Be-MINE race at Beringen to open international cyclocross season in Belgium
The 2024-2025 international cyclocross season in Belgium gets underway on Saturday with the be-MINE cross at Beringen. The course, on a former mining site in Limburg province, has been changed this year. The race will be a test case for the 2026 Belgian cyclocross championships, which will also take place there.
Cyclocross can be best described as a cross between road cycling, mountain biking and steeplechase. It’s a form of bicycle racing that takes place on pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and involves obstacles requiring the rider to carry the bike. Races take place on a closed circuit in a park or other open land with competitors racing multiple laps. Since the season takes place from September to February, the riders often have to deal with rain, mud and sometimes even snow. The sport is particularly popular in Flanders, but also in the Netherlands and – to a lesser extent – France.
The 2024-2025 international cyclocross season in Belgium gets underway on Saturday with the be-MINE cross at Beringen, at a former mining site in Limburg province. The course has been changed: the start and finish zone was for example moved to the diving centre at the site. The descent, where some riders crashed last year, will be a lot less steep and thus more safe. The race is part of the Exact Cross series, consisting of seven races in total.
Last year, victory in the men's race went to Thibau Nys, regarded as one of the sport's brightest prospects. The son of Sven Nys, one of the most decorated athletes in cyclocross history, had an impressive season on the road with nine wins – including five in the World Tour. He would normally be one of the main candidates to win at Beringen, but he himself indicated that he is not yet in top form as he became ill after the road season.
Among the main favourites are two other Flemings: Eli Iserbyt, who has already won the cross twice, and Michael Vanthourenhout. Toon Aerts, the winner in 2020, will certainly want to show himself as well. Dutch rider Lars van der Haar is another important candidate to take the victory. In the women’s race, Dutch rider Fem van Empel will be eager to achieve a third consecutive win in Beringen.
#FlandersNewsService | The men's elite race of the be-MINE cross at Beringen in 2023 © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS