Riding the fastest lap in a cyclocross race is usually something only 'die-hard' fans care about, but from now on, it might become a goal in itself for some riders. This is all due to a new rule in the X2O Badkamers Trofee regulations.
This points classification over eight rounds is the only series that determines the overall winner based on time. The standings are thus compiled according to the riders’ finishing times, just like in a road stage race. Riders who do not participate in a round receive a five-minute penalty added to their time.
For the past few years, an intermediate sprint has been organized in each round of the points classification at the finish line at the end of the first lap. This will continue. The first three riders to cross there can earn 15, 10, and 5 bonus seconds respectively for the overall standings.
A special new element has been added this season. Riders can now also earn bonus seconds based on the fastest lap ridden. The starting lap is not counted. Like the intermediate sprint, the three riders with the fastest lap times in the race will earn 15, 10, and 5 bonus seconds for the overall classification.
On Saturday at the Koppenberg and Sunday at the Rapencross in Lokeren, these new rules will be used in competition for the first time. It will be interesting to see if this changes the race dynamics.
