2026 Cyclo-cross World Championship course in Hulst: A mix of F1 and soccer with Belgian and Dutch supporters opposite each other

On Sunday, Van der Poel secured the cyclo-cross world title for the seventh time. On Saturday, Van Empel triumphed for the third time in a row. In short, last weekend was all about the World Championships in Liévin. That whole spectacle is only just behind us, and we are already looking at the next cyclo-cross World Championship, which will be held in Hulst in Zeeland.

In about a year ( January 30 - February 1), Hulst will become the battleground of the Cyclo-cross World Championships. The organizers promise a sensational experience for both riders and fans, with a course reminiscent of Formula 1 races and the atmosphere of soccer stadiums.

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Van der Poel for eighth win in Hulst? 

World Championship course features an arena and pontoons over the water

The course will build on the well-known Vestingcross but will have several spectacular additions. In addition to the classic sections near the mill—where riders will no longer ride under but past—a new section on the west side of Hulst will also be added. The always spectacular steep descent of the fortress will remain, but in a different place. In addition, participants will have to climb the ramparts twice, which will provide an extra physical challenge.

Yet there are also some spectacular changes. For example, a unique "Netherlands-Belgium Arena" will be set up, where supporters of both countries can sit opposite each other. Also, along different parts of the course, there will be grandstands. Fans can pay a fee to get an exclusive spot here for an optimal view of the race. The riders must also cross the water five times via specially constructed pontoons, a first in cyclo-cross. All in all, the course thus has several descents, climbs, and technical sections.

Inspired by the Turbo Cross, there will be a Celebrity Cross in Hulst

Also a Celebrity Cross for the necessary entertainment

The Cyclo-cross World Championship was awarded to Hulst in September 2021. Initially, a course in Perkpolder, which hosted a successful edition of the Vestingcross in 2020, was considered. In the end, however, the traditional course in Hulst proved to be the best choice. In 2024, the municipality bought a 7-hectare site next to the veste, which will now be used for the event and future events, Omroep Zeeland reports.

"These world championships will go down in the books as a truly unique spectacle," the organization in a press release. Later this year, the organization will devise other plans for the big party. One planned highlight is the Celebrity Cross, in which famous Flemish and Dutch people will compete against each other.

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