been held exclusively as a night race.
- The Atmosphere: Because it usually takes place during the “Kerstperiode” (the busy Christmas racing block), the night setting turns the race into a massive party. The course winds through the town center, literally passing through people’s backyards and over paved streets, creating a “street circuit” feel more common in Formula 1 or Criteriums than traditional muddy fields.
4. Modern Legends
The 2000s and 2010s were dominated by two of the greatest to ever touch a cross bike:
- Sven Nys: The “Cannibal from Baal” won Diegem 7 times between 1998 and 2013, falling just short of Liboton’s record.
- Mathieu van der Poel: In recent years, MVDP has treated Diegem as his personal playground. He won the Junior race here in 2011 and then went on a massive winning streak in the Elite category, winning 6 times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023).
5. Inclusion of Women’s Racing (2011)
A Women’s Elite race was officially added to the program in 2011. Since then, it has become one of the most prestigious titles for women to win. Sanne Cant was a dominant force in the early years of the women’s event, while riders like Marianne Vos and Lucinda Brand (the 2024 winner) have cemented their names in Diegem history.
Key Historical Stats
- Most Wins (Men): Roland Liboton (8)
- Most Wins (Women): Sanne Cant (4)
- Course Style: Fast, urban, and technical with a famous off-camber section and a long finishing straight on pavement.
