De Verre Ginstecrossers


History
De Verre Ginstecrossers, is a Flemish motocross association from De Ginste, a hamlet in Oostrozebeke, West Flanders. The association was founded in the early 1960s, but the motocross history of the region dates back to the 1950s. Frans, Willy, and Frits Verbrugghe were brothers who started the association, along with Léon Vanluchene. Both the Verbrugghe brothers and Léon Vanluchene have nurtured three generations of motocross riders, some who are still actively competing today and have been a part of De Verre Ginstecrossers throughout the years.
A monument was placed in 2024 to commemorate the history and effect of the association at the roundabout in De Ginste, paying tribute to the motocross culture that De Verre Ginstecrossers brought, as well as to their champions.

Events

Every year, De Verre Ginstecrossers organize several motocross competitions, with sidecarcross playing a prominent role. The biggest event being the motocross weekend in August, which attracts around 500 riders and 5000 spectators annually. This event also serves as the provincial championship.
Other well-known races organized by the association include:
  • Recreational sidecar races, where amateur teams without a license get the chance to participate.
  • International sidecar races, where teams from different countries compete on the challenging track in Oostrozebeke.

Members

Over the years, many riders and co-pilots have represented De Verre Ginstecrossers in different motocross organisations and championships such as the Belgian, MCB,, & organisations, the French federation, The Dutch organisation, the European championship and the world championship. Below is an overview of some prominent members and their achievements:
  • Arne Dierckens – 2x Belgian champion, 4 GP-podiums
  • Bart Verbrugghe – 2x Belgian champion
  • Ben Vanluchene – 1x Belgian champion
  • Bert Soetaert – 3x Belgian champion
  • Bram Verbrugghe – 2x Belgian champion
  • Daen Valcke – 1x Belgian champion
  • Eduard Soenens – 3x Belgian champion
  • Frank Verbrugghe
  • Frans Verbrugghe
  • Frederic Van Der Voorden - 1x Belgian champion
  • Frits Verbrugghe - 1x Belgian champion
  • Gauthier Valcke – 1x Belgian champion
  • Geert Valcke
  • Jason Van Daele – 1x Belgian champion, 1 GP-podium, first person to backflip a sidecar
  • Joey Valcke – 3x Belgian champion
  • John Verbrugghe - 1x Belgian champion
  • Kenneth Dierckens – 5x Belgian champion
  • Kurt Dierckens
  • Léon Vanluchene – 1x Belgian champion
  • Marc Verbrugghe – 2x Belgian champion
  • Mathieu Verbrugghe
  • Marvin Vanluchene – 5x Belgian champion, 26 GP-podiums, 3x FIM World Champion
  • Olivier Valcke – 2x Belgian champion
  • Tom Verbrugghe – 1x Belgian champion
  • Willy Verbrugghe – 1x Belgian champion
  • Wim Verbrugghe – 1x Belgian champion
  • Yens Delmotte – 4x Belgian champion

Impact and significance

De Verre Ginstecrossers contribute to the promotion and growth of motorsport in Flanders, with a particular focus on the sidecar discipline. The club has played a key role in gaining recognition for sidecar motocross as a legitimate branch within motorsports. Through their annual events, they continue to inspire both young talents and experienced riders to participate in the sport.
The association also maintains a strong connection with the local community. The motocross weekend and other events attract not only motorsport enthusiasts but also local residents and fans from across the country.