The 'Lion of Flanders' roars again: cycling legend Johan Museeuw to race the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 9 October 2025

Belgian cycling legend Johan Museeuw is back on the start line, and at a World Championship, no less. The “Lion of Flanders,” now nearing 60, appears on the entry list for the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships in Limburg, the Netherlands, this weekend.

What makes the Gravel Worlds unique is that professionals and amateurs compete side by side. Unlike traditional championships, which are limited to junior, U23 and elite categories, the UCI Gravel Worlds feature Elite and Age Group classes. Amateur riders (as well as some elite ones) can qualify by finishing in the top 25% at one of 33 UCI Gravel World Series events held throughout the year.

So while the likes of Tom Pidcock, Matej Mohorič, Marianne Vos and Kasia Niewiadoma will be chasing their own rainbow jerseys, so too will Johan Museeuw, proving that some riders never lose the thrill of racing.

Museeuw, a three-time winner of the Tour of Flanders, is set to compete in the 60–64 age group, which boasts a sizable field of 157 riders. The roads of Limburg should bring up fond memories for the Belgian, who won the Amstel Gold Race in this very region back in April 1994. At the time, he was the undisputed king of the cobbled classics. A rider whose power, resilience and race craft defined an era.

In addition to his Tour of Flanders victories, Museeuw also triumphed three times at Paris–Roubaix and claimed the rainbow jersey in 1996. His palmarès stretches far beyond those headline wins, with more than seventy professional victories and countless podiums in the hardest one-day races on the calendar. To this day, his mud-splattered image, pointing to his once-shattered knee after victory in Roubaix, remains one of cycling’s most enduring icons.

Gravel has long been the siren song that lures retired WorldTour riders back, and it appears Museeuw has heard it too. Whether he’s chasing a medal or simply savouring the ride, his presence adds a touch of history.

He won’t be the only legend on the start line, either. Other notable names taking the amateur qualification route include Alejandro Valverde, Greg Van Avermaet, Romain Bardet, and even Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Cycling Weekly's North American Editor, Anne-Marije Rook is old school. She holds a degree in journalism and started out as a newspaper reporter — in print! She can even be seen bringing a pen and notepad to the press conference.

Originally from the Netherlands, she grew up a bike commuter and didn't find bike racing until her early twenties when living in Seattle, Washington. Strengthened by the many miles spent darting around Seattle's hilly streets on a steel single speed, Rook's progression in the sport was a quick one. As she competed at the elite level, her journalism career followed, and soon, she became a full-time cycling journalist. She's now been a journalist for two decades, including 12 years in cycling.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.