How to Watch Cyclocross in 2024-2025

Cyclocross season is here! For road cycling fans, the world of offroad racing may be totally foreign. But cyclocross has intersectional appeal. The mix of fast-paced action, technical courses, and unpredictable outcomes are captivating even for the casual viewer!

In this article, I’ll unpack all the basics you need to know to watch cyclocross for the first time this year! Keep reading to find out why cyclocross season may be even better than road racing season — or, at the very least, watch and find out which you like better!

Photo from Ally Griffin (via Unsplash)

What is cyclocross?

Cyclocross is a unique and exciting cycling discipline that combines elements of road cycling, mountain biking, and even a bit of steeplechase.

It features shorter, intense races that typically last between 40 minutes and an hour. In a cyclocross race, competitors race multiple laps on a short course that include a variety of surfaces, such as pavement, grass, dirt, mud, and even sand pits! When riders encounter obstacles like barriers, steep hills, and sometimes even water hazards, they may dismount and carry their bikes over their shoulder. This additional athleticism distinguishes cyclocross from other disciplines of cycling.

What about the bikes? Compared to road racing bikes, cyclocross bikes are designed for versatility. Features like wider tires and disc brakes give the bikes additional traction and stopping power. A more relaxed geometry makes cyclocross riders comfortable when traversing over rough terrain.

When and where do cyclocross races happen?

Cyclocross is popular in both Europe and North America, with amateur and pro races held all around the world. Because cyclocross is a relatively low-barrier sport for amateurs, courses are often set up in parks or other public spaces, so even the most casual riders can try it for themselves. The cyclocross community is known for a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for newbies! However, professional cyclocross attracts top cycling talent as well. Top-level cyclocross is just as competitive as professional road racing, albeit with different priorities for the main stars and support riders.

For the pros, the most prominent countries hosting cyclocross races are Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and the United States. Each of these countries have their own history in the sport. Countries like Canada, the Czech Republic, and Italy are emerging as additional venues for cyclocross racing. Each year, the top cyclocross racers have a chance to compete in the World Championships of cyclocross. And just like the road World Champions, the cyclocross World Champions wear white jerseys with rainbow bands!

The pro cyclocross season typically runs from late November to February. This is when the major races take place. However, some lower-level races and local events may start earlier in the fall and continue later into the spring.

Men’s and women’s cyclocross contests feature star riders and exciting racing action,

Both men and women can compete in cyclocross at the pro level. In countries like Belgium and the Netherlands, cyclocross is very popular among women, amateurs and pros alike! Men’s and women’s cyclocross share the same basic format and course elements, but there are some key differences.

Men generally have a higher peak power output, allowing them to generate more explosive efforts during sprints and technical sections. They also tend to have more muscle mass, which contributes to their higher power output and overall strength. These differences alter the pace and intensity between men’s and women’s cyclocross races. While courses are generally the same for both genders, organizers may make subtle adjustments between the two groups. Both the top female and male cyclocross riders are incredibly talented, and the high level of competition in both of these races can wow first-time viewers and longtime cyclocross fans alike!

Pro-level men’s cyclocross races take place in series throughout the season.

If you’ve ever tried to tune up a casual cyclocross race, you might have noticed that races are sorted into series. But what are these series? And why does cyclocross work like this?

Cyclocross races are organized into series to maintain competition throughout the season and provide a ranking system for riders. Throughout each series, riders accrue points based on wins and top finishes, which culminate in an overall winner at the end of the series. Series attract sponsors and broadcasters; this supports teams and riders financially, as well as race organizers. By offering diverse racing experiences on various courses, series cater to both riders and spectators. This format helps the sport of cyclocross maintain its momentum, attract new fans, and continue to grow in popularity.

The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup is the most prestigious series in cyclocross, organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). It features a series of races held throughout the cyclocross season, with riders competing for points in various grouped categories — Elite Men, Elite Women, Under-23 Men, Under-23 Women, Junior Men, and Junior Women are all contests within the UCI World Cup. The World Cup attracts the top cyclocross riders from around the world and each race serves as a platform to showcase their skills… and compete for valuable series points. The series culminates in the the UCI Cyclocross World Championships, where riders compete for the coveted rainbow jersey.

The Superprestige is the oldest cyclocross series, held primarily in Belgium and the Netherlands. It’s known best for its challenging courses, which often feature steep climbs, technical sections, and muddy conditions. Because of the challenging and competitive atmosphere, this series attracts top-level riders from all around the world. Winning a Superprestige race is a significant achievement for any cyclocross rider, and the series plays a crucial role in determining the overall rankings and shaping the competitive landscape of the sport.

Exact Cross is a prominent cyclocross series held primarily in Belgium and the Netherlands. While it doesn’t have an overall ranking like some other series, it features a series of standalone races that attract top-tier riders and are highly regarded among cyclocross riders. Audiences will enjoy the racing action of this series, which starts slightly earlier in the season than other series.

Finally, the X²O Badkamers Trofee, formerly known as the DVV Trophy, BPost Bank Trophy, or Gazet van Antwerpen Trofee, is a prestigious Belgian cyclocross racing series. The series features challenging courses held primarily in Belgium, often incorporating iconic locations and challenging terrain. The most iconic of all, however, is the yellow ducky mascot of the series! The X²O Badkamers Trofee attracts top-level riders and is a core component of the cyclocross calendar.

The 2024-2025 schedules for these series can be seen in the table below. Be sure to tune in to your favorite series throughout the winter to see which riders will take the most points at the end of the year!

The “big three” have historically dominated cyclocross

Road cycling fans know the names of all the big stars, like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard. But cyclocross has its own stars as well! If you tuned into the road racing season, you may be surprised to see some familiar names and faces in the cyclocross peloton… and you’ll be introduced to some new favorites, too!

