Preview 2025 Cyclo-cross World Championships - elite men | Van der Poel vs. Van Aert, yet again!

In cycling, the Tour of Flanders is often called the 'High Mass' of spring. But when it comes to winter, there’s no question which race earns that title: the Cyclo-cross World Championships. Packed with spectacle, fierce rivalries, and thrilling racing, it never disappoints — and the 2025 edition looks just as exciting. Let’s take a closer look!

This year, the absence of Tom Pidcock means there has been less talk of 'the Big Three' of cyclo-cross. However, looking at recent World Championship winners reminds us of the term’s relevance. Over the last decade, the winners’ list is straightforward: six victories for Mathieu van der Poel, three for Wout van Aert, and one for Tom Pidcock.

Van der Poel is on a mission to chase Roger De Vlaeminck’s record, and he aims to take another step toward it in northern France. The Dutchman has won the past two editions — after a thrilling duel with Van Aert in 2023 in Hoogerheide and a solo victory last year in Tábor, Czech Republic.

Most recent winners Cyclo-cross World Championships (elite men)

2024 Mathieu van der Poel
2023 Mathieu van der Poel
2022 Tom Pidcock
2021 Mathieu van der Poel
2020 Mathieu van der Poel
2019 Mathieu van der Poel
2018 Wout van Aert
2017 Wout van Aert
2016 Wout van Aert
2015 Mathieu van der Poel

Course, weather and times 2025 Cyclo-cross World Championships

So, what kind of course will the men face in Liévin? A typical French course, that might be the best description. The terrain never rolls smoothly, and the ground constantly drags at the wheels, offering little to no rest. It's a good course for power riders, you might say.

From the start on Rue du Percot, riders head into the French fields, likely made heavy by recent rains. After two chicanes, there’s an equipment pit followed by a technical section leading to the stairs. In between there are some elevation changes, adding to the challenge.

The second half of the course features longer, straighter sections where power is critical. After a second set of stairs, riders loop back to the start/finish area.

Weather

Like much of Europe, northern France has seen plenty of rain recently. However, the weekend forecast is dry, which might make the course slightly less muddy. Temperatures are expected to hover around 5°C.

Times (Sunday, February 2)

Start: 3:00 PM local time (9 AM EST)
Finish: 4:00 PM local time (10 AM EST)

Favorites 2025 Cyclo-cross World Championships (elite men)

Mathieu van der Poel is the man to beat in Liévin — there’s no other way to put it. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider has won every cyclo-cross race he entered this season, each victory more impressive than the last. He has made it clear that winning a seventh world title is his primary goal, leaving it to his rivals to create any doubt heading into Sunday.

The main challenge will likely come from his long-time rival, Wout van Aert. To everyone’s surprise, Van Aert announced on Sunday evening that he would compete in Liévin a week later. "I am excited to start in such a beautiful race, and I think this extra boost is doing me good in the lead-up to bigger goals on the road. The preparation has been very different, but I'll do my best," said the Visma | Lease a Bike rider, who finished second behind Van der Poel in Maasmechelen.

The fight for third place seems more open. Several riders are struggling as the World Championships approach. Pim Ronhaar hasn’t had the best couple of weeks, which makes sense given his late start to the season. In Belgium, European and national champion Thibau Nys, Laurens Sweeck, and Niels Vandeputte have been dealing with illnesses.

This leaves us with a few more contenders. Dutchmen Joris Nieuwenhuis and Lars van der Haar are worth watching. Nieuwenhuis missed much of the season but hopes to peak at the World Championships, where he was runner-up last year. He recently finished third in Maasmechelen. Van der Haar, meanwhile, has regained his form, as shown by his podium finishes in Benidorm and Hoogerheide.

Belgium is bringing championship riders like Michael Vanthourenhout, as well as powerhouses like Toon Aerts, Joran Wyseure, and Emiel Verstrynge, plus the sharp Eli Iserbyt. On a good day, any of these gentlemen could be close to the podium. Looking beyond Belgium and the Netherlands to the other usual suspects, we will also be keeping an eye on Spanish rider Felipe Orts, who could also surprise.

According to IDLProCycling.com, who are the favorites for the 2025 Cyclo-cross World Championships (elite men)? 

Top favorite: Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands)
Outsiders: Wout van Aert and Michael Vanthourenhout (Belgium)
Long shots: Lars van der Haar, Joris Nieuwenhuis (Netherlands), Thibau Nys and Toon Aerts (Belgium)

TV broadcast 2025 Cyclo-cross World Championships (elite men)

The Worlds will be broadcast this weekend on Eurosport (main channel and Eurosport.nl/HBO Max), Sporza (VRT 1) and NOS (via NPO and nos.nl). IDLProCycling.com will also keep you posted on what is happening in Liévin.

Read also

Van der Poel’s victory gesture a coincidence? Definitely not, it was a birthday gift for Evenepoel: "Call received, bro!"

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