TL;DR
The 2024-25 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup is underway. Mathieu van der Poel defends his title against rising stars like Puck Pieterse. New venues like Oristano, Sardinia, join the circuit. The season is condensed into 9 weeks, with protected events boosting participation.
Building on the legacy of 31 seasons, the 2024-25 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup season has kicked off! The 2024-25 season embraces innovation while honoring its roots. New venues like Oristano, Sardinia, provide a fresh perspective, while "protected events" boost participation at pivotal races like Dublin and Hulst. From the electrifying opener in Antwerp to the grand finale in Hoogerheide, this year each race boasts unique challenges. Watch the reigning king, Mathieu van der Poel, chase his sixth world title while rising stars like Puck Pieterse and Fem van Empel make their mark. Explore key race dates, locations, changes this season, men and women to watch this season, and how to watch from all over the world.
Key Race Dates & Locations
- Antwerp, Belgium (November 24, 2024): Season opener, Eli Iserbyt and Marie Schreiber claim victory.
- Dublin, Ireland (December 1, 2024): Ireland's debut World Cup race, showcasing the sport's growing popularity.
- Oristano, Sardinia (December 8, 2024): Riders tackle rugged, unfamiliar terrain on the Italian island.
- Namur, Belgium (December 15, 2024): Classic venue with challenging climbs and technical descents.
- Hulst, Netherlands (December 21, 2024): Sandy, technical course testing rider's precision.
- Zonhoven, Belgium (December 22, 2024): Back-to-back race with Hulst, featuring iconic sandy pits.
- Gavere, Belgium (December 26, 2024): Boxing Day race with muddy trails and steep climbs.
- Besançon, France (December 29, 2024): New venue with an unpredictable layout.
- Dendermonde, Belgium (January 5, 2025): Muddy conditions and tactical racing.
- Benidorm, Spain (January 19, 2025): Coastal venue with a fast-paced, technical course.
- Maasmechelen, Belgium (January 25, 2025): Penultimate race, crucial for points.
- Hoogerheide, Netherlands (January 26, 2025): Season finale, crowning the champions.
What's New This Season?
New Venue in Sardinia
A standout addition to the 2024–25 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup is the introduction of Oristano, Sardinia, Italy, as a race venue. This decision by the UCI highlights a commitment to diversifying the competition's geographic scope while offering riders the challenge and excitement of competing in an entirely new environment.
Protected Events
The UCI has designated four races as “protected events”:
- Dublin, Ireland
- Oristano, Sardinia, Italy
- Hulst, Netherlands
- Besançon, France
These races hold special status, ensuring no other C1 or C2-level cyclo-cross competitions can take place on the same weekend. This strategy aims to boost participation at these key venues and maintain a competitive edge for the World Cup.
Tighter Calendar
For the 2024–25 season, the World Cup schedule has been condensed into a nine-week timeframe, with races taking place every weekend from late November to early January. This streamlined approach addresses past criticisms about overly spread-out seasons and ensures an accelerated, fast-paced racing calendar.
Shifting Venue Dynamics
For the first time since 2014, the United States will not be featured on the World Cup calendar, and the Val di Sole snow race in Italy has also been removed. These changes reflect a renewed focus on European venues, reducing the need for long-haul travel and consolidating the series closer to its roots.
Expanded Youth Categories
In an exciting development, the UCI has introduced more youth-focused races, including Men’s Under-23, Men’s Junior, and Women’s Junior events in select rounds. This initiative is designed to nurture the next generation of talents and add an additional layer of excitement for all.
Mandatory Team Participation
To ensure consistent participation, the UCI has implemented new rules requiring UCI-registered teams to send at least one rider to five rounds, while top-tier UCI Professional teams must field at least three riders at every round. This rule is aimed at elevating the competitive standard and broadening the pool of elite competitors.
These updates are set to reinvigorate the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup, promising more intense races, increased participation, and a stronger platform for emerging stars. Fans can look forward to a thrilling season that celebrates the best of cyclo-cross while driving the sport’s growth and international appeal.
Riders to Watch
Men
Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands
Image credit: Cyclocross24
The reigning king of cyclo-cross, Mathieu van der Poel's track record speaks volumes. With five world titles, he's on the hunt for number six, leaving his opponents in awe.
Eli Iserbyt of Belgium
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Belgium's World Cup leader, Iserbyt's consistent performances and aggressive riding style have him primed to battle it out for the top spots.
Michael Vanthourenhout of Belgium
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With a small margin over Iserbyt, Vanthourenhout's experience and recent victory in Dubai signal his intent to compete at the highest level.
Women
Puck Pieterse of the Netherlands
Image credit: Cyclocross24
At just 21, Pieterse's bunny-hopping prowess and National Champions' jersey make her a standout. Her versatility extends into other disciplines. So far she has acquired 7 individual wins for cyclo-cross, 4 individual wins for mountain, and 1 individual stage win for road.
Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado of the Dominican Republic
Image credit: Cyclocross24
The former world champion and current Superprestige champion, Alvarado's decision to prioritize her health due to “suffering from fatigue due to a week of illness” speaks volumes about her integrity and focus.
Zoe Bäckstedt of the United Kingdom
Image credit: Cyclocross24
A rising star with a growing trophy cabinet, Bäckstedt's passion and consistent top finishes are setting her up for a bright future in the sport.
Points Distribution
During each race, the top 25 finishers in both the men's and women's elite categories earn points. Here's the point distribution breakdown:
1st: 40 points
2nd: 30 points
3rd: 25 points
4th: 22 points
5th 21 points
Each position following the 5th place will receive one less point than the previous position until the 25th place, receiving 1 point.
The points awarded during these races are distinct from the UCI ranking points. While the UCI ranking points are used for seeding in races, the World Cup points are what truly count when it comes to the overall standings of the season. The younger riders (Under-23 and Junior) follow a consistent points system. However, only the best four or five results (depending on the number of races) will be considered for their final World Cup.
So, what does this mean for the riders?
It's all about consistency, strategy, and the drive to perform at the highest level in each race. This means for riders like Van der Poel, Iserbyt, Pieterse, Alvarado, and Bäckstedt to win, they will need to perform consistently throughout the season to accumulate points from the opening event in Antwerp to the season finale in Hoogerheid.
How to Watch?
Are you ready to catch all the action of the 2024-25 UCI Cyclocross World Cup? Whether you're watching directly from the racetracks, tuning in from the comfort of your home, or cheering from across the globe, we've got you covered! Here is how you can stay tuned in for the season:
United States
For US viewers, the UCI's official YouTube channel offers free live streams of the Cyclocross World Cup races, so you won't miss a second of the excitement. Remember, while there was a time when you had to subscribe to services like FloBikes or NBC Sports Gold to watch, now you can enjoy the races without any subscription fees!
Canada
Canadians, you're in luck! You can also watch the 2024-25 UCI Cyclocross World Cup races for free on the UCI's YouTube channel. No need to worry about subscription costs or geo-blocking—just grab your favorite snacks and settle in for some thrilling cyclo-cross action.
United Kingdom & Ireland
In the UK and Ireland, Discovery+ is your go-to streaming service. A 'standard' subscription will set you back £6.99 per month, but this means you'll get access to Eurosport's year-round cycling coverage, including the Cyclocross World Cup. For those looking for a cost-effective solution, keep an eye on the UCI's YouTube page, as some races and highlights may be available for free.
Belgium, Italy, and France
If you're in Belgium, tune into Sporza for free live streams. Fans in Italy can enjoy the races on Rai Play without paying a subscription fee. And in France, France TV will have you covered with their free broadcasts. Just make sure to check their schedules for the specific races they're covering.
Australia
Unfortunately, there are no clear streaming options for Australian viewers at the moment. However, you can try the UCI's YouTube channel, or if you're in countries where the stream is geo-blocked, a VPN service may be able to help you access the races by masking your location.
Africa and Beyond
Specific streaming options for Africa are not mentioned, keep an eye on SuperSport for possible coverage. Additionally, if you have access to a VPN, you can use it to access streams from other regions where the UCI's YouTube live streams are available.
Stay Connected: Latest Standings & Results
Alternatively, fans and enthusiasts across the globe can visit Cyclocross24 for the latest standings, race schedules, and results. No matter where you are, stay updated with the latest information on the UCI's official website or social media channels. Remember, streaming rights can change, so checking back regularly will ensure you don't miss out on any of the 2024-25 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup action.
Conclusion
The 2024–25 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup is a cornerstone of the sport, showcasing skill, strategy, and endurance that captivates fans worldwide. Spanning 12 rounds across six countries, this 32nd edition builds on a rich tradition of thrilling races. From the season opener in Antwerp to the finale in Hoogerheide, from Zonhoven’s sandy stretches to Gavere’s technical terrain, each event brings unique challenges.
This season promises compelling narratives, including Mathieu van der Poel’s pursuit of a sixth world title and rising stars like Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse. New venues like Oristano bring fresh excitement, while "protected events" boost participation at key races like Dublin, Hulst, and Besançon.
A condensed nine-week schedule ensures fast-paced action every weekend. The absence of the United States and Val di Sole races marks a shift toward Europe-centric venues, reducing travel demands. Expanded youth categories like Men’s Junior and Women’s Junior highlight the sport’s commitment to nurturing future talents.
Get Ready for the Action!
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Learn more about the history of UCI by reading our previous article.
This season promises unforgettable moments and thrilling competition, blending tradition with innovation. Gear up and join the celebration of cyclo-cross—where passion and perseverance collide. Let’s cycle to Mars together!
