Van der Poel arrives at the dunes cyclocross: times and how to watch for free the CX World Cup Koksijde

The cyclocross of the dunes, as one of the most iconic events of each cyclocross season is known, will continue on Sunday, December 21, with the race taking place the day before in Antwerp, again with Mathieu van der Poel ready to impose his rule.

Koksijde 2025 Cyclocross World Cup Schedule

Sunday, December 21

• 9:30 – Men's Junior
• 10:35 – Women's Junior
• 12:00 – Men's U23
• 13:40 – Women's Elite
• 15:10 – Men's Elite

Favorites for the Koksijde 2025 Cyclocross World Cup

Although cyclocross riders are used to linking one competition after another, racing on two consecutive days at the level of the Cyclocross World Cup could widen the range of those fighting for victory. In any case, the specificity of the Koksijde race means that only a cyclist who moves like a fish in water when crossing the sand can be a candidate to win here.

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These characteristics practically align with one of the terrains where Mathieu van der Poel usually causes real destruction, and just as we mentioned for the Antwerp race, his unbeaten condition since Benidorm 2024 leaves no option but to consider him a favorite to win in Koksijde as well.

If there is a cyclist in the current scene who can dethrone him, it is none other than Thibau Nys, undoubtedly the one demonstrating the best level so far in the World Cup, as his status as leader attests.

And if a cyclist is considered the great specialist in the sand, obviously, he must be taken into account for a course like the Koksijde Cyclocross World Cup. That name is none other than Laurens Sweeck, who has been enjoying good consistency in the World Cup so far and will surely try to showcase his skill in Koksijde. We must also consider the current European Champion, Toon Aerts, who precisely on a sandy and beach circuit like that of Middelkerke defeated Thibau Nys just a month ago.

The Spanish representation, just like the previous day in Antwerp, will consist of Felipe Orts, Gonzalo Inguanzo, Kevin Suarez, Javier Zaera, and Marcos Gómez.

Koksijde Cyclocross World Cup Circuit

As we have already mentioned, the Koksijde event is undoubtedly one of the most iconic on the specialty calendar. A circuit that is often marked by the harsh conditions of being in a location by the North Sea, which translates to wind, cold, and humidity.

Beyond that, it is worth mentioning that it is a completely natural circuit, meaning its sandy areas are not dumped by shovels as in some other events, but are the result of traversing the dunes adjacent to the beaches of this region, making the Koksijde course one of the most demanding and attractive for spectators of all the races held each season.

How to Watch the Koksijde Cyclocross World Cup

Just like the race the previous day in Antwerp, the Koksijde Cyclocross World Cup event will be relegated in the Europost lineup to the HBO Max platform, as Snooker and winter sports take priority these days.

There remains the option for those who do not have a subscription to this platform to follow the race through Televisión Española and its thematic channel Teledeporte, as well as the online platform RTVE Play.