2025 UCI Cyclocross World Championships Preview 🌈
The 2025 cyclocross world championships are here and it is set to be an epic editions, after one of the best cyclocross seasons in recent memory.
Location - Liévin, France 🇫🇷
The 2025 UCI Cyclocross World Championships will be held in Liévin, France, a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in Northern France. The town of Liévin is an old mining area of Pas-de-Calais, less than 5 miles from the city of Lens, and has a population of around 30,000.
Surprisingly, Liévin 2025 will be the first time since Pontchâteau 2004 that France has hosted the UCI Cyclocross World Championships. Considering that the discipline originated in France, courtesy of Daniel Gousseau who inspired the first cyclocross races, 21 years is a long time without hosting cyclocross’s biggest event. Based on French rounds of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in recent years, we can expect an epic atmosphere driven by a passionate crowd, and there is truly nothing like the World Championships in cycling. It is set to be another special weekend for sure with thrilling races to decide who will become World Champions and get to wear the iconic rainbow jersey.
Liévin has never previously hosted the UCI Cyclocross World Championships, but has hosted rounds of the World Cup in 3 previous editions (2005-06, 2007-08, and, 2011-12)
The last winners at Liévin in that 2011-2012 season were Zdeněk Štybar of the Czech Republic and Marianne Vos of the Netherlands, with Lars Van Der Haar winning the under 23 men’s and Mathieu van der Poel the junior men’s winner.
Who will be next to add their name to the roll call in Liévin on 1-2 February and become World Champion?
Dive into this preview to find out more.
Defending Champions 🌈 🏆
Junior Women - Célia Gery - France 🇫🇷
Junior Men - Stefano Viezzi - Italy 🇮🇹
Under 23 Women - Zoe Bäckstedt - Great Britain 🇬🇧
Under 23 Men - Tibor Del Grosso - Netherlands 🇳🇱
Elite Women - Fem Van Empel - Netherlands 🇳🇱
Elite Men - Mathieu van der Poel - Netherlands 🇳🇱
Last year’s world championships in Tábor, Czech Republic, were dominated by the Dutch who won both Elite races with Fem Van Empel and Mathieu van der Poel defending their titles, alongside Tibor Del Grosso who delivered a masterclass in the under-23 Men’s race, after finishing runner-up the previous year. We saw the emergence of two future stars in Célia Gery and Stefano Viezzi in the junior races, and Zoe Bäckstedt added yet another rainbow jersey to her stacked palmarès in the under-23 Women’s race.
Remarkably, Tábor was the only the second World Championships since 2011 where no Belgian rider came away with a rainbow jersey, with the previous time before coming during the Covid edition in Ostend in 2021. But in that edition, there were no junior races. The Belgians will be hoping that this is just a blip and they can get back to winning ways in Liévin this weekend.
UCI Cyclocross World Championships 2025 Liévin Schedule 🗓️
Thursday, 30 January 2025
Official training: 14:00 - 16:00 CET
Friday, 31 January 2025
Official training: 10:00 - 12:00 CET
Team Relay: 11:30 UK time, 12:30 CET
Official training: 14:00 - 16:00 CET
Saturday, 1 February 2025
Race times and start lists (when available):
Official training: 09:00 - 10:30 CET
Junior Women: 10:00 UK time, 11:00 CET
Official training: 11:45 - 12:30 CET
Men Under-23: 12:00 UK time, 13:00 CET
Official training: 14:00 - 14:30 CET
Elite Women: 14:00 UK time, 15:00 CET
Sunday, 2 February 2025
Race times and start lists (when available):
Official training: 09:00 - 10:30 CET
Junior Men: 10:00 UK time, 11:00 CET
Official training: 11:45 - 12:30 CET
Women Under-23: 12:00 UK time, 13:00 CET
Official training: 14:00 - 14:30 CET
Elite Men: 14:00 UK time, 15:00 CET
The Course
The course is 3.1km long and is predominantly made up of grass (2.25km), with sections of gravel (0.4km), and wooded area (0.13km), as well as the road straight at the start and end of each lap. It is very rarely flat, with plenty of undulations which will be made even more difficult by the severe rain in recent weeks. There will be practically no opportunities for rest, as the ground is set to be very thick and gloopy, meaning the riders will constantly need to push on the pedals. Staircases will also be a key feature in the second half of the course, two sets, one with 10 steps and the other with 14, as well as the course’s cambered banks. The second half features longer, straighter sections which will be all about power.
Belgian national team coach Angelo De Clercq speaking to Het Laatse Nieuws stated that “The lap is not super technical and the bends are long, it will be a test of strength for riders with a lot of substance.” De Clercq went on to state the name who he believes could be best suited to challenge clear favourite Mathieu van der Poel on this course, “When I saw the course, I immediately thought of Michael Vanthourenhout, for whom this is tailor-made.”
“It’s a very physical circuit, both in terms of the gradient and the linear sections that allow you to pick up speed,” describes France’s national coach François Trarieux.
Due to the bad weather over the last few days as previously mentioned, the circuit is already swampy and very muddy. This will favour certain riders who have shown time and time again that they thrive on hard muddy courses.
Ultimately, this will likely be a course for the powerhouses.
Here are some images, courtesy of Sporza.
Race Previews
Junior Women 🚴♀️ - Race time estimation - 40 minutes ⏱️
2024 Podium 🏆🌈
Célia Gery 🇫🇷
Cat Ferguson 🇬🇧
Viktória Chladoňová 🇸🇰
Here are some of the contenders for the Junior Women’s Race:
Standout Contenders
Rafaelle Carrier - Canada 🇨🇦
Rafaelle Carrier has had a remarkable season in Europe, becoming the first ever Canadian to win the general classification of the World Cup in any category.
The junior Canadian champion had some big wins along the way in Hulst and Zonhoven, and this will give Carrier all the confidence she needs that the rainbow jersey is a realistic ambition this weekend.
With the Holmgren sisters emerging as top talents, Carrier is the next rider to break through, and we could well see a 2nd Canadian become the junior women’s world champion in the space of just 3 editions.
Lise Revol - France 🇫🇷
A lot of French hope will be placed onto Lise Revol’s shoulders heading into this weekend, despite the youngster still only being a first-year junior.
This is because the junior French champion has had a brilliant season, showing maturity beyond her years, and taking some impressive wins in the World Cup in Besançon and Benidorm.
As a result, Revol finished 2nd in the World Cup standings and will have the backing of a lot of supporters this weekend in France, as they hope to claim her as the first French world champion in this category.
Barbora Bukovská - Czechia 🇨🇿
Winner in Hoogerheide last weekend, Barbora Bukovská is in great form right now and will be a major contender for the win in Liévin.
The Czech rider finished 3rd in the World Cup standings and despite being a first year junior, will have a great shot at victory this weekend.
