Preview Exact Cross Loenhout 2024 | First clash between Van der Poel and Van Aert, alongside other familiar rivals

The Azencross in Loenhout, close to the Belgian-Dutch border, is one of the most popular cyclo-cross events of the winter, and this year’s showdown between the 'Big Two' will only add to the excitement. In recent years, those who came out to watch the race got their money's worth, as Van der Poel and Van Aert delivered a spectacle every time. Over the past decade, the two have dominated this race, with the only exception being Tom Meeusen’s victory in 2015.

In the women’s race, we have more names on the winners' list. Dutch stars like Lucinda Brand (who won twice), Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, and Shirin van Anrooij have all won here, but multiple-time world champion Sanne Cant remains a standout performer, taking the win last year.

2023 Mathieu van der Poel / Sanne Cant
2022 Wout van Aert / Shirin van Anrooij
2021 Wout van Aert / Lucinda Brand
2020 Not ridden
2019 Mathieu van der Poel / Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado
2018 Mathieu van der Poel / Lucinda Brand
2017 Mathieu van der Poel / Sanne Cant
2016 Wout van Aert / Sanne Cant
2015 Tom Meeusen / Sanne Cant
2014 Wout van Aert / Katherina Nash

The Azencross in Loenhout is not known for being an exceptionally tough course, though it can become quite muddy. Compared to last year, the course has been made slightly more technical, particularly in the first half. Combined with recent weather conditions, we can expect a classic cyclo-cross race.

The standout obstacle is the iconic washboard, a feature that defines this event. After the start, riders will navigate a few turns before encountering the barriers, followed shortly by the washboard. From there, they’ll head towards a staircase and continue in a straight line past the pits to a more technical section. A few longer stretches then lead into the area near the party tent and VIP zone. Those are both close to the finish.

Weather
Surprisingly, it looks like the riders will stay dry on Friday, with temperatures around 6°C and little wind — ideal conditions for both riders and spectators.

Times
Start women: 1:45 PM local time (7:45 AM EST)
Finish women: 2:30 PM local time (8:30 AM EST)
Start men: 3:00 PM local time (9:00 AM EST)
Finish men: 4:00 PM local time (10:00 AM EST)

The holiday season is an incredibly busy time for cyclo-cross, and this is reflected in the women’s start list for Loenhout. As this is a standalone race with no major titles at stake for the women, top riders like Fem van Empel (Visma | Lease a Bike), Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck), and Lucinda Brand (Baloise Trek Lions) have opted to take a day off for extra rest. As a result, Friday’s race will have different names in the mix, compared to the usual contenders.

For multiple-time world champion Sanne Cant (Crelan-Corendon), this presents an excellent opportunity to vie for victory again, as she demonstrated last year. Fellow Belgians Marion Norbert Riberolle, Xaydee Van Sinaey (Crelan-Corendon), and Julie Brouwers (Charles Liegeois Roastery) will also aim for strong performances.

Several Dutch riders are also contending. Lauren Molengraaf (Charles Liegeois Roastery), Yara Kastelijn (Fenix-Deceuninck), and Jamie de Beer (Heizomat) are among the podium hopefuls in Loenhout, while Visma | Lease a Bike is counting on Sophie Von Berswordt and British rider Imogen Wolff. Anna Kay is also in the running, on behalf of Cyclocross Reds

Top favorite: Sanne Cant (Crelan-Corendon)
Outsiders: Marion Norbert Riberolle (Crelan-Corendon) and Lauren Molengraaf (Charles Liegeois Roastery)
Long shots: Julie Brouwers (Charles Liegeois Roastery), Yara Kastelijn (Fenix-Deceuninck) and Jamie de Beer (Heizomat)

Mathieu van der Poel made his rather majestic return to cyclo-cross last week, and with a few wins already under his belt, he immediately established himself as the favorite for the Azencross in Loenhout. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider won this event last season and will once again draw crowds eager to see the world champion in action. If we know anything about Van der Poel, it's that we can expect a thrilling performance from him.

This year’s Loenhout will be marked by the first showdown of the season between Van der Poel and his Visma | Lease a Bike rival, Wout van Aert. Van Aert had to call in sick for Monday’s race in Mol, but has recovered in time for Loenhout and will be racing there. Van Aert will ride a total of five cyclo-cross events and sees his cross campaign primarily as a prelude to the road, but we are nonetheless curious to see what kind of form he can show in Loenhout.

Not all top riders will be present in Loenhout, but the organizers have still managed to assemble an impressive field. Thibau Nys will represent Baloise Trek Lions, while Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal has chosen to let both Eli Iserbyt and Michael Vanthourenhout sit (or rather: rest) this one out. Other notable participants include Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Cameron Mason (Cyclocross Reds), Laurens Sweeck, and Toon Vandebosch (Crelan-Corendon).

Anyone else we'll need to keep an eye on? Absolutely. Jens Adams, Lander Loockx (TDT-Unibet), and Toon Aerts (Deschacht-Hens-FSP), for example. Road racers like Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) and Gianni Vermeersch (Alpecin-Deceuninck), who placed third last year, are also on the starting list.

Top favorite: Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
Outsiders: Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike) and Thibau Nys (Lidl-Trek)
Long shots: Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Laurens Sweeck (Crelan-Corendon) and Toon Aerts (Deschacht-Hens-FSP)

The Azencross in Loenhout will be broadcast live from 1:40 PM local time (7:40 AM EST) on Eurosport 1, HBO Max, and Discovery+. The men’s race will begin at 2:55 PM local time (8:55 AM EST). Sporza will also air coverage, starting slightly earlier, at around 1:30 PM (7:30 AM EST).