The Turbo Cross is fast approaching, set to take place on December 30, 2024, as part of the Superprestige Diegem cyclocross event. This unique competition sees influencers and celebrities go head-to-head, racing in pairs, which promises to be both thrilling and entertaining for fans.
Organized by Average Rob, who is also participating, the Turbo Cross will feature some impressive pairings, ensuring a mix of talent and competitiveness. Among the participants, Rob teams up with popular influencer Elodie Gabias, known for her presence on various Flemish television shows, such as De Verraders and Huis Gemaak.
Another noteworthy duo is Arno The Kid, Average Rob's brother and fellow YouTuber, who will ride alongside singer Louise Goedefroy, the winner of The Voice van Flanders 2022. This combination of talents highlights the event's unique appeal, blending music and social media influence with the sporting world.
Initially, snooker player Luca Brecel, the reigning world champion from 2023, was slated to participate alongside Linde Merckpoel, who is both a television director at VRT and radio presenter on Studio Brussels. Unfortunately, Brecel had to withdraw due to illness; Merckpoel now partners with another world champion, Ward Lemmelijn, who has earned multiple titles in indoor rowing.
Studio Brussels is also represented by Nona Van Braeckel, who is set to partner with graphic designer Bavo Mortier, known for his behind-the-scenes work, making his first substantial appearance at this event.
Skateboarders Samuel De Graef and Lore Bruggeman, who also make vlogs about their sport, are certainly expected to handle the technical aspects of cyclocross quite well. Joining them will be DJ Hakim Chatar paired with Q Music presenter Jolien Roets, adding another layer of entertainment to the mix.
The Turbo Cross promises to be filled with surprises as well. For example, Michael Amani, another DJ, pairs with Julie Vermeire, known as the champion of Danse avec les stars back in 2019, potentially drawing attention from fans of both music and dance.
Among the sports figures, retired 400-meter athlete Jonathan Borlée teams up with personal trainer and psychologist Gudrun Hespel, ensuring Borlée is motivated by his experienced partner during the race.
Other dynamic duos include Thomas De Smet and Nona ‘t Jolle, both familiar faces on the children's channel Ketnet. Commentator Ine Beyen will also feature as part of the competition, riding with online creator Ender Scholtens.
Former cyclist and cycling analyst Bert De Backer will man the track with Sporza colleague Mercedes Vandenbroucke, creating another compelling pairing. Adding to the developer group of YouTube influencers are Timon Verbeeck and Sophie Langeveld, both of whom are expected to draw fans due to their social media presence.
The list goes on, with notable influencers such as Jef Desplenter teaming up with former racer Suzanne Verhoeven, who recently departed from the competitive scene at the Sluitingsprijs Oostmalle. This event will still house many recognizably talented athletes, including Senne Knaven, former cyclist, who pairs with Josse Wester from Tour de Tietema.
Other participants include Devin van der Wiel and Laura van den Hengel, with the former joining forces with his own influential identity, Bas Tietema. Lastly, Julie Sabbe, known for her vintage clothing influence, partners with Lawrence Naesen, who has transitioned to individual cycling after years competing at the WorldTour level.
Pushing the boundaries of traditional cyclocross, the Turbo Cross also features real-life couples competing, such as influencers Kobe Peeters and Jaël Ost, and YouTubers Enzo Knol and Myron Koops, who have previously made waves on social media channels.
The excitement continues with Acid and Clémentine Caron, who have risen to fame via their YouTube channels, showcasing the blending of digital stardom with sporting excellence.
All eyes will certainly be on the Turbo Cross when it starts at 19:30. Fans can tune in to watch the live broadcast on Sporza, which will also be supplemented with streaming on YouTube, creating accessible viewing for everyone interested. With so many diverse talents joining forces for this event, one thing is for sure: the Turbo Cross is set to be one for the books!