Ones to Watch
Lison Desprez - France 🇫🇷
Along with Lise Revol, Lison Desprez will be extremely motivated for a home worlds after a brilliant season. Desprez finished on the podium in 4 rounds of the World Cup, narrowly missing out on the general classification, finishing in 4th, despite missing two rounds. The French rider missed the last two rounds because Desprez crashed out in Benidorm and injured her ankle.
Therefore, it remains to be seen if she will be 100%, but no doubt the crowd will help the French rider get through the race, regardless of any pain and suffering.
Mae Cabaca - Netherlands 🇳🇱
The Dutch rider finished 6th in the World Cup standings, showing good levels of consistency across the season. However, it is recent weeks that will make the Dutch fans even more excited after Cabaca finished 3rd in Benidorm, followed by 2nd in Hoogerheide a week later.
Confidence will be high for Cabaca, who was a podium contender already, but now perhaps the Dutch rider can dream higher and land her first win of the season in the biggest race of them all.
Lidia Cusack - United States of America 🇺🇸
Lidia Cusack will represent the Stars and Stripes flag, and will very likely be in battle at the front of the race. Cusack finished 5th in the World Cup standings, and will have a good chance of a top 5 finish this weekend, and a shot at the podium too.
Giorgia Pellizotti - Italy 🇮🇹
Pellizotti finished in the top 10 of every World Cup race she started this season, resulting in an 8th place in the general classification.
The Italian also finished 3rd in the European championships back in November, and will be hoping to replicate that performance this weekend.
Anja Grossmann - Switzerland 🇨🇭
The Swiss rider rode the race of her life back in November to become European champion.
Being Swiss champion as well, Anja Grossmann has proven her ability to perform in championship races, and after finishing 10th in the World Cup standings, could be eyeing up a podium finish.
Junior Men 🚴♂️ - Race time estimation - 40 minutes ⏱️
2024 Podium 🏆🌈
Stefano Viezzi 🇮🇹
Keije Solen 🇳🇱
Kryštof Bažant 🇨🇿
Here are some of the contenders for the Junior Men’s Race:
Standout Contenders
Mattia Agostinacchio - Italy 🇮🇹
Arguably the most talented and exciting junior rider right now is European champion Mattia Agostinacchio. The Italian is a stylish rider who thrives on both fast and technical courses, making him an all-rounder in the cross field.
As well as his European title, Agostinacchio has also won two rounds of the World Cup in Zonhoven and Benidorm, as well as victories in Namur and Koksijde.
He had a bad day in his last outing in Hoogerheide, and this cost him the World Cup general classification, but make no mistake about it, Agostinacchio is a major contender for the Junior Men’s race this weekend.
Soren Bruyère Joumard - France 🇫🇷
Joumard is only the 2nd ever rider to have won the UCI junior World Cup classification as a first-year junior, with Mathieu van der Poel accomplishing this feat back in 2012. Showing brilliant levels of consistency at a young age is a very impressive and bodes well for Joumard in both the present and future.
In a home world championships, Joumard will have the support of the crowd and is arguably the favourite to take the world title despite only being a first-year junior.
Arthur Van Der Boer - Belgium 🇧🇪
The Belgian champion will be licking his lips at the prospect of becoming the first junior world champion from his homeland since Thibau Nys in 2020.
With 8 victories this season, Van Der Boer knows the winning feeling and will be optimistic that either he or one of his teammates can replicate that success on Liévin this weekend.
The only thing going against the Belgian is the fact he did not win a round of the World Cup, with his best performance being a 2nd place finish in Besançon.
Ones to Watch
Théophille Vassal - France 🇫🇷
Another French rider who performed solidly in the World Cup, with plenty of top 10 finishes, Vassal is the sort of rider who could rise up to the occasion this weekend, being a home rider.
Vassal has also dominated the Coupe de France de Cyclo-Cross, winning 4 rounds, beating Joumard and some very talented other riders in the process.
He did finish 6th last year, which is better than all but one rider on the start list of the junior race this year, so this experience could help him.
Whilst not being as high a ranked rider as most of the others on this list, we have seen plenty of times in junior world championships that home riders can have a standout day, and it could be the turn of Vassal.
Giel Lejeune - Belgium 🇧🇪
Born in 2008, the same year Arnaud Jouffroy beat a certain Peter Sagan in a sprint finish to become junior world champion, Belgian rider Giel Lejeune is still only 16 years old.
Despite his ridiculously young age, Lejeune is arguably one of the most likely of a strong Belgian squad to take the rainbows in Liévin.
The Belgian has had some big wins this season, including the World Cup in Hulst, as well as Superprestige rounds in Niel and Merksplas. He finished 3rd overall in the junior World Cup standings showing his consistency.
Mats Vanden Eynde - Belgium 🇧🇪
Part of a talented crop of Belgians, Mats Vanden Eynde is yet another rider who will be in the mix this weekend.
2nd in Hoogerheide will give the Belgian the confidence that he is arriving at the worlds in top form, and along with his Belgian teammates, he can make waves in race this weekend.
Michiel Mouris - Netherlands 🇳🇱
The Dutch champion Mouris will lead the Orange charge in the junior race after a solid season which saw him saw him take national title, as well as the Superprestige in Gullegem.
7th last year in the world championships, Mouris hasn't had a stand out year in the World Cup series this season.
Mouris has shown, however, that he can compete with the best on his day, with a 3rd at Zonhoven, however this was the only time this season he cracked the top 10 in this series.
Cas Timmermans - Netherlands 🇳🇱
Timmermans has been solid in the World Cup and super consistent, finishing in the top 10 in every race he started this season. He came close on many occasions to a World Cup podium, but ultimately missed out.
If he has a storming day this weekend, Timmermans may finally be able to crack the podium in the top level of junior racing.
Benjamín Noval Suarez - Spain 🇪🇸
One of the youngest riders on the start list in Spanish talent Benjamín Noval. Perhaps inspired by the brilliant Felipe Orts, Noval has excelled in the World Cup, as well as dominating races back home.
Performances in the World Cup such as 2nd at Zonhoven as well as 4th in Benidorm and Dublin, will give the Spanish champion the belief he can finish on the podium.
Valentin Hofer - Austria 🇦🇹
It is great to see the Austrian be competitive in the junior ranks this season, as Austria is not a nation typically associated with producing top cyclocross riders.
Hofer is here to do a lot more than just make up the numbers, as the Austrian is a definite podium contender and even an outsider to take the win.
He narrowly missed out at the European championships in Spain, finishing 2nd behind Agostinacchio, proving he is capable of delivering a big performance in championship races.
Partik Pezzo Rosola - Italy 🇮🇹
The Italian became national champion a few weeks back, and followed this up with 3rd in Hoogerheide last weekend.
Whilst everyone is watching Agostinacchio, this Italian rider could be one that goes under the radar.
Filippo Grigolini 🇮🇹
Grigolini should have little pressure on his shoulders considering he is still a first year junior.
