Luxembourg, land of cyclo-cross
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Find out more about cyclo-cross
Providing the ideal playground for fans of the demanding sport of cyclo-cross, Luxembourg has a rich and dynamic sporting tradition that attracts amateurs and competitive athletes of all levels.
If there were any doubt remaining that Luxembourg is indeed a land of cyclo-cross, you’d only have to look at its history. Older readers will remember the bronze medal won by Claude Michely, a Luxembourg cyclist from Esch-sur-Alzette, at the cyclo-cross world championships in Munich in 1985. Coming in just 4 seconds behind Germany’s Klaus-Peter Thaler and 2 seconds behind Adrie van der Poel, father of Dutch cyclist Mathieu, Michely certainly helped shape the history of cyclo-cross in Luxembourg. Many other riders have, of course, followed in his footsteps, including Christine Majerus and Jempy Drucker.
The sport’s current stars include Loïc Bettendorff, Raphaël Kockelmann and Marie Schreiber, who had a successful start to the season winning the first two rounds of the French Cup in Nommay (C2) and then finishing a very respectable 3rd in Antwerp in the 1st round of the World Cup last November.
What is cyclo-cross?
Cyclo-cross is a discipline practised primarily in the autumn and winter months and on closed circuits of 2-3km. These courses combine sections of road, dirt tracks, grass and obstacles such as steps and barriers that must be tackled on foot. Cyclo-cross races are short, typically lasting around an hour, and require both endurance and technical skill.
Cyclo-cross bikes are designed to be lightweight and manoeuvrable. They have robust aluminium or carbon frames, raised geometry for better handling in tight corners, and disc brakes for effective braking power in any conditions. The tyres are notched and have a maximum cross-section of 33mm for better grip on muddy or slippery terrain. A mountain bike, by comparison, has wider tyres, front and rear suspension to absorb shocks and very wide handlebars.
An accessible sport
The sport of cyclo-cross is accessible to everyone. As soon as you can ride a bike, it’s easy enough to take to the track, and Luxembourg, with its vast natural spaces and 88,000 hectares of forest, is a fantastic playground for cyclo-cross enthusiasts. It’s also a great alternative to road cycling during the winter months. More specifically, there are also special cyclo-cross courses, notably in Cessange and Hesperange, which are among the best-known spots. They’re free to access, you just need to find some time to get there. The other option is to join one of the 36 clubs affiliated with the Fédération du Sport Cycliste Luxembourgeois (FSCL).
Luxembourg also regularly hosts cyclo-cross competitions, including international rounds such as the world championships, which have been held here five times now. These events attract enthusiasts, amateurs and competitors of all levels and provide a friendly and stimulating atmosphere in which to hone your skills. The races are an opportunity to gauge your performance, meet other enthusiasts and experience some pretty intense moments.
But equipment can be expensive
In terms of equipment, the bike, of course, represents the greatest expense. An entry-level bike will set you back between €800 and €1,000 and a more technically advanced option between €2,000 and €6,900. For the rest of the equipment (helmet, shoes, gloves, clothing) you’d be looking at between €300 and €500. This investment is essential in order to guarantee safety and performance in training sessions and at competitions, or even just on pleasure rides. If your budget won’t quite stretch to those sorts of figures, it’s worth checking out the secondhand market.
Some decide to go for a gravel bike, which is similar to a cyclo-cross bike and no less expensive but certainly more versatile. Its geometry is somewhere between that of a road bike and a mountain bike and it has hydraulic-disc brakes for reliability in any conditions. The tyres are also wider, generally between 35 and 42mm, ensuring better grip and improved shock absorption.
Health benefits
Whether you do it competitively or purely for leisure, cycling is good for your health in many ways, helping to improve lung capacity and strengthening the muscles and cardiovascular system. The benefits to our joints and mental health have also been highlighted by a number of health professionals. All of that while also discovering other aspects of our beautiful country.
By Jérémy Zabatta for Autotouring magazine no. 1 – 2025