Benidorm wants the Cyclocross World Championship

Benidorm wants to continue being one of the major references in international cyclocross. After the success of its first three editions hosting a UCI World Cup event, the Alicante city has taken a further step and has officially presented its bid to host the Cyclocross World Championships in 2031.

Benidorm wants the Cyclocross World Championships in 2031

The announcement was made this Friday at the Torrejó Building, in front of Levante Beach, in an event that reinforces the institutional commitment of Benidorm and the Valencian Community to this winter cycling discipline.

The bid comes 35 years after Spain hosted a Cyclocross World Championship, held in Getxo in 1990. If Benidorm succeeds, the championship would finally return to national soil after more than three decades of absence.

Moreover, the city already knows what it is like to host major first-level cycling events. In 1992, it was the venue for the Road World Championships.

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The presentation event was attended by authorities such as Antonio Pérez, mayor of Benidorm and president of the Alicante Provincial Council; Luis Cervera, general director of Sports of the Generalitat Valenciana; and Pascual Momparler, organizer of the event and main promoter of the project.

Momparler was clear about it: the goal of being a World Championship host has been on the table since the beginning of the project. After three consolidated editions on the international calendar and excellent evaluations from the UCI, Benidorm believes it has demonstrated its readiness to make the definitive leap.

Since its debut in 2023, the Benidorm Cyclocross World Cup has become one of the most popular events on the calendar. Even the professionals have already marked this date as one of their favorites. Every January, around 16,000 fans fill the parks of El Moralet and Foietes, generating a direct impact on hotel occupancy and dining during the low season.

In strictly sporting terms, the record speaks for itself. Mathieu van der Poel won the first edition, Wout van Aert won in 2024, and Thibau Nys took victory in 2025. In the women's category, Fem van Empel has been the great dominator, with three consecutive wins.

Before dreaming of the 2031 World Championship, Benidorm is already working on the next edition of the World Cup, scheduled for January 18, 2026. The organization has confirmed several relevant innovations, such as a new course, an uphill finish line, and a 100-meter sand section that promises to enhance the spectacle.

In sporting terms, Thibau Nys and the current European champion, Toon Aerts, have already confirmed their presence, and the participation of the current world champion, Mathieu van der Poel, is also expected.

The event will continue to offer various entry options that are already available for purchase on its website.