Could be a contender for a top 5 if things go to plan.
Kryštof Bažant - Czechia 🇨🇿
The Czech rider finished 3rd last year in his home world championships as a first-year junior.
He has had a more limited season than many of his rivals with only 11 race days, but he did win in 6 of those. We have only seen him finish two rounds of the World Cup (started 3), so it is hard to gauge how he will perform when all of the top junior riders are in attendance.
However, Bažant is almost like a wildcard rider heading into this weekend, who is capable of pretty much anything.
Benedikt Benz - Germany 🇩🇪
The German champion caused a big upset last weekend to take the victory in the World Cup at Hoogerheide, only his first top 10 in that series this season.
Benz has won his last 3 races and therefore will be buzzing with confidence heading into the weekend. A confident rider is a dangerous rider, so who knows what the German is capable of in Liévin.
Oscar Amey - Great Britain 🇬🇧
Oscar Amey has given a very good account of himself so far this season and will be optimistic heading into the world championships.
The British champion has finished in the top 10 of every race he has finished so far this season, including some top results, such as 3rd in the World Cup round in Bescançon and 4th in Diegem.
He will be a contender for the podium, on a muddy course suiting his skillset.
U23 Women 🚴♀️ - Race time estimation - 45 minutes ⏱️
2024 Podium 🏆🌈
Zoe Bäckstedt 🇬🇧
Kristýna Zemanova 🇨🇿
Leonie Bentveld 🇳🇱
Zoe Bäckstedt is the strong favourite to defend her title, and add to her growing list of rainbow jerseys. Marie Schreiber will likely be her closest challenger as long as she is recovered from an injury suffered at Maasmechelen. The Holmgren sisters, Isabella and Ava, are two of the most talented riders in the sport right now, and will be in the mix too.
There is also talented crop of riders who’ve stepped up from the juniors including Viktoria Chladoňová, Cat Ferguson, Imogen Wolff and home rider Célia Gery, who will want to make their mark.
Here are the contenders for the Under-23 Women’s Race:
The standout favourite for the under-23 women’s race will be the defending champion, the superstar that is Zoe Bäckstedt.
Bäckstedt cruised to victory last year, and based on her brilliant season so far, she would have had a great chance of finishing on the podium in the elite race.
The decision has been made, however, to defend her title in the under-23 race, and based on her current level, it is hard to see past Bäckstedt adding a 7th rainbow jersey to her collection, despite still being only 20 years old.
The Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto rider, came agonisingly close to winning the World Cup round in Maasmechelen last Saturday, finishing 2nd to Blanka Vas by only one second, and that tells you all you need to know about how good the British rider is.
Bäckstedt’s most likely rival for this race will be Marie Schreiber, however, the Luxembourg rider in the week before the worlds was suffering from the effects of a crash at Maasmechelen which may hinder her chances to compete with Bäckstedt this weekend.
The expectation will be nothing less than victory, but as we know with cyclocross, anything can happen, so Bäckstedt will have to turn up and do a professional job in order to ensure things go to plan, and I’m sure she will.
Marie Schreiber - Luxembourg 🇱🇺
The 2024-2025 campaign has well and truly been a coming-of-age season for Luxembourg star Marie Schreiber.
Schreiber has proven that she is one of the best cyclocross riders in the world this season, despite still being eligible for the under-23 category.
Knocking on the door for a big win for some time now, Schreiber’s maiden elite World Cup win in Hulst was a majorly impressive performance, leading from start to finish in treacherous conditions. A masterful display in both bike handling skills and strength.
Just over a week ago in Benidorm, Schreiber finished 3rd in a sprint finish with Fem Van Empel and Lucinda Brand. At the time, most would have been very confident that Schreiber would be able to have a great battle with Zoe Bäckstedt for the rainbow jersey this weekend in Liévin.
However, there are concerns after the Luxembourg champion suffered a double crash on her right side, on the weekend before the world championships. Last Friday, Schreiber had fallen during the course reconnaissance in Maasmechelen. She fell on her right side and hurt her hip, and after the race on Saturday, it started to stiffen up. On the Sunday in Hoogerheide, Schreiber crashed again on that side and as a precaution abandoned the race.
Hopefully, the Luxembourg champion makes a full recovery this week ahead of the worlds, because it would be gutting for Schreiber if she is denied the opportunity to fight for the rainbow jersey considering the incredible season she’s had.
Isabella Holmgren - Canada 🇨🇦
Finishing 4th last year, I can easily see Isabella Holmgren improving on that result this weekend. The Canadian champion only raced 3 rounds of the World Cup this season, but two of those came last weekend. The levels that Holmgren showed by finishing 12th in Maasmechelen (3rd u23), and 10th in Hoogerheide (2nd u23), in the elite races have illustrated that the Canadian is ready and raring to go for the World Championships.
Based on this, and the fact that the course is expected to be very muddy, where Holmgren shines, the Canadian champion could well be Zoe Bäckstedt’s closest challenger for the rainbow jersey this weekend if Marie Schreiber continues to suffer from the effects of her crash at Maasmechelen.
Ones To Watch
Leonie Bentveld - Netherlands 🇳🇱
3rd last year in the World Championships, Leonie Bentveld has also finished 3rd in this year’s World Cup standings. The Dutchwoman is proven podium material, and is likely to be in the mix once more this year. Like Backstedt and Schreiber, Bentveld has experience of regularly finishing in the top 10 of elite level World Cup races, and has even reached the podium in the past.
This experience will stand her in very good stead compared to those who have jumped up from the junior ranks, and the expectation will be to once again make the podium.
Cat Ferguson - Great Britain 🇬🇧
The junior road race and time trial world champion came agonisingly close to the rainbow jersey in the junior race last year, finishing 2nd behind Célia Gery.
Since her move to Movistar, Ferguson’s cross season was interrupted by a nasty crash at Hulst, meaning the Brit missed most of the Kersteperiode.
Ferguson has shown positive signs since her return to the cross field, including a 16th in Benidorm (5th u23 rider), and will only be more motivated heading to Liévin after how close she came last year.
The Movistar rider will be in the mix for a top 5 for sure, and if she has an amazing day with things falling her way, could have a chance of finishing on the podium.
Imogen Wolff - Great Britain 🇬🇧
Wolff has had a very impressive season, which has seen her make big strides in her development and be rewarded with some very nice results including a 3rd place at Loenhout amongst the elites.
The Visma | Lease a Bike rider, like Ferguson, has all the ability required to be in the mix for a top 5 this weekend and will be well suited to a muddy course like this.
Célia Gery - France 🇫🇷
The defending junior world champion will be a home favourite this weekend, and Gery has the potential to make this a super special weekend for both herself and the fans.
This season has seen Gery continue to improve, and the French rider became European champion back in November, beating Schreiber and Bentveld in a sprint finish. Significantly younger than both, Gery showed maturity beyond her years in that race, as well as many others including the Besançon World Cup round where she finished 9th (2nd u23).
