Facing an edition without cyclocross’s biggest box-office names, the organizers of the Superprestige race in Gullegem allowed themselves to think creatively — and ambitiously.
Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert and Thibau Nys (the new Big Three) were skipping the all race on Jan. 3, 2026. That meant ace director Stijn Tant said the event briefly explored whether one of road cycling’s biggest stars could fill the void. According to Sporza, that led to a casual chat entourage of reigning road world champion Tadej Pogačar.
Pogi ‘cross
It’s not a completely crazy idea. Pogačar has previously raced cyclocross in Slovenia and has often spoken about enjoying off-road riding. He’s also killed it in races like Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix. Plus, well, he’s pretty amazing in anything on two wheels.
Tadej Pogačar: ‘Mathieu van der Poel would lap me in cyclocross’
As Tant explained to Sporza, the organization went looking for someone who could give the race a unique profile despite the missing headliners. Because when the big names show up, so do the fans–and ticket revenue.
Calls made
That line of thinking prompted several phone calls, including outreach to Pogačar’s manager, Alex Carera. The discussions never progressed beyond exploratory talks. But Tant acknowledged that the organizers were prepared to pay some significant cashola to get the world champ there. (Although he wouldn’t be in the familiar rainbow jersey, since his bud van der Poel is currently king of ‘cross.
In the end, the timing proved impossible. Pogačar is scheduled to be at a training camp during the Gullegem weekend, and fitting a Belgian cyclocross into his programme was not realistic. As a result, the idea was shelved before any concrete agreements were reached.
The organizers have been known to be creative to make the race more than just a race. This season, the organizers are introducing a new Kuhstall area aimed at blending ‘cross with an après-ski-style atmosphere. The German word refers to a rustic, barn-style party area with a deliberately kitschy, loud, festive vibe. (Just what ‘cross needs…more drunken fans.)
And while Pogačar won’t be lining up this winter, Tant hinted — again via Sporza — that the door is not entirely closed. Contacts have been made, and the organizers see no reason not to keep dreaming for future editions.
And, knowing Pogi, it is only a matter of…
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