When non-Belgian people are asked about their experiences at Belgian cyclocross races, the two most often cited things are frites and the endless supply of beer. For me, there is one more thing that characterizes a Belgian cyclocross race: the music.
You get a wide variety of pumping euro pop, techno and something, that I can best describe as Belgium’s answer to the German Schrammelmusik. It is not the kind of music that I would normally choose to listen to and I find a few songs rather annoying. But when the cross season is over, and a few months in I’m starting to have withdrawal symptoms, I just listen to this playlist and it takes me back to those busy winter afternoons and all is good again.
Have I missed your favourite song? Is there a characteristic song in the US? Leave a comment with your favourites below!
For you viewing pleasure, I’ve linked a few videos of these songs, some of them are just too good not to be featured.
Christoff – Sweet Caroline
When I was trying to find this song on Spotify, it showed me the original version by Neil Diamond and actually, it was a really nice song. It’s incredible how widely this song has been bastardised since its release.
Willy Sommers – Laat de zon in je hart
For me, this is THE cross song and with its cheerful title (Let the sunshine into your heart), it makes me smile in the darkest moments of the off-season.
De Pitaboys – Waar is da feestje?
Not too surprisingly, this is a particularly popular song in the beer tents and it is an interesting sight as 5000 people shouts in unison: Where is the party? Here is the party!
3 comments
I have a fever, and the only cure is more COWBELL
Brilliant…… There’s just not enough Rene Schuurmans in the world. This is on the car stereo on the way to every cross race from now on.
Glad to hear you like it!
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