Gery has a real shot of finishing on the podium this weekend and French star will no doubt have the backing of the crowd.
Amandine Muller - France 🇫🇷
Muller has gone well under the radar heading into the world championships, but like Gery, the French rider will have the advantage of racing at a home worlds.
The French rider has had a solid season in the World Cup finishing in the top 30 of all elite races she started, equating to top 10, and some top 5 finishes in the under-23 ranks.
The excitement of riding at a home worlds may prove to be a big boost to Muller and could help the French rider in her quest to make the top 10 in Liévin.
Viktoria Chladoňová - Slovakia 🇸🇰
Chladoňová’s form right now is extremely exciting ahead of the worlds. The Slovakian star finished 3rd in the junior race last year after an epic battle with Célia Gery and Cat Ferguson. In recent weeks, Chladoňová’s results have been better than Gery and Ferguson’s, as the Visma | Lease a Bike rider has been flying. 10th in the Elite race in Benidorm (3rd u23) was a standout performance by the Slovakian, but there have been more impressive results than just in Spain by Chladoňová.
The Slovakian should be confident in her ability to fight for the podium, and despite the fierce competition, should have a great shot at it.
Ava Holmgren - Canada 🇨🇦
Like her twin-sister Isabella, Ava Holmgren is also one of the most talented young riders in the world right now. Whilst on her way to an elite top 10 in the World Cup at Zonhoven just before Christmas, Holmgren suffered a nasty crash in the sand and DNF’d the race.
We haven’t seen the Canadian in action since, hence why it is difficult to gauge where Holmgren’s level will be at come this weekend. Holmgren’s technical skills may suffer due to a lack of cyclocross action, or things could work in her advantage and the Canadian may feel refreshed and energised while other riders are fatigued from the season.
If Ava had a full season in her legs, she would definitely be spoken of as a podium contender. So with no guide on her current shape, Holmgren feels like a wildcard this weekend, and it will be exciting to see how she gets on.
It is safe to say that the Canadian sisters will try and put on a show…
Xaydeé Van Sinaey - Belgium 🇧🇪
The Belgian has had plenty of top 15 finishes in elite races over the last two seasons proving that she is a talented rider who could become a regular top 10 finisher in seasons to come.
Van Sinaey finished 6th last year in the under-23 race, and will be hoping to match that level with a similarly impressive performance this time around.
Vida Lopez de san Roman - United States of America 🇺🇸
The American, Vida Lopez, is another member of the talented class of riders who have stepped up from the junior ranks this season.
Lopez finished 6th in the junior race last year, and if she can crack the top 10 in the under-23’s this time around, that would be a very impressive performance.
U23 Men 🚴♂️ - Race time estimation - 50 minutes ⏱️
2024 Podium 🏆🌈
Tibor Del Grosso 🇳🇱
Emiel Verstrynge 🇧🇪
Jente Michels 🇧🇪
Defending champion Tibor Del Grosso is the clear favourite after another imperious season. The Dutch have a strong squad alongside Del Grosso, and the Belgian’s have equally brought a strong lineup including Jente Michels. The home nation have two very exciting talents in Aubin Sparfel and Léo Bisiaux and could cause an upset to the dutch and Belgians. The junior world champion Stefano Viezzi has adapted to the under 23 ranks like a duck to water, is in great form, and can’t be counted out too.
Here are the riders to watch for the Under-23 Men’s Race:
Stand Out Contenders
Tibor Del Grosso - Netherlands 🇳🇱
The defending champion is one of the hottest prospects in the sport full stop. He is the standout favourite to defend his title after an imperious season in the under-23 ranks. Del Grosso raced 6 times in under-23 races, and won all 6, with 5 of those being World Cup rounds, securing the general classification in the process.
Del Grosso also thrived in the elite ranks this season, becoming Dutch champion, beating Ronhaar, Nieuwenhuis and Van der Haar in the process, as well as top 5 finishes in Namur, Diegem, and Koksijde.
The Dutchman would be a podium contender in the elite race, which puts into perspective how good he is, as well as the fact that this is Del Grosso’s race to lose this weekend.
He will not accept anything less than to defend his rainbow jersey, but he will certainly have to work for it.
Jente Michels - Belgium 🇧🇪
Michels, along with Del Grosso, is the rider who has already proven himself the most in the elite ranks and would be competitive in if he was racing in that category this weekend.
The under-23 European champion, on paper, poses the biggest threat to Del Grosso, after finishing runner-up in the World Cup general classification, behind the Dutchman.
The only problem for Michels is that his level seems to have dipped slightly over the last two weeks or so, however, he may be tapering purposely ahead of the Worlds.
Aubin Sparfel - France 🇫🇷
Sparfel is one of France’s biggest talents in cycling right now on both the road and in cyclocross.
Stepping up from the juniors, Sparfel has had a brilliant season, dominating the Coupe de France, as well as being very competitive in the World Cup, where he finished 3rd on GC.
That makes Sparfel an obvious podium contender, and beyond the two favourites in Del Grosso and Michels, I think Sparfel stands a chance of winning this weekend.
Ones to Watch
Yordi Corsus - Belgium 🇧🇪
Beyond Jente Michels, the duo of Yordi Corsus and Aaron Dockx are the best-placed Belgians to challenge Tibor Del Grosso.
Corsus has finished in the top five in eight of his last ten races, with plenty of podiums included. The Belgian narrowly missed out on the podium in the European Championships in the sprint finish, as well as finishing 4th in the World Cup general classification. No doubt the Belgian will be super motivated to finish on the podium, after coming close in the big races and classifications this season so far.
Aaron Dockx - Belgium 🇧🇪
Dockx beat Yordi Corsus in a sprint finish to become Belgian Champion a few weeks ago, and looks in good form heading into the Worlds.
Like Corsus, Dockx had some good results in the World Cup, finishing 5th overall, and has a good chance of finishing on the podium this weekend, if things go to plan.
David Haverdings - Netherlands 🇳🇱
Finishing 3rd in Dublin and Hulst are very strong performances as well as winning the Rapencross. Haverdings shouldn’t go unnoticed heading into the Worlds, despite a lack of form in recent races.
Haverdings was denied the chance to fight for victory in the European championships after last lap disaster, dropping his chain near the finish line. The Dutchman will want revenge…
Senna Remijn - Netherlands 🇳🇱
Remijn has gone under the radar for some of his performances this season after finishing 9th in the World Cup standings. Incidentally, that is where the Dutchman finished in the World Championships last year, and he has a good chance of improving on that this weekend.
Guus Van Den Eijden - Netherlands 🇳🇱
Van Den Eijden has made big strides this season, and whilst he may currently be being overshadowed by Tibor Del Grosso, the Dutchman is a very talented rider himself.
