Zwarte Cross Open 2026
Info
Zwarte Cross Open 2026
What is the Zwarte Cross Open?
Since the very first edition in 1997, motocross has been an integral part of the Zwarte Cross. What once started as a playful race in the Achterhoek region has since grown into a world-class festival, welcoming no fewer than 277,000 visitors to Lichtenvoorde in 2025!
Innovation runs through the organization’s veins, and this was once again proven in 2024, when the motocross branch received a major update: the introduction of the Zwarte Cross Open.
Zwarte Cross Open — the name says it all: an open competition where riders can easily participate within their own class. This new format exceeded all expectations!
Awesome circuits such as Halle, Varsseveld, Reusel, Heerde, Delfzijl, and even Texel quickly filled the 2024 calendar. Hundreds of riders took their shot during the qualifiers, with a thrilling semifinal in Halle — a former Zwarte Cross location — as the highlight. The crowd clearly loved it, and the races were incredibly exciting.
The final at the Zwarte Cross itself was also a huge success. The competitors were more evenly matched than ever before, a direct result of the new qualification system.
Due to the overwhelming success of 2024, the program was further expanded in 2025. Clubs such as Axel, Emmen, Hummelo, and Valkenswaard joined in, ensuring every rider could count on sufficient practice time and two solid race heats.
More and more MON and Belgian riders joined the competition, partly thanks to the free one-day KNMV license for non-license holders.
In total, 280 riders made it to the final at the Zwarte Cross. During the festival, they — together with their families and friends — not only enjoyed great racing but also experienced the massive four-day festival surrounding it.
New classes, new opportunities in 2026
In 2025, the Classic classes also made their debut — for two-stroke machines built up to and including 2008. This proved to be a golden move: countless former racers took their helmets off the hook to give it one more go. Interest was so high that the semifinal in Halle had to be expanded into a two-day event.
And the momentum continues, because in 2026 the program will become even broader with four additional classes.
There will be more room for youth riders and for regional competitors.
Young riders aged 13 to 17 can compete in the Talenten 125cc class. Everyone is welcome, regardless of license type — as long as you fall within the age limit.
For riders without a racing license, there is the Regional Race class named StreekRace: local heroes from across the country can compete in the 125cc (from age 13), 250cc (from age 15), or the Open class (from age 16). MON license holders in the junior and senior categories are also allowed to enter.
In total, twelve classes will line up at the start of the Zwarte Cross Open in 2026.
With new clubs, a packed calendar, and plenty of motocross action, it promises to be another edition full of spectacle, mud, and wide-open throttle.
Check out the calendar and regulations — and join the action!
Calendar & Regulations
It’s here! The 2026 calendar.
Check out which classes race where and when.
- Make sure to also read the 2026 regulations via the link. Click here. You’ll find answers to almost all of your questions there.
- Online entry: Click Here
- No KNMV license? Click here to receive a free KNMV Daylicense.
Calendar per class:
50cc
Qualifying Race 1: April 5 – Reusel
Qualifying Race 2: May 9 – Texel
Semi-Final: June 13 – Halle
Final: July 17 – Zwarte Cross Festival – Lichtenvoorde
85cc
Qualifying Race 1: March 28 – Axel
Qualifying Race 2: April 11 – Lochem
Qualifying Race 3: May 10 – Hummelo
Qualifying Race 4: May 31 – Valkenswaard
Semi-Final: June 14 – Halle
Final: July 17 – Zwarte Cross Festival – Lichtenvoorde
Dames (Ladies)
Qualifying Race 1: March 7 – Boekel
Qualifying Race 2: April 12 – Lochem
Qualifying Race 3: May 9 – Texel
Qualifying Race 4: May 16 – Heerde
