Erik De Vlaeminck: Cyclocross's Golden Era
Chapter 1

Steeplechase on wheels

Chapter 2

The Belgian heartland

Chapter 3

Crossing the Atlantic

Chapter 4

Modern machines and Olympic dreams

YOUR GOAL

Master of The history of cyclocross

Ch 2 · The Belgian heartland
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dave Erik De Vlaeminck and the golden era of dominance

Aug 20

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dave The Belgian Heartland

Mud on the tires, clearing the briars, chasing the steeples!

Aug 20

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dave The unique party atmosphere of Belgian race days

Aug 20

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The unique party atmosphere of Belgian race days

dave Cyclocross events in Belgium resemble giant winter festivals, complete with massive crowds, tents, and local delicacies.

Aug 20

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The legendary Koppenbergcross and its brutal cobblestones

dave The Koppenbergcross is one of the sport's most iconic and punishing races, featuring a legendary, bone-shattering climb.

Aug 20

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The Belgian heartland
BETA

dave Steer through muddy farm fields to discover how Belgium became the heartland of cyclocross.

Aug 20

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Fun Fact

Chainsaw fans: Belgian fans remove the chains from chainsaws to safely rev the engines and cheer on their favorite riders!

Aug 20

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Glossary
flanders (noun)
A Dutch-speaking region located in northern Belgium. Flemish racer Eric De Vlaeminck won seven world titles here between 1966 and 1973.

Aug 20

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Gossip

Which race snack sounds the absolute best on a cold day?

Aug 20

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Quiz

Which rider holds the all-time record of seven individual Men's Elite Cyclocross World Championship titles?

Aug 20

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dave The legendary Koppenbergcross and its brutal cobblestones

Aug 20

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Quiz

What tool do some enthusiastic Belgian fans modify to make noise at races by removing the cutting chain?

Aug 20

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dave Why Flanders became the spiritual home of cyclocross

Aug 20

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Quiz

What iconic Belgian climb features a brutal 22% gradient cobbled slope used in a major annual cyclocross race?

Aug 20

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Quiz

Why do Belgian farmers traditionally allow cyclocross races to cross their agricultural fields?

Aug 20

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Quiz

What fast food item is most famously consumed by thousands of spectators at Belgian cyclocross races?

Aug 20

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Quiz

What is the name of the prestigious, season-long Belgian cyclocross series founded in 1982?

Aug 20

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Quiz

Which Belgian region is considered the historic and cultural heartland of modern cyclocross?

Aug 20

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Quiz

What sound traditionally alerts cyclocross riders that they are starting their final lap?

Aug 20