The Cyclo-Cross season will reach one of its much-anticipated moments on the weekend of 8 and 9 November, when Middelkerke, a historic Belgian town on the North Sea coast, will host the 2025 UEC Cyclo-Cross European Championships. Two days of pure sporting action, with six continental titles up for grabs: Men Elite, Women Elite, Men Under 23, Women Under 23, Men Juniors and Women Juniors.
It will be a highly technical and competitive event, confirming the extraordinary vitality of this discipline. A total of 283 athletes from 25 countries are registered for the continental event, a number that represents a new record for participating countries in the history of the UEC Cyclo-Cross European Championships.
This is a strong signal, reflecting the constant growth of the movement and the appeal of a discipline that continues to conquer new horizons and an ever more passionate audience.
In the Men’s Elite race, all eyes will be on Thibau Nys (Belgium), reigning European champion and a shining talent in international Cyclo-Cross, who will be one of the big favourites thanks to his technique and ability to adapt to all racing conditions. His compatriot Michael Vanthourenhout, a solid and consistent performer who has had an excellent start to the season, will be one of his main rivals.
Joris Nieuwenhuis (Netherlands), one of the most convincing performers so far this season, is also in great form, while Laurens Sweeck (Belgium) could find the Middelkerke course the ideal terrain to shine. Finally, watch out for Felipe Orts Lloret (Spain), last year's silver medallist in Pontevedra, who is capable of regularly finishing among the best.
Belgium will also be represented by young talents such as Emiel Verstrynge and Joran Wyseure, who are confirming their potential among the Elite riders.
The Netherlands also has a top-notch team: Pim Ronhaar and Ryan Kamp, both former Under-23 world champions, are ready to fight for the top spots, while the experience of Lars van der Haar, always competitive on the big stage, could be a decisive factor.
In the women's race, Fem van Empel (Netherlands) will defend the jersey she won last year. Her compatriot Lucinda Brand, already a world champion, will line up at the start with the ambition of climbing back to the top step of the continental podium.
It is also an excellent moment for Sara Casasola (Italy) and Marion Norbert Riberolle (Belgium), who will be able to count on the support of the local crowd and her rapidly improving physical condition. The presence of France's Amandine Fouquenet, who is in great form at the start of the season, will also be very interesting.
As always, the Dutch delegation will be of a high standard: in addition to Van Empel and Brand, keep a close eye on Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, former world and European champion, who is always dangerous on technical courses, and Denise Betsema, who has repeatedly shown that she is at ease on sandy courses.
Other interesting riders include Luxembourg's Marie Schreiber, now a force to be reckoned with at the top of the international scene, and Hungary's Blanka Kata Vas, one of the most versatile cyclists on the European scene, capable of excelling in several disciplines and always competitive in major events.
Enrico Della Casa, President of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme: "Middelkerke is a historic venue for Cyclo-Cross and provides the ideal setting for this year's European Championships.
The course will be spectacular and technical, as befits this discipline. Cyclo-Cross has never experienced a crisis; on the contrary, it continues to grow steadily, including in terms of participating countries, some of which are making their international debut: the record participation of 25 countries is clear proof of this.
Two exciting days await us, with an enthusiastic crowd that will create a unique atmosphere. I would like to thank the City of Middelkerke, its mayor Jean-Marie Dedecker, and Golazo, our valued partner, for their excellent organisational work."