The Dutch rider had a standout performance in Benidorm the other week, leading the race for large portions, before eventually finishing a creditable 4th. Overall, Van Den Eijden finished 10th in the under-23 World Cup standings, and will have a strong opportunity to reach the top 10 this weekend in Liévin.
Danny Van Lierop - Netherlands 🇳🇱
Van Lierop has blown hot and cold this season but has shown he can finish in the top 10 in big under-23 races this season.
He finished 11th in this race last year, narrowly missing out on the top 10, something he’ll be hoping can change this year.
Kay De Bruyckere - Belgium 🇧🇪
The Belgian is the current leader of the under-23 general classification in the X2O Badkamers Trofee after 6 rounds, winning the previous two.
He was also solid in the World Cup, finishing 8th on GC, with a highlight being a 3rd place finish in Zonhoven.
He will be hoping to replicate that 3rd place in Zonhoven and is an outsider for the podium this weekend.
Viktor Vandenberghe - Belgium 🇧🇪
Vandenberghe won the Koppenbergcross back at the start of November, which is the standout moment of the Belgian’s season.
Whilst only 17th in the World Cup standings, it could be argued that Vandenberghe has focused on the X2O Badkamers Trofee classification where he sits third overall.
We know that the Belgians usually swarm in numbers in the Junior and Under-23 races, and Vandenberghe could be somewhere around 5th to 10th.
Léo Bisiaux - France 🇫🇷
The former junior world champion from 2023 made an immediate impact last season, which saw him finish 4th in the under-23 world championships in Tabór, one year ago.
This season, Bisiaux has continued to progress and has had a strong season, finishing 6th in the World Cup general classification, as well as becoming French champion, both in the under 23 category.
In a home worlds, Bisiaux will be a strong contender for a podium, and if he has another magic day, like he did two years ago in Hoogerheide, he could add another rainbow jersey to his collection.
Stefano Viezzi - Italy 🇮🇹
The current Junior World Champion has confirmed his potential a year on from that brilliant win in Tábor.
Viezzi has been steadily improving throughout the season, to the point where he finished 5th in Benidorm and 3rd in Hoogerheide in his last two races.
The form is there for the Italian to fight for the podium and make it back-to-back medals in the World championships. What colour that potential medal may be is anyone’s guess.
Elite Women 🚴♀️ - Race time Estimation - 50 minutes ⏱️
2024 Podium 🏆🌈
Fem Van Empel 🇳🇱
Lucinda Brand 🇳🇱
Puck Pieterse 🇳🇱
As is the case most years, this is likely to be a shootout between the Dutch team. The quartet of Puck Pieterse, Ceylin Alvarado, Fem Van Empel, and Lucinda Brand will all believe they can become world champion on Saturday, with the latter two currently standing as favourites. All four riders have had spells this season where they were on top, in one of the best seasons for many years, but Brand looks to be the most in form rider in the last few weeks.
One rider who will look to disrupt the Dutch party is Hungarian star Blanka Vas, who after winning last week in Maasmechelen, will believe that she can at least make the podium, and perhaps even take the rainbow jersey.
Here are the contenders for the Elite Women’s Race:
Rainbow Jersey Contenders 🌈
Fem Van Empel 🇳🇱
Best Elite result in World Championships: 1st (2 times in 2023 and 2024) 🌈
2024-2025 Wins: 10
UCI Ranking: 2nd
The Visma | Lease a Bike rider has the opportunity to become only the 3rd rider after Marianne Vos and Sanne Cant to become world champion in the elite women’s category for a third successive year. Fem Van Empel has rightly earned herself the label of being a superstar in the sport.
However, Van Empel is no longer the dominant force she was in the 2023/2024 campaign, which saw the World Champion win 19 out of 21 races. The win rate has dropped this season to 10 from 19 races, but that is still the most of any rider this season, illustrating how high the standards of the world champion are.
Van Empel is still marginally the favourite heading into the world championship, but the concern is the world champion’s recent form.
After winning on New Year’s Day in Baal after an epic battle with Lucinda Brand, Van Empel has “only” won once in her last five outings. Van Empel’s single win in that time came in Benidorm, on a course which will be completely different from Liévin on Saturday. On the more traditional courses, Van Empel has uncharacteristically been off the pace of the likes of Brand, Pieterse, and even Vas. In fact, in the four other races than Benidorm, Van Empel has only podiumed twice, finishing 3rd at both Koksijde and Dendermonde. In the week before the worlds, Van Empel finished off the podium at both Maasmechelen and Hoogerheide, with 4th and 6th place finishes respectively.
Despite the concerning form, we have seen Van Empel string masterclass performances together in the last two world championships, and all that matters is how good you are on the day, so from the world champion’s point of view, recent results are irrelevant.
Something which bodes well for Van Empel is that the world champion has had a sprint finish with Lucinda Brand on two occasions this season for victory, and won both. If it comes to a sprint between the duo in Liévin, Van Empel will be the more confident rider.
Puck Pieterse 🇳🇱
Best Elite result in World Championships: 2nd in 2023 🌈
2024-2025 Wins: 2
UCI Ranking: 8th
Puck Pieterse is one of, if not, the most enjoyable riders to watch in all of cycling full stop. Known for racing with her heart on her sleeve and incredible bike skills, Pieterse has been a joy to watch once more this season.
Pieterse has taken two victories this season in ten races, becoming Dutch Champion in the process. Her lowest result was a 5th place finish in Zonhoven, but for the majority of the time, Pieterse has finished on the podium in World Cup races.
The Dutch Champion usually goes well in bad conditions, due to her exceptional bike handling skills and this could be a big advantage for her on the technical sections of the course, especially the plank barriers.
She is probably not currently as likely as Van Empel or Brand to win on Saturday, but you certainly wouldn't want to bet against Pieterse adding the cyclocross worlds to the mountain bike world title she claimed back in September.
“The goal has always been to become cyclo-cross World Champion”
Lucinda Brand 🇳🇱
Best Elite result in World Championships: 1st in 2021 🌈
2024-2025 Wins: 7
UCI Ranking: 1st
Remarkably, Lucinda Brand has finished on the podium in every cyclocross race she has started since January 2024 in Benidorm. It is a streak of 35 races, with 27 of those coming this season.
Brand is clinical in the final lap of a cross race, and if she is at the front or not too far away coming into to the finale, the former world champion will be extremely difficult to beat. Last Sunday in Hoogerheide, Brand delivered a masterclass, sending a warning out to all of her opponents as she took the win with ease, a 3rd victory in 2025 already.
The consistency shown by Brand, as well as recent form, makes her arguably the marginal favourite heading into Liévin on Sunday, and there will be many expecting the Baloise - Glowi rider to become a world champion for the 2nd time this weekend.
Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado 🇳🇱
Best Elite result in World Championships: 1st in 2020 🌈
2024-2025 Wins: 9
UCI Ranking: 3rd
Another former winner, Alvarado is the fourth member of the Dutch quartet who are all capable of winning on Saturday. Despite racing in the same colours, the quartet are unlikely to be handing out gifts to each other, and Alvarado could thrive with her feisty racing style.
