The Bollekescross returns to Hamme-Zogge on Sunday with elite racing starting at 3:00 PM local time (UTC+1) via live broadcast on VRT1 and digital streaming.
Thibau Nys headlines the return of the event after a 13-year absence from the calendar, making his debut in the blue-and-white European champion’s jersey, Sporza reported. Jurgen Mettepenningen serves as the race organizer and also manages Pauwels Sauzen.
Course Design and Weather Conditions
The course remains 95 percent identical to the layouts used during previous editions held between 2002 and 2013, WielerFlits.be reported. Organizers laid out a flat meadow course featuring a steep artificial hill that riders must scale four times, alongside a second smaller climb, traditional barriers, a staircase section, a bridge, and a washboard obstacle.
Wet weather during the preceding week and forecast afternoon showers mean the course will be heavy and muddy, with temperatures expected to reach 13 degrees Celsius, according to WielerFlits.be reporting.
Nys noted the conditions ahead of the start, telling Sporza: “It could have rained a little bit more for me. I don’t see anyone shaking a solo out of their legs here. But there are enough passages to make the difference.”
Michael Vanthourenhout Joins the Field Despite Hip Injury
Michael Vanthourenhout joins the starting grid despite suffering a hip bruise and a deep laceration during a crash in Merksplas, according to Mettepenningen. Mettepenningen told Sporza: “Michael is well recovered, he had a good night. He only has some trouble with his hip.”
Vanthourenhout addressed his status regarding the start, telling Sporza: “I am glad I am at the start. Didn’t expect that yesterday after the cross. I will have to fight against myself for an hour and then see how much time I have lost.”
The start list also includes Joran Wyseure, Felipe Orts, and Cameron Mason, who won the Niel round, alongside the complete podium from Merksplas, Sporza reported. In the women’s field, world champion Lucinda Brand’s participation remains uncertain following a heavy fall in Niel, though team manager Sven Nys confirmed to Het Laatste Nieuws via WielerFlits.be that medical checks revealed no severe damage beyond a taped foot.
How to Follow the Race
Live coverage begins at 3:00 PM local time on VRT1 and via online streaming platforms. The X2O Trofee event marks the next major stop on the cyclo-cross calendar following weekend racing in Merksplas.
Worth a look
