Saturday, March 22nd is marked in many calendars. In the Zeeland town of Axel, the starting signal for the Zwarte Cross Open qualification series will sound. Once again, hundreds of riders are eager to prove themselves in this qualification battle and secure a spot in the final at the Zwarte Cross.
The success of the 2024 series called for more races in 2025. This is to offer all riders who dream of participating in the Zwarte Cross enough opportunities to race. Additionally, the series has been split into three regions: South, Central, and North. Riders are free to qualify wherever it suits them, but the Zwarte Cross aimed to distribute the races nicely across the country, which was made possible by the dedication of numerous fantastic motorcycle clubs!
Regional Qualifiers:
Date, Location, Classes:
• March 22nd, Axel, 85cc, 125cc Classic, Ladies, 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc.
• March 29th, Emmen, 85cc, 125cc Classic, Ladies, 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc.
• April 5th, Varsseveld, 85cc, 125cc Classic, Ladies, 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc.
• April 6th, Reusel, 50cc, Classic Open, Ladies, 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc.
• May 10th, Hummelo, 50cc, Classic Open, Ladies, 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc.
• May 11th, Texel, 50cc, Classic Open, Ladies, 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc.
In the busiest classes (Ladies, 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc), there will be three quarterfinals this year. Participants must race in the quarterfinals in the region where they qualified. If you qualified in Axel or Reusel, you must start in Valkenswaard on June 1st. If you qualified in Varsseveld or Hummelo, you must start in Heerde on May 31st, and finally, if you qualified in Emmen or Texel, you must start in Delfzijl on May 17th.
Quarterfinals:
• May 17th, North, Delfzijl, Ladies, 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc.
• May 31st, Central, Heerde, Ladies, 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc.
• June 1st, South, Valkenswaard, Ladies, 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc.
Shorter Qualification Series for Other Classes:
Participants in the 50cc (Calimero class), 85cc, Classic 125cc, and Classic Open will race in a shortened qualification series. Essentially the same as in 2024. They will have three races per class and only need to prove themselves in one regional race. After that, they go straight to the semi-final in Halle.
A Tribute to the Two-Stroke Machine in Two New Classes:
As you may have read, the two new classes are the Classic 125cc and Classic Open. Two true two-stroke classes, which is a grand tribute to the two-stroke machine. Machines up to the year 2008 are allowed. The success in the number of participants in the Classic Open class is so great that this class will also be added to the quarterfinals in Heerde and Valkenswaard. Extra tickets for the semi-final in Halle can be earned here.
Thus, there is an additional chance for Classic Open riders on Saturday, May 31st in Heerde, and Sunday, June 1st in Valkenswaard. Two top circuits where riders on these machines can really show what they’ve got.
Semi-Final in Halle Goes to Weekend Edition.
The success of 2024 also influenced the semi-final format. On Saturday, June 14th and Sunday, June 15th, the GP circuit in Halle will guarantee fantastic races in which the final tickets for the Zwarte Cross will be awarded. The best 60 riders per class will line up in Halle.
• Saturday, June 14th, Halle, 50cc, 85cc, Classic 125cc, and Classic Open.
• Sunday, June 15th, Halle, Ladies, 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc.
Again, free participation for MON riders.
Although the qualification races are held under the KNMV flag, there are no additional costs for MON riders. All MON license holders (training pass or entry pass) will receive a free day license.
65cc Big Wheel Riders Welcome in the 85cc Class.
2024 proved that several 65cc riders are fast enough to qualify in the 85cc class. Since the wheel size of a 65cc big wheel bike is the same as that of an 85cc small wheel bike, it has been decided to allow this class to join in. The minimum age of participants is 10 years old. Read all the details in the Zwarte Cross Open regulations at www.livingfortheweekend.mx.
First Race in Axel Immediately at Top Level.
In the Ladies’ class, there is still space, but all other classes are already heavily subscribed for the first race in Axel. In addition to the predominantly Dutch participation, it’s also striking how many Belgians are trying their luck in Axel. A beautiful development.
In the 500cc, the winner of 2024, Micha-Boy de Waal, will take the start. He will compete against, among others, Brent Aerden, Sven van der Mierden, Marnick Lagrou, Joël van Mechelen, and Loeka Thonies. Micha-Boy not only won the final last year but also the Semi-Final and Regional Qualification. A unique achievement! The best 30 will return in Valkenswaard on June 1st.
Raf Meuwissen, who scored a top-10 finish in the 500cc at the Zwarte Cross, will race in the 250cc this year. He will face Eric van Helvoirt, Levi Schrik, Rene de Jong, and many fast locals, including Bryan Nelis, Jordan-Lee van Maaren, and Mats Leeuwesteijn. The best 30 will return in Valkenswaard on June 1st.
In the 125cc class, fireworks are expected with riders like Wout van Beysterveldt (B), Damian Wedage (2024 Winner), Rizan Hartman, and the de Beer brothers (Ryan & Cody) competing alongside fast locals such as Max van de Ketterij, Lorenzo Reedijk, and 2024 club champion Djaylani Pijcke. The best 30 will return in Valkenswaard on June 1st.
In the 85cc class, world champion 65cc, Kash van Hamond, will gain experience in his new class. Thibo Vleugels and Ziggy Beke are coming from Belgium to compete for a qualification ticket, and Lennart Riewe is even coming all the way from Germany. Also, Scott van de Boomen, Jorg Daas, and Wes Strik will be at the starting line. The best 20 will return in Halle on June 14th.
In the Classic 125cc class, it remains to be seen who will make it to the top 20. Names like Volleberg, Verhoeven, De Coster, Hubers, van Dijk, and Wilms promise a great battle in this fantastic new class. The best 20 will return in Halle on June 14th.
Last but not least, the Ladies’ class. As mentioned, there are still a few spots available. On the Belgian side, there is great interest, with riders like Noa van Dyck, Ashley Albrecht, Toke Tops, and Nanou Vangenechten. Returning in 2025 will be riders like Shirley Verkade, Zoë Cobussen, and Demi Verploegh. The best 30 will return in Valkenswaard on June 1st.
Registrations are still open via link.
You can now view the additional regulations, including information about overnight stays and the schedule, via link.