Alvarado started the season very strong, winning 6 out of her first 10 races, suggesting that her form was as good as ever. However, the wins have dried up, with the former world champion currently on a streak of 8 races without victory.
This may suggest that victory is more unlikely and that the podium is most realistic, but you can never count out Alvarado, because on her day, she is very hard to stop.
Blanka Vas 🇭🇺
Best Elite result in World Championships: 11th in 2023
2024-2025 Wins: 0
UCI Ranking: 13th
Tour de France Femmes stage winner Blanka Vas has been knocking on the door all season in terms of producing a major result, and the Hungarian was finally rewarded with a World Cup victory in Maasmechelen on Saturday after an epic battle with Zoe Bäckstedt and Lucinda Brand. A 2nd place the following day in Hoogerheide, confirmed that Vas has timed her form to perfection ahead of the Worlds.
Vas has a real shot at becoming only the second non-Dutch rider since 2019 to finish on the podium of the Elite Women’s Cyclocross World Championships. Who knows what position on the podium that could be, because, based on the last few races, Vas has earned herself a mention as a contender for the rainbows. As it stands just a few days before the race, Vas is the most likely rider to win or podium the worlds who isn’t Dutch.
It will be a long shot that the Hungarian will win the rainbows due to the strength of the Dutch squad, but as we have seen in the past, teamwork isn’t their strongest point when it comes to the world championships. As one of the best bike handlers in the field, and a powerhouse on muddy courses, Vas has to believe that anything is possible on Saturday and should at the very least improve on her previous best of 11th back in 2023.
It would be brilliant to see the Hungarian break the Dutch dominance in the Elite Women’s category and finish on the podium on Saturday.
Podium/Top 5 Contenders
Inge Van Der Heijden 🇳🇱
Best Elite result in World Championships: 7th in 2023
2024-2025 Wins: 1
UCI Ranking: 5th
The former under 23 world champion has had a very consistent season, and should be comfortably in the top 10, and aiming towards the top 5. Her previous best is 7th, from two years ago, meaning Van der Heijden has a great opportunity to achieve her best result at this level.
Sara Casasola 🇮🇹
Best Elite result in World Championships: 6th in 2024
2024-2025 Wins: 0
UCI Ranking: 19th
The former Italian champion showed time and time again in the first half of the season that she was able to mix it up with the Dutch trio of Alvarado, Brand, and Van Empel. Her form of recent hasn’t been as strong, but if she can find her best form ahead of the worlds, she would naturally be an outsider for a medal.
Hélène Clauzel and Amadine Fouquenet - France 🇫🇷
The home duo of Hélène Clauzel and Amandine Fouquenet are both likely to finish in the top 10 on Saturday, and could be outsiders for a top 5 finish, with the crowd on their side.
Sanne Cant - Belgium 🇧🇪
Also a special mention to former 3 time world champion Sanne Cant who races at the Worlds for the final time in her career. A legend of the sport who has left a lasting legacy.
Elite Men 🚴♂️ - Race time estimation - 60 minutes ⏱️
2024 Podium 🏆🌈
Mathieu van der Poel 🇳🇱
Joris Nieuwenhuis 🇳🇱
Michael Vanthourenhout 🇧🇪
It has to be said that this has been one of the most exciting seasons in modern cyclocross on the male side, despite the reduced schedules of both Mathieu van der Poel and Wout Van Aert, and the complete absence of Tom Pidcock.
This cross season has been defined by the clash between the “old guard” and the talented new crop of young riders who had shown plenty of promise and have now stepped up to the level of the best riders. This brilliant season deserves an epic world championships as a show stopper for a campaign to remember. Many riders have stepped up including the likes of Joran Wyseure, Emiel Verstrynge, Niels Vandeputte, and Felipe Orts, and all will want to add a great world championships performance to top off their brilliant seasons.
Mathieu van der Poel is the odds-on favourite to win a record-equalling seventh elite world title, but the late announcement of Wout van Aert’s participation on this muddy course, may make things interesting. The likes of Thibau Nys, Michael Vanthourenhout, Eli Iserbyt, Laurens Sweeck, and Toon Aerts of Belgium will all be eyeing up the podium as a realistic ambition too. Pim Ronhaar, Lars Van Der Haar, and Joris Nieuwenhuis have all had to overcome adversity this season too, and it would be a deserving reward if they also have a good world championships.
Here are the Contenders for the Elite Men’s Race:
Rainbow Jersey Contenders 🌈
Mathieu van der Poel 🇳🇱
Best Elite Result in World Championships: 1st (Six times in; 2015, 2019-2021, 2023-2024) 🌈
2024-2025 Wins: 7
UCI Ranking: 7th
Defending champion Mathieu van der Poel is one world title away from matching the record of 7 rainbow jerseys in the Elite Men’s category, set by Belgian icon Eric De Vlaeminck in the late 60s and early 70s. With other goals on the road and potentially mountain biking in 2025, combined with a long but successful 2024 season, Van der Poel’s cyclocross schedule included only a modest 13 races.
The world champion began his cyclocross season in typically MVDP fashion, by winning his first 5 races, including 3 rounds of the UCI World Cup. However, Van der Poel missed the next 3 races on his schedule in Baal, Koksijde and Dendermonde, after suffering significant rib pain, a lingering effect from a crash in Loenhout where he struck a pole.
The World Champion returned to the field last weekend, cruising to victory in Maasmechelen, before winning the following day in Hoogerheide, his dad’s own race (GP Adrie van der Poel). This has proven that it would take either an absolute masterclass from an opponent, or a major disaster for the Dutchman to be beaten this weekend.
The announcement of Wout van Aert’s participation makes things interesting because, although Van der Poel has come out on top in all but one race in the last 11 where both have started, the Belgian has shown he is capable of giving it to the Dutchman a run for his money, having won 3 World titles in the past.
Van der Poel has won a staggering 169 professional cyclocross races and will be hoping and expecting to make it 170 on Sunday. However, as we always say with cyclocross, anything can happen, so we will have to wait until the finish line on Sunday before declaring him champion.
Wout van Aert 🇧🇪
Best Elite result in World Championships: 1st (3 times in 2016, 2017 and 2018) 🌈
2024-2025 Wins: 2
UCI Ranking: 35th
The surprise late addition to the start list is former 3-time world champion Wout van Aert, who will likely provide the most competition to Mathieu van der Poel on Sunday.
2024-2025 is the joint shortest season of Van Aert’s cyclocross career, with only 5 races ahead of the World championships. Consequently, it’s difficult to gauge where the Belgian’s level will be on Sunday, especially considering that only two of those races featured Mathieu van der Poel.
