The last Van der Poel vs Van Aert of the year and a record at stake: schedules and how to watch the X2O Trophy in Loenhout 2025

The X2O Badkamers Trophy Azencross Loenhout once again takes center stage in the Christmas cyclocross calendar with a new showdown between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. This will be the third race of the season where both will line up at the start, the last one in 2025, but the excitement of witnessing a true duel between their best versions seems to be fading.

Schedule and how to watch the X2O Trophy of Loenhout 2025

The race will take place on Monday, December 29, 2025 and will feature a full program of races, highlighting the elite events:

• 13:45 – Women's elite
• 15:00 – Men's elite

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.

A fast circuit that benefits the world champion

The Loenhout circuit is one of the most recognizable in the winter calendar, largely because it has hardly changed over the years. The organization maintains the same layout as in previous editions, ensuring a well-known setting for both riders and fans.

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It is a relatively fast course, with long straights around the football field where high speeds can be achieved, several hard and compact sections, technical areas in the woods, natural ditches, bridges, planks, and the already classic “washboard” present since 2004. The long asphalt straight towards the finish is often a key tactical point and has decided races in the past. The behavior of the circuit largely depends on the weather, as some areas can degrade quickly with rain.

The last Van der Poel vs Van Aert of the year

When it comes to favorites to win in Loenhout, everything revolves around Mathieu van der Poel. The reigning world champion has been undefeated for over a year and arrives in Loenhout as the top favorite, even with the possibility of equaling the historic record of victories in this event, currently held by Sven Nys (father of Thibau Nys).

On the other hand, Wout van Aert faces his great rival again, but his recent results invite caution and do not confirm that he can compete for victory on equal terms. Beyond the Van der Poel–Van Aert duo, there are names that could spice up the race. Thibau Nys has already shown in Gavere and Dendermonde that he has the speed and confidence to challenge the leader, especially if the race is decided in a sprint. We will also have to keep an eye on riders like Niels Vandeputte, Laurens Sweeck, or Cameron Mason, who are regular protagonists during this time of year.

In the women's race, the main reference is once again Lucinda Brand, who is having a practically perfect winter and excels in all types of courses. Loenhout is not the toughest or most selective circuit, but that has not prevented her from winning in similar settings. Her main rival on paper will be Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, especially on a course where technique and speed can make a difference. We will also have to follow riders like Zoe Bäckstedt, Marie Schreiber, Julie Brouwers, or Marion Norbert-Riberolle, in a field of participants that is somewhat less deep than in World Cup events.

Loenhout has everything to be a great cyclocross celebration; however, the pre-race leaves the feeling that unless a major surprise occurs, the current superiority of Mathieu van der Poel and the doubts still surrounding Wout van Aert make one think that the duel we all expect could once again remain just that… in the pre-race.