The Namur World Cup, debut at the highest level for Mathieu van der Poel

The long-awaited moment of each cyclocross season has arrived when the biggest names make their appearance on the muddy scene. The first to arrive is Mathieu van der Poel, who has chosen nothing less than one of the most mythical and demanding races, both technically and physically, on the calendar for his debut. The Cyclocross World Cup race in Namur thus gains in anticipation, both for the spectacle that the Dutchman can provide and for the battle for a general classification that is extremely tight.

Schedule for the Cyclocross World Cup in Namur

Sunday, December 14, 2025

• 12:00 – Junior Men
• 13:40 – Elite Women
• 15:10 – Elite Men

Favorites for the Cyclocross World Cup in Namur

Although it is his first race of the year, the arrival of Mathieu van der Poel to the competition shifts the favoritism for victory to the figure of a cyclist who was relentless in the cyclocross events he participated in last season. It could be argued that the Namur circuit, due to its high level of demand, may not be the best for someone who has not put a number on his cyclocross bike for so long, but we already know about Van der Poel's innate dominance on the bike, so we have no choice but to bet on him for victory in the race.

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The leader of the Cyclocross World Cup returns to action after skipping the Terralba race. If there is anyone who can challenge the Dutch cyclist right now, it is Thibau Nys, who is beginning to demonstrate the cyclocross genetics that runs through his veins. After his absence in the Italian race, the general classification has tightened, making this Namur event very important to clarify who is in charge of the World Cup.

Joris Nieuwenhuis was left with honey on his lips after practically dominating the entire Terralba race; however, the consistency shown by the Ridley rider makes him a contender for victory, although, in his case, a cyclist who is showing less explosiveness will have to rely on the mistakes of the aforementioned to achieve it. A similar situation to that of the winner in Terralba and last year's Namur, Michael Vanthourenhout, who, after a somewhat discreet start to the CX World Cup, seems to have found the pedal stroke that allowed him to dominate the beginning of the season.

We cannot forget about other returning competitors, a classic like Laurens Sweeck, who is once again showing competitiveness and who, through consistency, occupies the provisional second place in the World Cup general classification.

Spanish hopes will once again be placed on the return to international competition of Felipe Orts, who, during the last two weeks, has dedicated himself to resting, training specifically for the Christmas campaign, and dominating the last two events of the Spanish CX Cup, where he won effortlessly in what was nothing more than a training session with a number.

Circuit for the Cyclocross World Cup in Namur

Without a doubt, one of the mythical circuits of each season that we have seen integrated into various competitions, including the World Cup, Superprestige, and Championships. The course drawn on the slopes surrounding the citadel of Namur is notable for its significant inclines, making this race one of the toughest on the calendar.

A circuit where the technical aspect is also essential without the need for artificial zones; everything is natural in Namur. Challenges range from steep descents to cobbled sections, all seasoned with a course in constant shade where the sticky and slippery mud, always present, makes staying on the bike practically an exercise in tightrope walking.

How to watch the Cyclocross World Cup in Namur

The arrival of Mathieu van der Poel to the World Cup means that Eurosport is once again prioritizing cyclocross, so we can enjoy the race broadcast on Eurosport 2 as well as on HBO-Max. The RTVE option will also still be available through the Teledeporte channel and the RTVE Play web platform.

Finally, we remind you that the UCI is broadcasting the competition through its YouTube channel, which includes the broadcast of the Junior category race for those who do not want to miss a single moment of the Cyclocross World Cup.