Van Aert looked strong in the opening laps at Maasmechlen on Saturday, closing the gap to Mathieu van der Poel, before multiple mistakes put the Belgian on the back foot, and he was unable to match the relentless pace of the World Champion.
One thing for certain is that having Wout van Aert on the start list, can only be a positive to the race.
Podium/Top 5 Contenders
Thibau Nys 🇧🇪
Best Elite result in World Championships: 9th in 2024
2024-2025 Wins: 5
UCI Ranking: 8th
Thibau Nys has stepped it up to another level this cyclocross season, following a very impressive road campaign. With plenty of pressure on his shoulders, courtesy of his surname, Thibau has proven that he has all the makings to be a prolific winner in cyclocross, just like his father Sven.
What’s most impressive about Nys’s season so far, is his ability to arrive to the big races in top shape and deliver a winning performance. Nys is only the 2nd male rider to become both Belgian and European champion in the same season, after Michael Vanthourenhout in 22/23. Ultimately, Nys has demonstrated the courage and tenacity required to be a championship-winning rider.
The form of Thibau Nys had been on the rise ever since the Kerstperiode, with the Belgian looking brilliant in recent races, winning both the Belgian championships and the World Cup round in Benidorm. Both were very different races; one was super muddy, while the other was more like a gravel criterium, proving that the Nys is great on all types of courses.
However, Nys has been hit by a bout of illness at the worst time possible, and the Belgian has explained pre-race on Sunday after the World Cup at Hoogerheide that “My body is a bit at its limit.” Nys failed to finish the race, looking well off the pace, and it is majorly disappointing for the Belgian and European champion that he has suffered this illness at this time.
If Nys can recover, he will be a podium contender; however, the signs currently do not look ideal for the European Champion. Fingers crossed that Nys, and all riders who are suffering with illness, can make a full recovery, because races like the world championships deserve for all riders to arrive firing fit, and healthy.
Michael Vanthourenhout 🇧🇪
Best Elite result in World Championships: 2nd in 2018
2024-2025 Wins: 4
UCI Ranking: 1st
There was a moment just before the Kerstperiode where it looked as though Michael Vanthourenhout was about to take a stranglehold on the rest of the regular cyclocross field, after winning 3 races in a row in impressive fashion. However, since then, Vanthourenhout hasn't taken another win, despite remaining competitive.
Regardless, the Belgian wrapped up the UCI World Cup standings for the first time in his career on Sunday in Hoogerheide. It was a strong showing on Sunday by Vanthourenhout, who finished 2nd and it looks like he is timing his form to perfection ahead of the world championships.
Vanthourenhout typically peaks very well for championship races, demonstrated by the fact that he is a former Belgian, and two-time European champion in the elite ranks, as well as a two-time podium finisher in the elite world championships. Not to forget, he is also a former Under-23 world champion, so the Belgian knows what it takes to win a rainbow jersey, albeit in a different age category.
Based on the last two weeks or so of racing, as well as the current health status of some other riders, the signs point to the fact that Vanthourenhout has a great chance of adding another world championship medal to his palmarès on Sunday.
Eli Iserbyt 🇧🇪
Best Elite result in World Championships: 3rd (2 times in 2022 and 2023)
2024-2025 Wins: 4
UCI Ranking: 2nd
Over the last half-decade, Eli Iserbyt has rightly earned himself the privilege to be discussed as the best male cyclocross rider outside of the “big three”.
However, despite 4 victories this season, it’s fair to say that Iserbyt hasn't been the main man during this campaign. Added to the frustration, Iserbyt announced just before Christmas than he has long been suffering with piriformis syndrome, a pinched nerve in his left leg which has been negatively impacting his ability to perform in certain races.
The world championships is a race in which Iserbyt has experienced success in the past as an elite, as a two-time third-place place finisher in consecutive years. Iserbyt missed out on the podium last year, and based on his winning mentality and reputation in the sport, I think the Belgian won’t accept anything less than a podium, despite the very strong competition.
The problem for Iserbyt heading into Sunday, is the forecasted muddy and boggy course, which we have seen on plenty of occasions, doesn’t suit the Belgian. Iserbyt has struggled in certain races this year, such as Namur, Dendermonde and Maasmechelen, all characterised by their muddy nature.
I think Iserbyt will be hoping that the course hardens up this week, in order for the Belgian to be confident that he can fight for a medal.
Laurens Sweeck 🇧🇪
Best Elite result in World Championships: 5th (3 times in 2019, 2020 and 2021)
2024-2025 Wins: 5
UCI Ranking: 10th
The “Sandman” has bounced back from a disappointing previous campaign to have one of his best seasons yet.
Sweeck has taken some big wins on iconic courses this season; the likes Diegem and Koksijde are races that would stand out on any riders’ palmares.
Surprisingly, Sweeck is the only rider of the ‘older guard’ (Aerts, Iserbyt, Sweeck himself, Vanthourenhout, and Van der Haar) who has never finished on the podium at the World Championships as an Elite. However, based on his performances so far this season, Liévin could well be the race where this changes for the “Sandman”.
Niels Vandeputte 🇧🇪
Best Elite result in World Championships: 7th in 2023
2024-2025 Wins: 3
UCI Ranking: 3rd
One of the standout riders of the season has undoubtedly been Niels Vandeputte of Alpecin-Deceuninck. The 24 year-old Belgian has been one of the most consistent performers this season, finishing in the top 10 in all but one race, and mostly finishing in the top 5. Vandeputte has been rewarded for his consistency this season by winning the Flandriencross in Hamme, before taking the biggest win of his career with the World Cup round in Hulst, a race in which he led from start to finish.
Known for being a very strong starter, Vandeputte very rarely finds himself on the back foot and is able to manage his race well, especially in a group situation. The red-hot form has slightly dipped since the turn of the new year, but as we have seen plenty of times with Vandeputte, he is a very intelligent rider who has the ability to assess race situations well, which could be favourable in a World Championships race.
However, like with plenty of other riders heading into this weekend, Vandeputte has been suffering from illness, which was illustrated by the Belgian skipping Maasmechlen and finishing 23rd at Hoogerheide a day later.
Vandeputte’s illness could go in one of two ways. He could continue to suffer over the coming week and be unable to reach his best level on Sunday due to his illness. However, if he is able to recover in time, he may arrive on Sunday a bit fresher than anticipated, as he is likely to have not been training as hard whilst being ill.
Currently, based on his illness, I think a great result for Vandeputte on Sunday would be to improve on his previous best, which is 7th; however, a top 10 would be more than respectable given his current circumstances.
Toon Aerts 🇧🇪
Best Elite result in World Championships: 3rd (3 times in 2019, 2020 and 2021)
2024-2025 Wins: 1
UCI Ranking: 5th
It’s been great to watch Toon Aerts again this season who was sorely missed during his suspension. In typically Aerts fashion, the Belgian has been super consistent this season, and considering for the first few races he had to deal with bad grid positions, he has been very competitive in this campaign.
