Why Heusden-Zolder suddenly hosts on Christmas Day and expects to succeed

The Heusden-Zolder cyclocross used to take place every year on Boxing Day, but that will change starting next cyclocross season. Organizer Golazo has decided, after 'thorough research,' to move the race to Christmas Day.

"We conducted a lot of research and it turns out that December 24th (Christmas Eve, ed.) is a no-go for many people," explains Christophe Impens, managing director at Golazo, in an interview with WielerFlits. "That evening is a family night for many, as preparations are often made for the Christmas celebration. Moreover, some people still have to work then."

"However, December 25th is, for many people, a bit of a – quote-unquote – lost day. People go for walks, but it's less of a family celebration. We believe that a Christmas Day cyclocross could catch on."

"It was always the tradition to hold the Heusden-Zolder race on Boxing Day, but it’s a well-thought-out strategy to now schedule the race on Christmas Day. That might actually be nice for people in the region to celebrate Christmas Day at the cyclocross," concludes Impens.

More changes
The Telenet Superprestige – of which the Heusden-Zolder cyclocross is a part – will again consist of eight races next season (2026-2027), but the calendar will undergo some striking changes. The organizers describe it in a press release as a 'special year'. Riders can expect a Halloween cross, Sinterklaas cross, and Christmas cross next season.