New opportunity for Van Aert against Van der Poel: schedules and how to watch the Exact Cross of Mol 2025

The Exact Cross Mol, also known as Zilvermeercross, brings together the elite of mud and sand in a race with its own personality that will also be the fourth direct confrontation of the season between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.

After the precedents experienced this winter, the duel between the two great dominators of modern cyclocross resumes in a very different setting from Loenhout. Mol is more technical, less exposed to punctures, and with sand as the main judge. A context that could tip the balance again.

Schedule and how to watch the Exact Cross Mol 2025

• Elite Women: Friday, January 2 – 13:30
• Elite Men: Friday, January 2 – 14:50 

As has been customary this season, the race can be followed live with commentary in Spanish through the paid channels of Eurosport 1 and 2 and via the HBO Max platform. The coverage includes the elite women's and men's races.

The Zilvermeer circuit: sand and key decisions

Mol is synonymous with sand. The course runs through several sections of deep sand that usually make a difference from the first laps. Since 2023, the circuit has maintained the first large area next to the lake and has adjusted the second, historically more favorable for running, eliminating a loop to improve accessibility for the public.

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The third critical point is the dune located at the back of the course. A short but treacherous climb, where deciding whether to crown it mounted or not can open small decisive gaps. In addition, there are fast sections between the forest and a technical area with linked ups and downs that require constant precision. A complete, demanding, and very recognizable circuit.

All eyes on Van Aert

The Exact Cross of Mol will be the fourth face-to-face of the winter between Van der Poel and Van Aert. After what happened in Loenhout, where punctures affected the outcome, Mol eliminates much of the mechanical factor, and here races are rarely decided by mechanical problems. The course, somewhat more technical than Loenhout, fits well with Van der Poel's style, who has already demonstrated his ability to break the race with authority in similar settings. He starts, once again, as the big favorite.

For Van Aert, the challenge is to impose rhythm and minimize the areas where technique in sand can make a difference. In a more stable and predictable circuit, the Belgian will have a new opportunity to measure forces on equal terms.

Behind, Niels Vandeputte reappears as one of the most reliable names of the winter and a main candidate to complete the podium.

Jolanda Neff could have her big opportunity

The women's race presents a different scenario than usual at this time. Since it does not score for any regularity championship, Mol is left without several of the major Dutch references, opening the door for new protagonists. In this context, Kristýna Zemanová arrives as the most solid and consistent rider in the present peloton, and she is shaping up to be the big favorite.

One of the main focuses will be on Jolanda Neff, former MTB world champion, who continues her brief return to cyclocross with the declared goal of winning a race this winter. Her progression in sand will be key to measuring her real options.