Belgian Sports: A Look Ahead to 2025
The Belgian sporting landscape is brimming with exciting prospects for 2025. From cycling to table tennis, karate to volleyball, athletes are poised to make their mark on the international stage.
Cycling Stars Aim for Glory
Cian Uijtdebroeks,after a challenging 2024 plagued by a back injury,is set to make a strong comeback in 2025. While the Tour de France might be off the cards, the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España beckon, offering him the chance to secure a coveted top 10 finish. Meanwhile, Chloé Herbiet, fresh off an notable 2024 season, is gearing up for the European Road race Championships in Louvain. The WACO athlete, known for her discreet media presence, is resolute to make a statement and challenge the European elite.
Rising Stars and Established Champions
Tom Closset, the 18-year-old table tennis prodigy from Marneffe, continues to climb the ranks. Now a professional thanks to a contract with Sport Vlaanderen, Closset’s recent performances with Lille in Pro B and the European Cup highlight his immense potential.While reaching the world Top 100 might be a stretch for 2025, his trajectory suggests a bright future.Team Triumphs and Individual Achievements
The Bulldogs de Liège, fresh off their historic quadruple victory in 2023, face the daunting task of replicating their success. While repeating such a feat will be a monumental challenge,Oscar Delbrassine and his teammates are determined to maintain their dominance in Belgian ice hockey.
Mathis Caruso, a consistent performer on the international karate scene, is aiming for another medal in 2025. His bronze medal in team combat at the ESKA European Championships demonstrates his prowess, and his participation in the Euro JKA promises further opportunities for success.
Looking Ahead
2025 promises to be a year of thrilling competition and remarkable achievements for Belgian athletes. From established champions to rising stars, the nation’s sporting landscape is brimming with talent and ambition.
Belgian Athletes Poised for Success in 2024
The year 2024 promises to be an exciting one for Belgian athletes across various disciplines. From track and field to cycling and football, several individuals and teams are poised to make their mark on the international stage.
Track and Field Stars Aiming High
Ilona Masson, the talented triple jumper from Hannut, started 2024 strong, achieving a personal best of 13.55 meters, placing her third on the all-time Belgian indoor list. While her performance dipped slightly in the following months, experts believe she has the potential to surpass the 14-meter mark.
Meanwhile, climber Héloise Doumont made a triumphant return to the sport in 2024, culminating in a belgian championship title and an impressive eleventh-place finish in the World Cup event in Briançon. With this momentum, a top-10 finish in the World Cup seems within reach for 2025.
Cycling: A Rising Star and a Proven Champion
Young cyclist Thibaut Bernard from Cras-Avernas has been making waves on the international scene, securing five medals at the Belgian track cycling championships. His impressive performances earned him a spot on the Olympic team, and he is expected to shine at the upcoming European championships in Zolder.
Football: Stockay’s Ascent and Hamoir’s Struggle
In the world of football,Stockay has made history by reaching the new D1 ACFF,marking a notable milestone for regional football. Currently sitting in sixth place, they are well-positioned to qualify for the play-offs and potentially earn promotion to D1B.
Conversely, Hamoir is facing a challenging season. Relegated to D3B ACFF and currently at the bottom of the table, their recent parting with coach Raphaël Miceli has further complicated their situation, making a turnaround seem unlikely.
Huy-Waremme: A Club on the Rise
In the P1 league, the Huy-Waremme club is generating excitement. Momalle, a team within the club, is considered a strong contender for the championship title.
Regional Sports Predictions: A Look Ahead
The Huy-Warem region boasts a strong presence in provincial elite sports, with Wanze/Bas-oha leading the pack, followed by Faimes in second and Xhoris in fifth. It’s highly likely that a team from this area will claim victory at the end of the season.
Young Talent: Facing Challenges
While our region produces promising young athletes, their transition to professional levels has been met with hurdles. Martin Wasinski, a 20-year-old defender, secured a transfer to Schalke in Germany’s second Bundesliga. However, he has only seen ninety minutes of playing time this season and hasn’t been included in the first team since November. Similarly, Arnaud Dony is struggling to break into the lineup at Union, while Quentin benaets, despite performing well with Charleroi’s second team, hasn’t yet earned a chance in the Pro League.
Basketball: Hopes and Aspirations
Comblain’s basketball team, under the guidance of Ludo Humblet, is making strides but is unlikely to secure a spot in the Belgian D1 this year.however, with continued progress, 2026 holds promising possibilities.
The Huy women’s basketball team, after a heartbreaking loss in last year’s playoff finals, is determined to claim the championship in 2025. Their early exits from the Belgian Cup and AWBB Cup only fuel their desire for victory.
Thibaut Petit, a Waremmien athlete, achieved a remarkable feat in 2024, winning the Swiss cup, League Cup, championship, and Super Cup with Friborg. Given his team’s strong performance on the European stage, repeating this success in 2025 seems highly probable.
Ajay Mitchell, a local talent from Huy and Haneffe, has made an impressive leap to the NBA, drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the league’s top teams. After making his first start on December 29th, his future in the NBA looks bright.
