The story of Cyclocross Gullegem: from an idea in a pub to a fixture on the calendar
What started as a spontaneous idea among friends at the bar has grown into a fixture on the Belgian and international cyclocross calendar. Cyclocross Gullegem proves that passion, entrepreneurship and local roots are the perfect recipe for a sporting success story.
đ The beginning: from the pub to the cross course
The idea wasnât born in a meeting room, but in the spring of 2016 at the bar of CafĂ© De Gouden Bank. A group of friends dreamed of organising their own cyclocross race. After all, greater Wevelgem didnât have one yet. With Gent-Wevelgem and Gullegem Koerse, it already hosted a spring classic and the queen of the kermis races. A cyclocross was the missing piece.
That dream came true on 6 January 2018. The result was a professionally organised B-category race that made an immediate impression.
đ Fast promotion to A level
The organisers didnât sit still. Thanks to a strong approach and impressive crowds, the race was promoted to the A circuit after just one year. In 2019 the top riders lined up at the start, and none other than Mathieu van der Poel won the first A edition of the Gullegem cyclocross. The course around the historic flax retting site was praised for its technical variety, good spectator access and its typical West Flemish atmosphere.
Atmosphere at the first edition of Cyclocross Gullegem on 6 January 2018
Nick Van De Kerckhove and Jolien Verschueren, winners of the first edition as a B-category race in 2018.
đ A growing reputation and top riders
Over the years, more and more big names lined up at the start. Tom Pidcock, Michael Vanthourenhout, Wout van Aert and Van der Poel (3x) left their mark in the Gullegem mud. In the womenâs races, riders such as Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, Lucinda Brand and Jolien Verschueren delivered fine wins and thrilling races.
The race became ever more professional without losing its authentic character. In 2023, Cyclocross Gullegem joined the prestigious Telenet Superprestige series for the first time. A recognition of the organisationâs commitment and the sporting level.
đ Much more than sport
Cyclocross Gullegem is now much more than a sporting event. The organisation puts a strong focus on the experience for young and old. From kidsâ taster sessions and G-sport races to funfair rides, DJ sets and lively afterparties, the cross has grown into a winter festival for the whole family.
The 2025 edition was an absolute highlight, with more than 12,000 spectators. The combination of top sport, conviviality and local roots makes Gullegem one of a kind.
Cyclocross Gullegem has since become a fixed, highly regarded round of the Telenet Superprestige, and in the 2026-2027 season it is even the final round of the series.
đ± The future of Cyclocross Gullegem
After eight successful editions, Cyclocross Gullegem has become an established name in the cyclocross world. With a fixed date in the first week of January, a strong field and a loyal crowd, the organisation looks to the future with ambition.
Thanks to a mix of professional organisation, volunteers and local partnerships, the event keeps growing without losing touch with its roots.