turbo Cross: A Night of Thrills and Celebrity Riders
The second edition of the Turbo Cross saw a dominant performance from former cycling stars Puck Moonen and Bas Tietema, who left the competition in their dust at the Superprestige event in Diegem. Influencer Samuel De Graef and skater Lore Bruggeman secured a respectable second place, while the duo of Josse Wester and Senne Knaven rounded out the podium.
The Superprestige in Diegem has been a staple in the cyclocross calendar for over two decades. While not known for its grueling terrain like the infamous Koppenberg, Namen, Koksijde, or Zonhoven, it distinguishes itself with its unique evening schedule. Adding to its allure, the organizers introduced a novel event last year: the Turbo Cross.
This innovative race, the brainchild of YouTuber Average Rob, who also participated, features a mix of influencers and celebrities. Held between the women’s and men’s elite races, the Turbo Cross has adopted a relay format, incorporating both male and female riders, a change from its inaugural edition.
The new concept proved immensely popular, attracting a star-studded lineup. Former cycling champions Bas Tietema and Puck Moonen, alongside Bert De Backer and Suzanne Verhoeven, Sporza commentator Ine Beyen, and popular youtubers like Enzo Knol and ACID, all lined up for the second Turbo Cross.
Moonen and Tietema Dominate the Field
The women kicked off the race, quickly separating the contenders from the pack. Moonen, a former cyclocross racer, made a strong start, though it was Suzanne Verhoeven who crossed the line first, handing off to her teammate. Moonen followed closely behind, setting the stage for a commanding performance.
A Night of Triumph at the Turbo Cross
The second edition of the Turbo Cross in Diegem proved to be a resounding success, captivating a massive crowd with thrilling racing and an electrifying atmosphere.Dutch duo Puck Moonen and Bas Tietema emerged victorious, dominating the competition and etching their names in the event’s history.
Tietema, a former rider for BMC Growth Team and Tour de Tietema-Unibet, showcased his prowess early on, swiftly establishing a commanding lead that he maintained throughout the race. His decisive victory, alongside Moonen, marked a remarkable achievement for the pair.
Trailing behind the triumphant duo were Belgian tandem Samuel De Graef and Lore Bruggeman, securing a respectable second place.Josse Wester and Senne Knaven rounded out the podium, finishing in third.
An Unexpected Victory
Both Moonen and Tietema expressed their delight and surprise at their victory in post-race interviews. Moonen, known for her playful demeanor, described the win as a dream come true, acknowledging the fierce competition and the technical demands of the race.
Tietema, who hadn’t anticipated a win, attributed his success to the race’s shorter format, which aligned perfectly with his current training regimen.
Both athletes were deeply impressed by the event’s vibrant atmosphere. Tietema highlighted the unique appeal of the Turbo Cross,drawing in a diverse crowd who might not typically attend cycling events. Moonen echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unifying power of the event, bringing people together for a night of excitement and camaraderie.
The Turbo Cross has quickly established itself as a must-attend event, attracting thousands of spectators and showcasing the thrilling world of cyclocross. With its unique format, electrifying atmosphere, and extraordinary field of competitors, the Turbo Cross is poised to continue its growth and solidify its place as a premier cycling event.
Turbo Cross 2024 Results:
- 🇳🇱/🇳🇱 Puck Moonen-Bas Tietema
- 🇧🇪/🇧🇪 Samuel De Graef-Lore Bruggeman
- 🇳🇱/🇧🇪 Josse Wester-Senne Knaven
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Turbo Cross Delivers Dazzling Debut Despite Familiar Faces on Top
The second edition of the Turbo Cross, an event birthed from the innovative mind of YouTuber Average Rob, once again delivered a thrilling spectacle at the Superprestige in Diegem. While former cycling stars Puck Moonen and Bas Tietema powered to a decisive victory, the event’s real triumph was it’s ability to blend competitive cycling with the star power of influencers and celebrities, creating a uniquely engaging experience for fans.
The Turbo Cross stands apart from its customary cyclocross counterparts. Held between the women’s and men’s elite races,this relay-format event,featuring mixed-gender teams,injects a playful energy into the otherwise serious atmosphere.
While the dominance of Moonen and Tietema, both veterans of the sport, may suggest a predictable outcome, this year’s event showcased a significant shift in format. The inclusion of a relay format, a departure from the inaugural edition, added a layer of strategic complexity, visibly testing the teamwork and adaptability of the competing duos.
The presence of social media influencers like Samuel De Graef and skater Lore Bruggeman, who secured a commendable second place finish, further highlights the Turbo Cross’s appeal beyond the hardcore cycling community. This strategic blend of established athletes and rising internet personalities broadens the sport’s reach, potentially inspiring a new generation of fans.
However, the Turbo Cross’s success should not overshadow the legacy of the Superprestige in Diegem itself. This event, a mainstay on the cyclocross calendar for over two decades, offers a unique allure with its distinctive evening schedule. While Diegem may not boast the same hardcore terrain as other iconic cyclocross venues, its charm lies in its ability to cultivate an atmosphere of festivity and inclusivity.
The Turbo cross, therefore, serves as a powerful complement to the Superprestige tradition. It’s a testament to the versatility of cyclocross, demonstrating its ability to evolve and engage a wider audience without compromising its competitive spirit. As the event continues to mature, it will be engaging to see how the Turbo Cross further innovates, attracting new faces while cementing its place as a highlight on the cyclocross calendar.
