Cyclocross: The Ultimate Winter Sport - A Season of Thrills and Spills
Cyclocross: A Winter Tradition
Despite the rising popularity of gravel racing, cyclocross remains a beloved winter sport, and the anticipation is high as we await the return of stars like Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel to the off-road scene.
Your Guide to Cyclocross 2025-2026
Dive into the world of cyclocross with our comprehensive guide. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a curious newcomer, we've got you covered. From understanding the basics to knowing where and when to watch, we'll ensure you don't miss a moment of the action.
The World Cup Kickoff
Mark your calendars! The first World Cup round will ignite the series in Tábor on November 23, setting the stage for an exciting season.
Riders to Watch: Dominance and New Stars
In the women's category, world champion Fem van Empel has been the undisputed queen, but with her decision to prioritize her personal life, the door is open for fresh talent to shine. Lucinda Brand has already shown her return to form with consecutive victories, while Belgian champion Marion Norbert Riberolle and Italian Sara Casasola have also made their mark.
Across the Atlantic, Maghalie Rochette has dominated the Trek USCX series, with Lizzy Gunsalus hot on her heels. Keep an eye out for the comeback of Puck Pieterse and the return of Shirin van Anrooij, who has been recovering from iliac artery endofibrosis surgery.
Unfortunately, under-23 world champion Zoe Bäckstedt will miss the early part of the season due to a concussion sustained in a training crash.
On the men's side, Michael Vanthourenhout has claimed back-to-back wins in the Superprestige, while Thibau Nys took the X2O Trofee opener. Joris Nieuwenhuis also impressed with a win at the Rapencross. In the US, Andrew Strohmeyer and Eric Brunner have been trading wins in the Trek USCX series, while Thomas Mein has dominated the National Trophy series in Great Britain.
The Belgian contingent continues to dominate the UCI Rankings, with Vanthourenhout leading the way, followed by Toon Aerts and Eli Iserbyt. However, Iserbyt's season start has been delayed due to surgeries for a femoral artery issue. Other riders to watch include Niels Vandeputte, Laurens Sweeck, and Nys.
Keep an eye on Felipe Orts, the winner of the Nacht van Woerden, as well as Pim Ronhaar, Joran Wyseure, and Tibor del Grosso. And let's not forget Lars van der Haar, who will be retiring at the end of the season but is still a force to be reckoned with.
Schedules: A Global Tour
Get ready for a thrilling season with races across the globe. Swipe through the schedules for the UCI Cyclocross World Cup, Continental Championships, and World Championships, as well as the Superprestige Cyclocross, X2O Trofee, Exact Cross, and US Cyclocross series.
Cyclocross Stars: A Diverse Lineup
Meet the riders who will be battling it out for glory this season. From established stars to up-and-coming talent, this diverse lineup promises an exciting season. Get to know the riders, their teams, and their journeys as they take on the challenges of cyclocross.
Behind the Scenes: Laura Weislo's Story
Laura Weislo, our Managing Editor, brings a unique perspective to Cyclingnews. With a background in science and a passion for cycling, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As a former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura's expertise and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of our team.
Join the Conversation
Are you ready to dive into the world of cyclocross? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments! Who do you think will dominate this season? And what are your favorite memories from past cyclocross races?