The muddy course will suit him on Sunday, and his form over the last month or so has seen him consistently finish in the top 5 of races, with the exception of Benidorm, which bodes very well heading into Sunday.
Aerts knows better than most, what it takes to finish on the podium at the Worlds, as a three-time third-place place finisher. Aerts is a definite top 5 contender and has a chance of making the podium for a 4th time in his career.
Emiel Verstrynge 🇧🇪
Best Elite result in World Championships: N/A (First time in 2025)
2024-2025 Wins: 0
UCI Ranking: 13th
Whilst many have had breakthrough seasons, none have been quite as impressive over the Christmas period as Emiel Verstrynge. The 22-year-old Belgian’s season started slowly, before things took a turn for the worse after he missed more than a month’s worth of racing due to hamstring issues.
Verstrynge bounced back with a bang, nearly shocking the field to win on his return at Namur where he lead for large parts of the race, before ending a career-best 3rd. The Belgian has since bettered this result with a 2nd place behind Wout Van Aert at Dendermonde, a course renowned for its toughness.
That is one of Verstrynge’s biggest strengths, his ability to thrive on the toughest of courses where others crack. The harder the terrain, the more likely that Verstrynge will be in the mix, and this will likely apply to the World Championships. If the course in Liévin is thick and boggy due to the weather, Verstrynge could quietly be a contender for a podium finish in his first elite World Championships.
Joran Wyseure 🇧🇪
Best Elite result in World Championships: 11th in 2024
2024-2025 Wins: 1
UCI Ranking: 6th
The former Under-23 World Champion, like teammate Verstrynge, has made the step up to the level where we are talking about the Belgian regularly finishing in the top 5 of big races. Wyseure took his first win in Belgium back at Ruudervoorde at the start of the season and has looked impressive throughout the campaign.
Wyseure also thrives on the muddier courses, as demonstrated with 4th at Maasmechelen, 3rd at Dendermonde and 5th at Besançon. Like when he won his Under-23 World Title in Fayetteville, Wyseure could find himself in a position to surprise on Sunday. A top 10 would be a respectable performance for the Belgian, but Wyseure’s ambition will be to aim a lot higher, towards the top 5 and even the podium, which he is capable of achieving if he plays his cards right.
Lars Van Der Haar 🇳🇱
Best Elite result in World Championships: 2nd (Two times in 2016 and 2022)
2024-2025 Wins: 3
UCI Ranking: 4th
One of the most experienced riders in the field, Lars Van Der Haar, is still capable of competing at the top level of cyclocross, taking some big wins this season, including the Koppenbergcross. His form has looked decent recently, suggesting he is also coming into top shape at the right time. In many races this season, van der Haar has finished very strongly, and this could be an advantage if he is in a final lap battle for a potential podium.
Van der Haar has finished on the podium on 3 occasions in the elite ranks, as well as securing two Under-23 World Titles, so it would surprise few if he did it once more on Sunday.
Pim Ronhaar 🇳🇱
Best Elite result in World Championships: 4th in 2024
2024-2025 Wins: 0
UCI Ranking: 11th
This season has been a step back for Pim Ronhaar, but it’s understandable considering the difficult build-up to the campaign the Dutchman had, which involved a bout of Lyme disease in the summer and suffering a heavy crash into a ravine whilst out training.
Ronhaar has still managed to achieve podium finishes in races such as in Koksijde, Herentals, and the World Cup round in Hulst this season. A big positive for Ronhaar is that he goes very well on muddy courses, and this could something he uses to his advantage too.
However, considering the overall level throughout the season Ronhaar has displayed, is it unlikely but not impossible he can replicate his 4th place from Tábor a year ago.
Joris Nieuwenhuis 🇳🇱
Best Elite result in World Championships: 2nd in 2024
2024-2025 Wins: 0
UCI Ranking: 18st
Considering he hasn't raced for the majority of the season, Nieuwenhuis’s current level is remarkable, and in only his 3rd race of the season, the Dutchman reached the podium in Maasmechelen behind Mathieu Van der Poel and Wout Van Aert.
I don’t think many would have expected Nieuwenhuis to be a podium candidate for the Worlds, considering the major disruption to his season caused by a horrible bout of shingles. However, even in only 4 races, Nieuwenhuis has illustrated his capability of replicating his silver medal from Tábor last year.
Perhaps the lack of racing means Nieuwenhuis is fresher than others, who will be both mentally and physically fatigued after a long cyclocross season already in the bank.
The course in Liévin should suit Nieuwenhuis, and he will be aiming for the podium for the second year running, but a top 10 would still be a very respectable result, considering the season he has had.
Felipe Orts 🇪🇸
Best Elite result in World Championships: 10th in 2024
2024-2025 Wins: 2
UCI Ranking: 9th
Watching the Spanish champion thrive in Belgium this season has been a breath of fresh air. Orts is one of the most technically gifted bike handlers in the field, and he’s having the most impressive season of his career.
We’ve seen the Spaniard finish runner-up at the European championships back in November, so he has shown his ability to turn up for his big goals. However, I think that if he can improve on his career best of 10th from last year, that would be a brilliant result to cap off a remarkable season.
Orts has struggled more on the toughest of courses and those with bad weather, the likes of Namur, Gavere, and Maasmechelen, which could impact his ability to fight for a podium on Sunday.
Cameron Mason 🇬🇧
Best Elite result in World Championships: 9th in 2023
2024-2025 Wins: 1
UCI Ranking: 24th
British champion Cameron Mason thrives on the hardest courses. The form has been on the up since before Christmas and his season is a reverse of the year before, where his form was declining. The Scottish rider may come into this race slightly under the radar but underestimate him at your peril.
The start will be key for Mason, as he has often been the victim of bad luck during the frantic beginnings of races. But if he can get away clean, we have seen what a powerhouse the British champion is. Whereas plenty of riders get slower as the race goes on, Cameron Mason usually gets better. We have seen him overtake a ridiculous number of riders in races over the years.
Last year’s world championships didn't go to plan for Mason, but the previous year’s 9th place, will give him plenty of confidence that he is good enough to finish in the top 10, and if on a brilliant day, fight for the top 5.
Other riders to watch out for are the home trio of Clement Venturini, David Menut, and Joshua Dubau. Also watch out for Mees Hendrikx, Ryan Kamp, Gioele Bertolini, Kevin Kuhn, Thomas Mein, and Michael Boroš. It would not be a surprise to see one or more of these riders finish inside of the top 10.
Overall, we are set for a thrilling World Championships after one of the best seasons in recent times across all categories.
There are some standout favourites in some races, whilst others are almost impossible to call.
Regardless of what the picture looks like on paper, anything can happen this weekend and you best not miss it.
The Cyclocross World Championships weekend is one of the best of the year and I hope that you have enjoyed this preview.
Thank you for reading and enjoy the racing this weekend.
#crossisboss
Epic work mate 👌