Cyclocross 2025-2026: A Thrilling Season Ahead, But Who Will Dominate?
Cyclocross, a sport that blends the grit of off-road racing with the precision of cycling, remains a global favorite despite the rising popularity of gravel racing. As winter approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the off-road season, particularly the performances of stars like Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel. But this season promises more than just familiar names—it’s a year of transitions, surprises, and new opportunities.
How to Follow the Action
For those eager to catch every muddy moment of the 2025-2026 cyclocross season, our comprehensive guide (https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/how-to-watch-the-2025-26-cyclocross-season/) has you covered. New to cyclocross? Dive into our explainer (https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/what-is-cyclo-cross/) to understand what makes this sport so captivating.
The Season Kicks Off
The UCI Cyclocross World Cup begins on November 23 in Tábor, Czech Republic, marking the start of a season filled with high-stakes races across Europe and the United States. From the Pan-American Championships in Washington to the UCI World Championships in Hulst, Netherlands, the calendar is packed with events that will test riders' skill, endurance, and mental toughness.
Riders to Watch: Women’s Field
In recent years, Fem van Empel has been the undisputed queen of cyclocross, with 50 victories to her name. However, her decision to step back and focus on life outside the sport (https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/i-was-more-of-an-athlete-than-a-person-fem-van-empel-reveals-thoughts-of-retirement-during-six-month-break-from-racing/) has opened the door for new contenders. Lucinda Brand, with back-to-back wins in the X2O Trofee, is proving she’s back at her best. Belgian champion Marion Norbert Riberolle and Italian Sara Casasola have also made their mark, winning key races in Ruddervoorde and Overijse, respectively.
Across the Atlantic, Maghalie Rochette dominates the Trek USCX series, while Lizzy Gunsalus shines in non-series races. Keep an eye on Puck Pieterse, returning in Namur on December 15, and Shirin van Anrooij, who’s recovering from surgery (https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/shirin-van-anrooij-sidelined-for-six-months-while-recovering-from-iliac-artery-endofibrosis-surgery/) and expected to start in December. Unfortunately, Zoe Bäckstedt, the under-23 world champion, will miss the season’s start due to a concussion (https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/my-helmet-saved-my-life-zoe-backstedt-to-miss-opening-races-of-cyclocross-season-after-training-crash/).
Men’s Field: A Battle for Supremacy
On the men’s side, Michael Vanthourenhout leads the Superprestige series with consecutive wins, while Thibau Nys and Joris Nieuwenhuis have also shown impressive form. In the U.S., Andrew Strohmeyer and Eric Brunner are locked in a fierce rivalry in the Trek USCX series. Great Britain’s Thomas Mein dominates the National Trophy series, and Belgians like Vanthourenhout, Toon Aerts, and Eli Iserbyt continue to hold top UCI rankings, though Iserbyt’s recovery from surgery (https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/were-no-longer-thinking-about-a-quick-return-eli-iserbyt-faces-setbacks-after-femoral-artery-complications/) may delay his return.
Retirements and Rising Stars
Lars van der Haar, a longtime stalwart of the sport, will retire at the end of the season (https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cyclocross-star-lars-van-der-haar-34-to-retire-at-end-of-season/), but he remains a contender in his final races. Meanwhile, riders like Felipe Orts, Pim Ronhaar, and Tibor del Grosso are poised to make their mark.
Full Schedules and Teams
For detailed schedules of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup, Superprestige, X2O Trofee, Exact Cross, and U.S. Cyclocross events, refer to the comprehensive tables provided. Additionally, a list of pro cyclocross riders for the 2025-2026 season highlights the diverse talent competing across teams and nations.
Controversy and Questions
But here’s where it gets controversial: With Fem van Empel’s reduced presence, who will step up to fill the void? Will Lucinda Brand reclaim her dominance, or will a newcomer surprise everyone? And what about the impact of injuries and retirements on team dynamics? These questions make this season one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
Final Thoughts
As the cyclocross world gears up for another thrilling season, one thing is certain: the sport’s future is bright, with new talent emerging and established stars pushing boundaries. But who will rise to the top? That’s for you to decide. Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
