The Christmas block of racing rolls on with the Superprestige Gullegem on Saturday 3 January 2026. This West Flemish round has quietly established itself as a reliable source of unpredictable racing, and this year’s edition looks particularly open.
With Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert and Thibau Nys all absent, Gullegem becomes a rare Superprestige round where no single rider starts as an overwhelming reference point. That shifts the focus towards depth, consistency, and the ability to manage a race that is unlikely to be blown apart early.
Key information
- Event: Superprestige Gullegem
- Date: Saturday 3 January 2026
- Location: Gullegem, Belgium
What is at stake at the Superprestige Gullegem?
Gullegem is a classic West Flemish park cross. It lacks the iconic climbs of Gavere or the deep sand of Mol, but it compensates with constant changes of rhythm, artificial obstacles, and a layout that rewards riders who can stay efficient rather than explosive.
In the men’s race, the absence of the sport’s biggest names creates an unusually level playing field. Joran Wyseure arrives with momentum after strong rides over the festive period and looks ready to convert consistency into a result. Michael Vanthourenhout and Niels Vandeputte both bring experience and form, and neither will be unhappy with a race that is expected to remain compact for a long time.
Joris Nieuwenhuis and Mees Hendrikx add a Dutch dimension to the contest. Nieuwenhuis appears to be regaining confidence after recent physical issues, while Hendrikx has quietly become one of the most reliable top-10 riders of the winter. If the race turns tactical, both are capable of profiting.
The women’s race is similarly open. Lucinda Brand and Puck Pieterse are not on the start list, which removes the usual hierarchy. Amandine Fouquenet steps into the role of reference rider after her strong sequence of results in recent weeks, particularly on circuits that reward sustained tempo rather than pure power.
Aniek van Alphen remains a key figure, even if her form has dipped slightly since her earlier winter peak. Kristýna Zemanová has impressed throughout the festive period and continues to look increasingly comfortable on Belgian courses, while Zoe Backstedt appears to be building again after a quieter start to the block. Marion Norbert Riberolle and Inge van der Heijden round out a group of riders who could all realistically finish on the podium if the race unfolds in their favour.
How can you watch the Superprestige Gullegem in the UK?
Viewers in the UK can watch the Superprestige Gullegem via Warner Bros. Discovery platforms.
TNT Sports may show live coverage, while Discovery+ will stream both elite races online.
How can you watch the Superprestige Gullegem in Belgium?
Belgian viewers have several live options.
The races will be shown live via PlaySports (Telenet) and Pickx+ Sports 1 (Proximus). In addition, Eurosport 1 will broadcast the event, with streaming also available via HBO Max.
How can you watch the Superprestige Gullegem across Europe?
Across mainland Europe, Eurosport 1 will carry live coverage in multiple territories.
Streaming is also available through HBO Max in selected countries, depending on local broadcast rights.
How can you watch the Superprestige Gullegem in North America and Australia?
In the United States, the Superprestige Gullegem is available via HBO Max.
In Canada, FloBikes holds the broadcast rights.
There is no confirmed coverage in Australia.
Is there a free live stream for the Superprestige Gullegem?
There is no confirmed free live stream outside Belgium. Availability depends on local broadcast agreements and geo-restrictions.
What time do the races start at the Superprestige Gullegem?
All times listed below are GMT.
- Women Elite starts at 12:15
- Men Elite starts at 13:45
Broadcasters may begin coverage shortly before the scheduled start times.
