Cyclo-cross Zonhoven

Cyclo-cross Zonhoven is globally renowned for taking place inside a massive, steep-sided sand quarry known as De Kuil van Zonhoven, or The Pit of Zonhoven. Riders are forced to plunge down incredibly steep sandy descents and immediately grind their way back up the slippery slopes. The deep, loose sand forces riders to dismount and run with their bikes on their shoulders constantly.

The inaugural edition of the Cyclo-cross Zonhoven was held in the year 1958. It has since grown into a staple event on the international cyclo-cross calendar. It traditionally takes place in October, right in the heart of the European cyclo-cross season.

Cyclo-cross Zonhoven is officially categorized as a UCI C1 event, which is the highest category just below the World Cup level. Because of its C1 status, it attracts the top professional cyclo-cross teams and elite riders. The race awards valuable points towards the UCI international rankings.

Because the course is dominated by deep, loose sand rather than thick mud, riders typically opt for file-tread or low-profile cyclo-cross tires. These specialized, narrow tires are designed to cut through the soft top layer of sand to find the firm, hard-packed dirt underneath. Wide, aggressive mud tires would only sink into the sand and cause the bike to bog down.