As the leaves turn golden and the crisp autumn air sets in, it’s time to embrace one of the most anticipated seasons in the cycling world—the return of the Cyclocross season 2024-2025! The official kickoff takes place on October 12 at the Exact Cross in Beringen, a venue known for its demanding course, steep climbs, and technical descents. Riders and fans alike are revving up for an action-packed season filled with multiple competitions, fierce rivalries, and the sheer grit that defines cyclocross racing.
The Season Ahead: Competitions that Matter
Cyclocross 2024-2025 is all about prestige and points, with riders battling for glory across several major competitions:
1. Exact Cross
As the curtain-raiser, the Exact Cross is known for showcasing pure cyclocross grit. It’s a fast, furious battle with top riders aiming for early season dominance. This year's start at Beringen promises excitement, with its tough terrain setting the tone for the coming races.
2. Superprestige
One of the oldest and most iconic series, the Superprestige has been a benchmark for cyclocross athletes. Consistency is key here, and riders need to maintain high-level performances across all races to secure the overall title. Look out for thrilling showdowns on the most demanding courses in Belgium.
3. X2O Badkamers Trophy
This series offers an added twist with time trials, adding pressure on the racers to stay fast and focused not just across the finish line, but every second on the clock counts. Defending champions and rising stars will give it their all to claim top honors.
4. UCI Cyclocross World Cup
A truly international contest, the World Cup series draws in top athletes from around the globe. With multiple rounds across different countries, it's where champions are made and reputations are solidified. The races are brutal, with a mix of technical, muddy, and fast courses testing riders to their limits.
In addition to these series, the season’s highlights will culminate in the National, European, and the highly coveted World Championships, where the best of the best battle it out for the ultimate prize—those prestigious jerseys.
Teams to Watch: Powerhouses of the Mud
This year’s Cyclocross season sees a clash of some of the strongest teams in the sport. With talent-laden rosters and deep sponsorships, these teams are set to dominate:
Baloise Trek Lions:
Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal:
Alpecin-Deceuninck:
Crelan-Corendon:
Ridley Racing Team:
The Riders: Stars to Follow
It wouldn’t be cyclocross without its biggest names, and this season is no exception. We’ve got the usual suspects, and then there’s The Big Three.
The Usual Suspects:
Eli Iserbyt:
Thibau Nys:
Michael Vanthourenhout:
Laurens Sweeck:
The Big Three:
Wout Van Aert:
Mathieu Van der Poel:
Tom Pidcock:
Partners and Sponsors: The Backbone of Cyclocross
Behind every successful cyclocross race are its partners. The likes of Exact, Pauwels Sauzen, and X2O Badkamers are long-time supporters, bringing essential financial backing and organization to the sport. These sponsorships fuel the elite races, helping to grow cyclocross beyond its traditional borders.
Additionally, bike manufacturers like Trek, Ridley, and Canyon continue to push the technological boundaries of cyclocross bikes, giving riders the competitive edge they need in a sport where equipment can make or break races.
A Glimpse at the 2024-2025 Calendar
From the mining ridge in Beringen over the Koppenbergcross to the jam-packed Christmas holidays with the championships as the organ point. Here are some of the most important races:
The Exact Cross in Beringen on October 12
Koppenbergcross in Oudenaarde on November 1
The European Championships in Pontevedra, Spain on November 3
World Cup in Dublin, Ireland on December 1
Superprestige Zonhoven on December 22
Superprestige in Diegem on December 30
X2O Trophy in Baal on January 1
The Belgian Championship in Heusden-Zolder on January 12
The World Cup in Hoogerheide on January 26
The World Championships in Liévin, France on February 2
Final Thoughts
The 2024-2025 Cyclocross season promises to deliver all the drama, passion, and adrenaline we’ve come to love. With thrilling races, star-studded lineups, and exciting rivalries, every moment will count. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this season will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, mark your calendars for October 12 and get ready for the mud-splattered excitement of cyclocross!
