It is one of the most famous and atypical cyclo-crosses on the calendar: the traditional dunes cyclo-cross – also called Flemish Duinencross – takes place this Friday January 3 in Koksijde. An event counting for the 6th round of the X2O Bathrooms Trophy…and which took place without Mathieu van der Poelstill suffering from ribs. Contested in fairly mild conditions, but on a course that was still difficult with numerous pedestrian and sandy sections, the race was first marked by a big collective fall at the first turn, then by the final victory of Laurens Sweeck ! Quickly alone in the lead with Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin-Deceuninck), the Belgian of the team Crelan-Corendon ended up overcoming the young 21-year-old Dutchman after more than an hour of effort to complete the eight laps of the circuit.
Video – Mathieu van der Poel withdrew from Koksijde
Eli Iserbyt only 6th but still in the lead overall
Winner just before the end of the year Super prestige de Diegem, Laurens Sweeck therefore continues its momentum and begins 2025 in the best possible way, this 5th success of the winter confirming its very good form at the moment after having been one of the only runners to be able to hang on (a little) Mathieu van der Poel on certain crosses. For Tibor Del Grossothis very good 2nd place gives him his very first podium on the Elite circuit and confirms his great potential. The podium is completed by the Belgian Toon Aerts (Deschacht – Hens – FSP), who crossed 52 seconds after the winner of the day. Only 6th at 1'40″, That is, Iserby (Pauwels Sauzen – Cibel Clémentines) nevertheless retains the overall lead with a margin of 2'48″ over Toon Aertstwo stages from the end of the competition.
