Cyclocross
Events & Championships
Cyclocross Events Scene
Cyclocross has established a vibrant and passionate racing scene, attracting participants and spectators from around the world.
The sport’s unique blend of challenging terrain, fast-paced action, and festive atmosphere creates an electrifying experience for all involved.
Cyclocross race participants compete on specialized cyclocross bikes, which seamlessly blend road cycling agility with off-road versatility, to tackle the challenges of the course with precision and speed.
Let’s look at some of the notable cyclocross events and competitions that take place globally.
The Different Cyclocross Events
UCI Cyclocross World Championships:
Organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the Cyclocross World Championships is the pinnacle event in the cyclocross calendar.
It gathers the best riders from different nations to compete for the coveted rainbow jersey.
The championship features intense racing across various categories, including elite men, elite women, under-23 men, and junior categories.
UCI Cyclocross World Cup:
The UCI Cyclocross World Cup is a series of elite-level races held in different countries throughout the cyclocross season.
The series showcases top international riders competing in multiple cyclocross events, earning points to determine the overall World Cup winners in each category.
The World Cup events attract large crowds and offer high-level competition.
National Championships:
National Cyclocross Championships are held annually in many countries, providing a platform for domestic riders to showcase their skills and compete for the national title.
These events contribute to the national rankings and serve as a selection process for international competitions.
National championships often draw significant attention and participation from both amateur and professional riders.
Major Cyclocross Series:
Various countries and regions host major cyclocross events that span multiple races throughout the season.
These series include prestigious events and often have their own rankings and overall winners.
Examples include the Superprestige Series in Belgium and the DVV Verzekeringen Trofee (formerly known as the BPost Bank Trophy) in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Soudal Classics:
The Soudal Classics is a series of high-profile cyclocross races held in Belgium.
It features iconic races like the GP Hasselt, GP Neerpelt, and GP Leuven, among others.
The series attracts top riders and offers exciting battles on challenging courses.
X²O Badkamers Trofee:
Formerly known as the DVV Verzekeringen Trofee, the X²O Badkamers Trofee is a prestigious cyclocross series held in Belgium and the Netherlands.
It consists of several races throughout the season, including the iconic Koppenbergcross, providing thrilling competition and determining an overall series winner.
Trek CX Cup:
The Trek CX Cup is a prominent cyclocross event held in the United States.
It features a UCI C1 race and is part of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup series, attracting top international riders and showcasing the sport’s excitement on American soil.
Cyclocross Tokyo:
Cyclocross Tokyo is a unique and exciting cyclocross event held in Japan.
It combines cyclocross racing with elements of Japanese culture, creating a distinctive atmosphere and offering a memorable experience for participants and spectators.
Koppenbergcross:
The Koppenbergcross is a legendary cyclocross race held in Oudenaarde, Belgium.
Known for its steep and challenging Koppenberg climb, the race is a favorite among riders and fans, drawing large crowds and providing thrilling spectacles.
Superprestige Gieten:
Superprestige Gieten is one of the oldest and most prestigious cyclocross events in the Netherlands.
It takes place in Gieten and marks the start of the Superprestige Series, attracting top Dutch and international riders.
National Trophy Series:
The National Trophy Series is a prestigious cyclocross competition held in the United Kingdom.
It consists of several races across different regions, showcasing the country’s top talent and contributing to national rankings.
Azencross Loenhout:
Azencross Loenhout, held in Loenhout, Belgium, is a beloved and well-attended cyclocross race.
Known for its festive atmosphere, challenging course, and enthusiastic crowd, it has become a highlight of the cyclocross calendar.
Cyclocross de Krawatencross:
The Krawatencross is a highly regarded cyclocross race held in Lille, Belgium.
Known for its challenging course and festive atmosphere, it attracts top riders from around the world and offers thrilling racing action.
Cyclocross Brico Cross:
The Brico Cross series is a collection of exciting cyclocross events held in various locations in Belgium.
It features races like the Brico Cross Essen, Brico Cross Meulebeke, and Brico Cross Hulst, showcasing top-level competition and attracting both local and international riders.
Rapha Super Cross:
Rapha Super Cross is a unique cyclocross event that combines racing with a festival atmosphere.
Held in various locations, including the United Kingdom and the United States, it features challenging courses, fun-filled activities, food vendors, and live music, creating a lively and engaging experience for riders and spectators.
World Cup Waterloo:
World Cup Waterloo is a UCI Cyclocross World Cup event held in Waterloo, Wisconsin, in the United States.
Known for its scenic setting and challenging course, it brings together elite riders from around the world, creating an electric atmosphere and intense competition.
Sven Nys Classic:
The Sven Nys Classic is a cyclocross event named after the legendary Belgian cyclist, Sven Nys. Held in Baal, Belgium, it offers participants the opportunity to ride on iconic cyclocross terrain while enjoying a festive atmosphere and a chance to experience the sport alongside Sven Nys himself.
Scheldecross:
Scheldecross is a renowned cyclocross race held in Antwerp, Belgium.
It takes place in a parkland setting and features a mix of challenging terrain, including sand and technical sections.
The race attracts both professional and amateur riders, with a vibrant atmosphere that draws in a passionate crowd.
Local and Regional Races:
Cyclocross racing extends beyond the elite level, with a wide range of local and regional races taking place globally.
These races cater to riders of all skill levels and ages, providing an opportunity to experience the thrill of cyclocross competition in a grassroots setting.
Local cyclocross events foster a sense of community and serve as stepping stones for aspiring riders.
Cyclocross Festivals:
Cyclocross festivals combine racing with a vibrant festival atmosphere, offering a weekend of cyclocross action, entertainment, and community engagement.
These events often include multiple races across various categories, spectator-friendly courses, food vendors, live music, and activities for all ages.
Examples include the Jingle Cross Festival in the United States and the Koppenbergcross Festival in Belgium.
These events and competitions showcase the global reach and excitement of cyclocross racing.
Whether it’s the intensity of the World Championships, the drama of the World Cup series, or the camaraderie of local races, cyclocross offers a thrilling and inclusive experience for riders and spectators alike.
So, lace up your shoes, grab your friends, and immerse yourselves in the exhilarating world of cyclocross racing!