Qualifying Race 5: May 31 – Valkenswaard
Semi-Final: June 14 – Halle
Final: July 18 – Zwarte Cross Festival – Lichtenvoorde
125cc Talenten (125cc Talents)
Qualifying Race 1: March 28 – Axel
Qualifying Race 2: April 11 – Lochem
Qualifying Race 3: May 16 – Heerde
Qualifying Race 4: May 31 – Valkenswaard
Semi-Final: June 14 – Halle
Final: July 17 – Zwarte Cross Festival – Lichtenvoorde
Streekrace 125cc (Regional Race 125cc)
Qualifying Series 1, Race 1: March 28 – Axel
Qualifying Series 1, Race 2: April 5 – Reusel
Qualifying Series 1, Race 3: May 31 – Valkenswaard
Qualifying Series 2, Race 1: April 12 – Lochem
Qualifying Series 2, Race 2: April 18 – Hellendoorn
Qualifying Series 2, Race 3: May 10 – Hummelo
Qualifying Series 3, Race 1: May 9 – Texel
Qualifying Series 3, Race 2: May 16 – Heerde
Qualifying Series 3, Race 3: June 7 – Marum
Semi-Final: June 13 – Halle
Final: July 17 – Zwarte Cross Festival – Lichtenvoorde
Streek Race 250cc (Regional Race 250cc)
Qualifying Series 1, Race 1: March 7 – Boekel
Qualifying Series 1, Race 2: March 28 – Axel
Qualifying Series 1, Race 3: April 5 – Reusel
Qualifying Series 2, Race 1: April 12 – Lochem
Qualifying Series 2, Race 2: April 18 – Hellendoorn
Qualifying Series 2, Race 3: May 10 – Hummelo
Qualifying Series 3, Race 1: May 9 – Texel
Qualifying Series 3, Race 2: May 16 – Heerde
Qualifying Series 3, Race 3: June 7 – Marum
Semi-Final: June 13 – Halle
Final: July 18 – Zwarte Cross Festival – Lichtenvoorde
Streek Race Open (Regional Race Open)
Qualifying Series 1, Race 1: March 7 – Boekel
Qualifying Series 1, Race 2: March 28 – Axel
Qualifying Series 1, Race 3: April 5 – Reusel
Qualifying Series 2, Race 1: April 12 – Lochem
Qualifying Series 2, Race 2: April 18 – Hellendoorn
Qualifying Series 2, Race 3: May 10 – Hummelo
Qualifying Series 3, Race 1: May 9 – Texel
Qualifying Series 3, Race 2: May 16 – Heerde
Qualifying Series 3, Race 3: June 7 – Marum
Semi-Final: June 13 – Halle
Final: July 18 – Zwarte Cross Festival – Lichtenvoorde
Classic 125cc
Qualifying Race 1: April 5 – Reusel
Qualifying Race 2: April 12 – Lochem
Qualifying Race 3: May 9 – Texel
Qualifying Race 4: May 31 – Valkenswaard
Semi-Final: June 13 – Halle
Final: July 17 – Zwarte Cross Festival – Lichtenvoorde
Classic Open
Qualifying Race 1: March 28 – Axel
Qualifying Race 2: April 11 – Lochem
Qualifying Race 3: May 10 – Hummelo
Qualifying Race 4: May 31 – Valkenswaard
Semi-Final: June 13 – Halle
Final: July 18 – Zwarte Cross Festival – Lichtenvoorde
125cc Helden (125cc Heroes)
Qualification Opportunity 1: March 7 – Boekel
Qualification Opportunity 2: April 11 – Lochem
Qualification Opportunity 3: April 18 – Hellendoorn
Qualification Opportunity 4: June 7 – Marum
Semi-Final: June 14 – Halle
Final: July 19 – Zwarte Cross Festival – Lichtenvoorde
250cc Helden (250cc Heroes)
Qualification Opportunity 1: March 7 – Boekel
Qualification Opportunity 2: April 11 – Lochem
Qualification Opportunity 3: April 18 – Hellendoorn
Qualification Opportunity 4: June 7 – Marum
Semi-Final: June 14 – Halle
Final: July 19 – Zwarte Cross Festival – Lichtenvoorde
500cc Helden (500cc Heroes)
Qualification Opportunity 1: March 7 – Boekel
Qualification Opportunity 2: April 11 – Lochem
Qualification Opportunity 3: April 18 – Hellendoorn
Qualification Opportunity 4: June 7 – Marum
Semi-Final: June 14 – Halle
Final: July 19 – Zwarte Cross Festival – Lichtenvoorde
Results 2025
- Zwarte Cross Open Axel. Klik hier
- Zwarte Cross Open Emmen. Klik hier
- Zwarte Cross Open Varsseveld. Klik hier
- Zwarte Cross Open Reusel. Klik hier
- Zwarte Cross Open Hummelo. Klik hier
- Zwarte Cross Open Texel. Klik hier
- Zwarte Cross Open 1/4 finale, Delfzijl. Klik hier
- Zwarte Cross Open 1/4 finale, Heerde. Klik hier
- Zwarte Cross Open 1/4 finale, Valkenswaard. Klik hier
- Zwarte Cross Open 1/2 finale, Halle, dag 1. Klik hier
- Zwarte Cross Open 1/2 finale, Halle, dag 2. Klik hier
Finaleweekend:
Press
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