Unluckily, Julia Franquin, a talented player from Namur, is unlikely to be selected for the Belgian Cats roster for the 2025 EuroBasket, which will be held in Bologna, Hamburg, brno, and Piraeus.
Motorsport: A Familiar Face on the Dakar Rally?
Jean-Marc Fortin and Overdrive Racing have become synonymous with the Dakar Rally. Will they return to the grueling race in the coming year? Only time will tell.
Belgian Motor Sports: Rising Stars and Seasoned Veterans
The world of motorsports is abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming season, and Belgian athletes are poised to make their mark.While some established names face new challenges, emerging talents are ready to seize their opportunities on the international stage.
Overdrive Faces a Dakar Dilemma
Overdrive Racing, a powerhouse in the Dakar Rally, is navigating a significant transition. The departure of Qatari rally legend Nasser Al-Attiyah in late 2024 has left a void in the team.With the Dakar set to commence on January 3rd, 2025, overdrive’s chances of securing another victory have diminished, making them a less likely contender for the coveted title.
Maxime Potty: A Rising Star on the International Scene
Maxime Potty, a young Belgian rally driver, is generating considerable excitement. His impressive victory as the youngest Belgian rally champion in November 2023, followed by a strong second-place finish behind Cédric Cherain a few weeks later, has solidified his position as a rising star. Now, Potty is ready to test his skills against international competition. his talent is undeniable, and many believe he has the potential to make a significant impact, particularly in neighboring France.
Barry Baltus: Navigating a Crucial Moto2 Season
Barry Baltus, a Moto2 rider from Waret-l’Évêque, is facing a pivotal year in his career. After a challenging 2024 season, Baltus is making a move from the RW Racing GP team to join fantic Racing. This transition comes at a critical juncture, as Baltus is entering what could be the most critically important season of his career. The pressure is mounting for the Belgian rider to finally unlock his full potential and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive Moto2 class.
Sarah Bovy: A Year of Triumphs on the Horizon
Sarah Bovy, a talented driver from Nandrin, is gearing up for a jam-packed 2025.While she won’t be competing in the WEC, Bovy will remain a key figure within the Iron Dames organization. Her schedule includes participation in the Asian Le Mans series, the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona, and a round in the European Le Mans Series. With such a demanding and diverse racing calendar,Bovy is poised for another year of success and is expected to be a frontrunner in every competition she enters.
Belgian Sports: A Nation on the Rise
The Belgian sporting landscape bristles with promise as we look ahead to 2025. From the road to the court, Belgian athletes are poised to make their mark, fueled by a potent mix of established talent and emerging stars.
cycling: A Race to the Podium
Cian Uijtdebroeks, recovering from a challenging 2024 marred by injury, sets his sights on the pursuit of glory at the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España in 2025. While the Tour de France may be off the cards this year, securing a prestigious top 10 finish in these challenging races is a realistic goal.
Chloé Herbiet, coming off a stellar 2024 season, turns her attention to the European Road Race Championships in Louvain. The WACO athlete,known for her quiet determination,is ready to challenge europe’s elite and make a bold statement.
Young Guns Aiming High:
Tom Closset, the prodigious 18-year-old table tennis talent from Marneffe, continues his ascent through the ranks. Now a professional thanks to a contract with Sport Vlaanderen, Closset’s recent success with Lille in pro B and the European Cup shows the immense potential within him.While reaching the world Top 100 in 2025 may be enterprising, his trajectory points to a bright future.
Dominant Teams Face the Challenge of Repeat Success:
The Bulldogs de Liège, fresh from their historic quadruple victory in 2023, face the daunting task of repeating their phenomenal success. While replicating such a feat will be a monumental challenge, Oscar Delbrassine and his teammates are resolute to maintain their dominance in Belgian ice hockey.
Individual Brilliance Shines Through:
Mathis Caruso, a rising force in the world of karate, eyes another medal in 2025. His bronze medal in team combat at the ESKA European Championships demonstrates his prowess, and his participation in the Euro JKA promises further opportunities for success.
From Local to global Stages:
The Huy-Waremme region pulsates with sporting talent. The region’s dominance in provincial elite sports is showcased by Wanze/Bas-oha leading the pack, followed closely by Faimes and Xhoris. A team from this area is a strong contender for the regional championship title.
While local talent faces challenges transitioning to professional levels,we see glimmers of hope.Martin wasinski, despite limited playing time at Schalke, continues to learn and grow in the competitive German Bundesliga. Similarly,Arnaud Dony and Quentin benaets strive for their chance to shine on the Pro League stage.
Ajay Mitchell, a local talent from Huy and Haneffe, has reached the pinnacle of basketball, landing with the oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. His impressive start, including his frist start on December 29th, paints a bright future for the young prodigy.
Heartbreak Fuels Determination:
The Huy women’s basketball team, after a heartbreakingly close loss in last year’s playoff finals, enters 2025 with a fire in their hearts. Their early exits from the belgian Cup and AWBB Cup onyl fuel their determination to claim the championship.
A Nation united By Sport:
With a diverse range of athletes pushing boundaries and chasing dreams, 2025 promises to be a year of thrilling competition and remarkable achievements for Belgian sport. The nation watches with anticipation, ready to celebrate its heroes on both the local and global stages.
