Preview 2025 Cyclo-cross World Championships - elite women | More Dutch dominance, or an Eastern European surprise?

Saturday is the big day! For the women competing in the Cyclo-cross World Championships, that is, as they take to the course in Liévin, France, to battle for the coveted rainbow jersey. On paper, it looks likely to be the sixth consecutive year of Dutch dominance — or could someone disrupt the Dutch parade of victories? Let’s find out!

A quick glance at the recent winners’ list shows that Dutch riders have claimed the world title every year for the past five years. Fem van Empel has been the standout rider, securing back-to-back victories in 2023 (Hoogerheide) and 2024 (Tábor). At just 22 years old, she has the chance to complete her hat-trick at a young age this weekend in northern France.

She’ll face competition from other former champions in the Dutch squad. Marianne Vos, with multiple titles to her name, is a legend of the sport. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (2020) and Lucinda Brand (2021) have also worn the rainbow jersey, while Puck Pieterse is still chasing her first elite cyclo-cross world title.

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

2024 Fem van Empel
2023 Fem van Empel
2022 Marianne Vos
2021 Lucinda Brand
2020 Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado
2019 Sanne Cant
2018 Sanne Cant
2017 Sanne Cant
2016 Thalita de Jong
2015 Pauline Férrand-Prevot

Course, weather and times 2025 Cyclo-cross World Championships

So, what kind of course will the ladies 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. Riders will have to rely on sheer power to succeed.

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 could reduce the mud factor slightly. Temperatures are expected to be around 5°C.

Times (Saturday, February)

Start: 3:00 PM local time (9:00 AM EST)
Finish: 3:50 PM local time (9:50 AM EST)

Favorites 2025 Cyclo-cross World Championships (elite women)

The Cyclo-cross World Championships are the highlight of the winter season for many riders, and Saturday’s race in Liévin promises to deliver in terms of spectacle. Picking a single favorite is no easy task, as the top contenders have been trading wins all season.

Lucinda Brand has been the most consistent rider lately, finishing on the podium in every key race. The experienced Dutch rider skipped the Dutch national championships in January to focus entirely on the Worlds. She followed that up with a podium finish in Benidorm and a win at the Hoogerheide warm-up race. All signs point to her being in peak form.

Fem van Empel comes in as the defending champion, with her sights set firmly on a third straight title. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider has been building toward this event for weeks but will face stiff competition on the challenging course in northern France. Her teammate Marianne Vos, the 2022 champion, is also a threat, though she withdrew from Hoogerheide with a calf issue.

Puck Pieterse is another strong contender. The cheerful rider from Fenix-Deceuninck skipped much of the season’s general classification races to focus on the championships. She already claimed the Dutch national title and is fully locked in on the Worlds. Meanwhile, her teammate Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado has also been preparing but seems slightly off her best form.

Outside the Dutch squad, Hungary’s Blanka Vas looks like the biggest threat. With Zoe Backstedt and Marie Schreiber competing in the U23 race, Vas has emerged as the top non-Dutch contender. She won in Maasmechelen last weekend and finished second in Hoogerheide, showing she can handle tough courses.

Other riders to watch include Italy’s Sara Casasola and Belgium’s Marion Norbert-Riberolle, along with Dutch riders Inge van der Heijden, Manon Bakker, Annemarie Worst, and Denise Betsema.

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

Top favorite: Lucinda Brand (Netherlands)
Outsiders: Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse (both Netherlands)
Long shots: Blanka Vas (Hungary), Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and Marianne Vos (Netherlands)

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

The Cyclo-cross World Championships will be broadcast this weekend on Eurosport (main channel and Eurosport.nl/HBO Max), Sporza (VRT 1), and the NOS (via NPO and nos.nl). IDLProCycling.com will also keep you updated on everything you need to know about the event in Liévin.

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