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The Cyclocross Season 2024-2025 is Here! Get Ready for Thrills and Mud at the Exact Cross in Beringen

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: With the likes of Lars Van der Haar, Pim Ronhaar and Thibau Nys, the Lions are a force to be reckoned with. Thibau Nys started like a javelin last season, but dropped off a bit afterwards. After his successful season on the road, he seems more ready than ever to dominate cyclo-cross. In addition, team manager Sven Nys also counts on regular wins from Ronhaar and Van der Vaart and they continue to invest in young talents.

Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal: A perennial powerhouse, they boast an incredibly strong lineup. Michael Vanthourenhout and Eli Iserbyt, both top-tier riders, are hungry to secure more silverware this season. Last season's European and Belgian champions, are also favourites to run with the big prizes this winter.

Alpecin-Deceuninck: Who knows, they may have to do without star MVDP this winter, but there are plenty of other top players riding around at the Roodhooft brothers. The spearheads will be Niels Vandeputte and Gianni Vermeersch, as Quinten Hermans will skip the season due to overtiredness.

Crelan-Corendon: Laurens Sweeck, the main man at Corelan-Corendon, received a contract extension and confidence after a lesser season. Can he thank the team management with some wins? In addition, the team also counts on talents Emiel Verstrynge and Joran Wyseure for top results.

Ridley Racing Team: New to the cyclocross scene but already making waves, Ridley Racing Team is looking to make its mark with some emerging talents and exciting prospects. Like number 2 on the UCI List: Joris Nieuwenhuis. One of the best riders of last season, is ready to shine in his new shirt. He has Spain's favorite Felipe Orts next to him.

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: After a strong season last year, Iserbyt will be aiming to take the crown in several series, particularly the World Cup.

Thibau Nys: Following in his legendary father’s footsteps, Nys is maturing into a rider capable of claiming major victories this season.

Michael Vanthourenhout: Consistent, powerful, and always in contention, Vanthourenhout is expected to be a key player in the battle for multiple titles.

Laurens Sweeck: Known for his all-around capability and relentless pace, Sweeck will be another one to watch as he aims for success across the competitions.

The Big Three:

Wout Van Aert: Him we can definitely expect this season. After a year full of injuries, he comes back hungry for another season, with hopefully many prizes.

Mathieu Van der Poel: Matthieu indicated that he was not yet sure what his winter would look like. But if all goes well, we will definitely see him back for some races and maybe the World Championship.

Tom Pidcock: The biggest uncertainty of the Big 3, Pidcock has had a summer full of mountain biking, where he secured his 2nd Olympic gold medal. Will he opt for a period of rest or will he also make time for cyclocross?

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!