The thrill of winter cycling just got a whole lot more intense—imagine battling through mud, snow, and steep obstacles on two wheels, all while chasing glory in the off-road world of cyclocross during the 2025-2026 season. But here's where it gets controversial: With gravel racing stealing the spotlight, is cyclocross still the king of winter sports, or is it time for a change? Stick around to discover why fans can't get enough of this gritty discipline, even as newcomers challenge its throne.
Cyclocross, often called 'cross for short, is a unique cycling sport that combines road racing with off-road adventures. Picture this: Riders pedal on a mix of paved paths, grass fields, and muddy trails, jumping over barriers, running with their bikes, and tackling sand pits—think of it as a tough, high-energy workout that tests speed, strength, and strategy. For beginners, it's like mountain biking meets a cross-country run, but on lightweight bikes designed for quick shifts between riding and carrying. Despite the rise of gravel racing, which focuses on longer, smoother dirt roads without the intense barriers, cyclocross remains hugely popular worldwide. It's that unbeatable winter vibe—when the chill sets in and cyclists swap smooth roads for chaotic courses that turn every race into an unpredictable adventure.
And this is the part most people miss: Cyclocross isn't just about the big stars like Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel kicking off their off-season thrills. Fans worldwide tune in eagerly, wondering when these Belgian powerhouses will hit the dirt again. If you're new to the scene and scratching your head, don't worry—our in-depth guide on watching the 2025-2026 season (complete with TV schedules and streaming options) has you covered, while a beginner's explainer dives into the rules, history, and why it's so addictive.
The season kicks off with the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Tábor, Czech Republic, on November 23, setting the stage for months of mud-caked excitement. But let's talk riders—who's poised to shine now that the landscape is shifting?
On the women's side, Fem van Empel has been an absolute force, dominating fields and even celebrating her 50th victory at the Exact Cross in Heerderstrand with a clever, handmade sign tucked into her kit. Yet, she's stepped back to savor life beyond racing, hinting at retirement thoughts during a recent six-month break. This opens the door for fresh talent—Lucinda Brand, for instance, roared back with double wins in the X2O Trofee's Koppenbergcross and Rapencross, proving she's regained her peak form. Belgian champion Marion Norbert Riberolle claimed the Superprestige opener in Ruddervoorde, while Italian Sara Casasola triumphed in Overijse. Across the Atlantic, Maghalie Rochette has dominated the Trek USCX series, snagging seven out of eight races, with Lizzy Gunsalus racking up five wins in non-series events. And keep an eye on Puck Pieterse, who returns in Namur on December 15, and Shirin van Anrooij, recovering from iliac artery endofibrosis surgery—she'll likely start in December too. Unfortunately, under-23 world champion Zoe Bäckstedt is sidelined after a training crash that caused a concussion, delaying her season debut.
Now, for the men, Michael Vanthourenhout leads the Superprestige with consecutive victories, while Thibau Nys took the X2O Trofee opener in Koppenbergcross, despite frustrating crashes and bike issues the next day. Joris Nieuwenhuis won the Rapencross. In the US, Andrew Strohmeyer and Eric Brunner are battling fiercely in the Trek USCX, each with four wins to their name. Over in Great Britain, Thomas Mein is crushing the National Trophy series and secured two Hope Supercross races. Belgians still rule the UCI Rankings, with Vanthourenhout atop, followed by Toon Aerts and Eli Iserbyt—though Iserbyt's grappling with femoral artery complications from multiple surgeries, keeping him out until later. Watch for Niels Vandeputte, Laurens Sweeck, and Nys as well. Don't overlook Spaniard Felipe Orts, who won the Nacht van Woerden, or Pim Ronhaar, Joran Wyseure, and Tibor del Grosso. And here's a bittersweet note: Lars van der Haar is retiring after a stellar career at season's end, but he'll still be contending at the front until then.
But wait—does this Belgian dominance spark debate? Some argue it's a sign of superior training, while others wonder if the sport needs more global diversity to stay fresh. What do you think: Is it fair that a handful of nations monopolize the podium, or does it add to the intrigue?
Speaking of schedules, here's a closer look at the key dates to mark on your calendar. The UCI Cyclocross World Cup, Continental, and World Championships span from November through February, starting with the Pan-American Championships in Washington, US, on November 8, 2025, and culminating in the World Championships in Hulst, Netherlands, on February 1, 2026. The Superprestige series features eight races, mostly in Belgium, kicking off October 19, 2025, in Ruddervoorde. X2O Trofee has nine events, also Belgium-heavy, beginning November 1. Exact Cross offers seven races across Belgium and the Netherlands, starting October 4. And for US fans, the cyclocross scene erupts early with events like Thunder Cross on September 6-7, Trek USCX throughout September-October, and the USA National Championships on December 13, 2025.
To give you a fuller picture, let's expand on what makes these races special. For example, the Koppenbergcross in the X2O Trofee is legendary for its brutal climbs and cobbled sections—think of it as a mini Tour de France stage but on bikes, where riders might dismount and run to conquer the hill. This adds that extra layer of strategy, making every lap a mental chess game as well as a physical grind.
Finally, the 2025-2026 Pro Cyclocross Riders list showcases talent from around the globe, with teams like Baloise Glowi Lions, Pauwels Sauzen-Cibel Clementines, and US-based squads like Competitive Edge Racing. Names to remember include Valentin Remondet, Louis Sparfel, and Amandine Vidon from Ardennes Cross Team Gecibat; Lucinda Brand, Shirin van Anrooij, and Lars van der Haar from Baloise Glowi Lions; and stars like Eli Iserbyt and Michael Vanthourenhout from Pauwels Sauzen. This diverse roster includes riders from France, Belgium, Netherlands, Slovakia, Italy, USA, Canada, and more, highlighting how cyclocross is truly international.
Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.
So, with all this buzz, who do you predict will rise to the top in a post-van Empel era? And is cyclocross evolving too slowly compared to gravel's growth? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear if you agree or disagree!