In men’s cyclocross, the “big three” are the top riders. This elite group consists of: Mathieu van der Poel, known for his explosive power and technical skills; Wout van Aert, a versatile rider who excels in road cycling, cyclocross, and mountain biking; and Tom Pidcock, a young British talent who has quickly established himself as a top contender in cyclocross. These three riders have dominated the sport in recent years, consistently battling for podium positions and World Championship titles. Their presence at races primarily in December, January and February has elevated the level of competition and excitement in cyclocross during this period.

The rivalry between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert is one of the greatest in cyclocross history. These two exceptional athletes have been competing against each other since they were young, pushing each other to new heights in both cyclocross and road racing. Despite their fierce competition, they have expressed mutual respect for each other’s abilities. Their rivalry plays out over multiple disciplines, as both excel in cyclocross and road racing. Their races have produced numerous iconic moments, such as the 2023 Cyclocross World Championships in Hoogerheide, where they engaged in a thrilling sprint finish.

While Pidcock is newer to cyclocross, he has had a meteoric rise in the world of cyclocross. Despite his young age, he’s already established himself as one of the top contenders in the sport. In 2022, he achieved a major milestone by winning the UCI Cyclocross World Championships. This victory solidified his status as a top-tier cyclocross rider and highlighted his potential for future success.

While Pidcock’s focus has been on road cycling in recent years, he continues to compete in select cyclocross races, showcasing his exceptional skills and captivating fans with his aggressive riding style and exciting performances.

Other cyclocross stars bring excitement to the off-road

While Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Tom Pidcock dominate the sport, there are several other strong contenders who can challenge them on their day. Michael Vanthourenhout is a consistent performer and former World Champion, known for his technical skills and tactical acumen. Eli Iserbyt has shown impressive results in recent years, especially in muddy conditions. However, he hasn’t been without his share of controversy. Lars van der Haar is a seasoned veteran on the cyclocross course with a wealth of experience and consistent results over the years. Finally, Thibau Nys is a young Belgian talent who is considered one of the next big things in cyclocross! Most cyclocross fans agree that Nys is the biggest challenger to the “big three” and will shake things up in the pecking order this season.

These riders, along with others like Laurens Sweeck, add depth and excitement to the sport. Because they focus exclusively on cyclocross and not on road racing, they devote all their energy to cyclocross. They leave everything on the road each winter, and it is a pleasure for fans to watch!

Which services will show cyclocross broadcasts in 2025?

Streaming cyclocross races can vary depending on your location and the specific broadcaster holding the rights. Here are some general tips on how to stream cyclocross by country.

United States

Max with the B/R Sports Add-on now carries the majority of cyclocross races for viewers in the United States. This includes Superprestige, Exact, and X²O Badkamers Trofee series.

The B/R Sports add-on is currently free for Max subscribers.

FloBikes is a cycling-focused streaming platform. They play host to streams for the UCI World Cup series for viewers in the U.S. If you want to see the battle for the rainbow bands later in the season, you’ll have to get a FloBikes subscription. Note that this service offers a yearly plan.

United Kingdom

Eurosport Player is a popular streaming service in the UK that often broadcasts cyclocross races, particularly those from European events.

Discovery+ may also offer coverage of cyclocross races. UK viewers should know that Discovery+ is equivalent to Max in the U.S., but it does not always hold the same rights to broadcast cyclocross.

Europe

Eurosport Player is also a popular option for streaming cyclocross in many European countries.

Many European countries have their own regional broadcasters that may offer coverage of cyclocross races, especially national championships and local events. Look into your local sports broadcast station to figure out whether they will broadcast cyclocross races.

Australia

Right now, it’s not clear which services might stream or broadcast cyclocross in Australia. SBS Sport, which shows road racing during the summer cycling season, will not broadcast cyclocross races this year to our knowledge. Australian viewers may try to view live race streams on the UCI’s YouTube channel. However, this may require use of a VPN to avoid geoblocking.

Remember, it’s always best to check the official websites of cycling organizations like the UCI or specific race organizers for the latest information on streaming options. Streaming rights can change from year to year, so check the latest information before the start of the cyclocross season!

Men’s cyclocross predictions: what will happen in the 2024-2025 season?

The 2024-2025 cyclocross season promises to be another winner, with many exciting elements to look forward to.

The ongoing rivalry between Wout Van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel will likely continue to captivate fans. Their battles for supremacy on the cyclocross course are always intense and unpredictable! But newer riders like Thibau Nys and other promising talents will push the boundaries of the sport and challenge the established order.

As of the posting of this article, the complete race schedules for Van Aert and van der Poel haven’t been set. Check back later for more definitive info on when and where these superstars will be competing.

What about the worlds? The 2025 World Cyclocross Championships will be held in Liévin, France, this year. The venue is known for its challenging course and passionate crowd. If they are all competing, expect to see the “Big Three” line up at the start! Mathieu van der Poel will be challenging for his record seventh title in cyclocross.

With his impressive technical skills and explosive power, Thibau Nys has emerged as a major contender in the season thus far. His early victories continue to lock in his status as a future — and, frankly, current — star of the sport.

Among the “big three,” Wout Van Aert has the most to prove this year. With van der Poel continuing to outpace him on the road and on the cyclocross course, the Belgian rider may be aiming to get a few cyclocross wins under his belt. Let’s hope a successful cyclocross season will brighten Van Aert’s spirit after a relatively disappointing summer of road racing. We’re rooting for you, Wout!

Are you watching cyclocross this winter? Share your favorite things about the winter racing season in the comments or on social media! ★