{"id":44898,"title":"Cyclocross World Championships 2026","description":"Everything you need to know about the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships 2026 in Hulst, Netherlands, including the favourites, dates, times, how to get there, and how to buy tickets and TV viewing schedules.","content":"<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/rijden.uk\/use-of-cookies-and-disclaimer\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>How we use cookies on the Rijden website<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Published in<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/cyclocross-stories\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>CYCLOCROSS<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Everything you need to know about the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships 2026 in Hulst, located in the Netherlands, including the favourites, dates, times, how to get there, how to buy tickets, and TV viewing schedules.<\/p><p><em>Last updated: 29 January 2026<\/em><\/p><p style=\"text-align:center;\"><img src=\"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/iwopimpirtry9xaxcbzhlbcov4wwwkelaokfyucwqgq4esh0.png.jpg?w=1140&amp;h=auto\" alt=\"Image of Mathieu van der Poel. Can anyone prevent Mathieu van der Poel from winning the World Cyclocross Championships? Image: Bram van Lent\" title=\"Image of Mathieu van der Poel. Can anyone prevent Mathieu van der Poel from winning the World Cyclocross Championships? Image: Bram van Lent\" \/><em>Can anyone prevent Mathieu van der Poel from winning the World Cyclocross Championships? Image: Bram van Lent<\/em><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align:center;\">Where are the 2026 Cyclocross World Championships?<\/h2><p>The 2026 Cyclocross World Championships returns to the Netherlands for the first time since 2023, when Mathieu van der Poel and Fem van Empel were crowned World Champions at Hoogerheide. This season's Championships will be held at Hulst, just a few kilometres from the border with Belgium.<\/p><p>It's two and a half hours from Calais, so we expect it to be popular with British, Dutch, and Belgian cyclocross fans, as well as fans from many other nations.<\/p><p>Given that Hulst is so close to Belgium, it's likely to be a well-attended event. If you're thinking of going to watch, then plan ahead. Grandstands were already selling out at the time of writing.<\/p><p>The World Championships have never been held here before, but it's been a round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup for the last few years.<\/p><hr \/><p><strong>ABOUT RIJDEN<\/strong><span style=\"font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;\">: <\/span><em>Rijden grew from a passion for Flemish-style cycle racing. We're a UK independent that publishes this free online cycling magazine and creates sustainable gifts for cyclists. Read <\/em><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/rijden.uk\/about-rijden\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>more about Rijden<\/em><\/strong><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p><hr \/><p style=\"text-align:center;\"><img src=\"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/6slnmnodhv2uuucoivyc3e21nxj47avbltiuinax37xf8vdf.png.jpg?w=1140&amp;h=auto\" alt=\"Without Fem van Empel, Lucinda Brand will start as the favourite in the elite women\u2019s race at the 2026 Cyclocross World Championships. Image: Bram van Lent\" title=\"Without Fem van Empel, Lucinda Brand will start as the favourite in the elite women\u2019s race at the 2026 Cyclocross World Championships. Image: Bram van Lent\" \/>Without <em>Fem van Empel, Lucinda Brand will start as the favourite in the elite women\u2019s race. Image: Bram van Lent<\/em><\/p><p>Hulst means Holly in English and is thought to be so named after the star fort that was built in the seventeenth century. The course is a modified version of the one that\u2019s been used in the past, but still features the terrifying descents and vertiginous climbs.<\/p><p>Hulst is used to conflict. The French and Spanish fought over Hulst in the seventeenth century. Add in the Belgians, Dutch, Italians, British, Americans, Canadians and tens of thousands of crazy fans, then you've got a real battle for the Cyclo-cross World Championships.<\/p><hr \/><h2 style=\"text-align:center;\">When are the 2026 Cyclocross World Championships?<\/h2><p>The Cyclocross World Championships will run over three days this season, from Friday, 30 January 2026, to Sunday, 1 February.<\/p><p>In addition, riders will be training on the course on Thursday, 29 January, although the venue isn't officially open to the public. This is the full schedule:<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Thursday, 29 January 2026<\/h3><ul><li><p>Official training: 14:00 - 16:00 CET<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Friday, 30 January 2026<\/h3><ul><li><p>Official training: 11:00 - 13:00 CET<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Team Relay: 12:35 UK time, 13:35 CET<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>Official training: 14:45 - 16:00 CET<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Saturday, 31 January 2026<\/h3><ul><li><p>Official training: 09:00 - 10:45 CET<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Junior Women: 10:05 UK time, 11:05 CET<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>Official training: 11:45 - 12:45 CET<\/p><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><p><strong>Men Under-23: 12:10 UK time, 13:10 CET<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>Official training: 14:00 - 14:45 CET<\/p><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><p><strong>Elite Women: 14:10 UK time, 15:10 CET<\/strong><\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Sunday, 1 February 2026<\/h3><ul><li><p>Official training: 09:00 - 10:45 CET<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Junior Men: 10:05 UK time, 11:05 CET<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>Official training: 11:45 - 12:45 CET<\/p><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><p><strong>Women Under-23: 12:10 UK time, 13:10 CET<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>Official training: 14:00 - 14:45 CET<\/p><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><p><strong>Elite Men: 14:10 UK time, 15:10 CET<\/strong><\/p><\/li><\/ul><hr \/><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/gift-ideas-for-cyclists\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u><img src=\"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/jpiorknh8fminvovzomufvvar9zewerhd9e4ni8shkydhiud.png.jpg?w=1140&amp;h=auto\" alt=\"Unique gifts for fans of cyclocross and cycling's cobbled classics\" title=\"Unique gifts for fans of cyclocross and cycling's cobbled classics\" \/><\/u><\/a><\/p><hr \/><h2 style=\"text-align:center;\">Cyclocross Worlds TV guide<\/h2><p>Details on who is contracted to broadcast the World Championships will evolve until a few days before the start. Why not <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/keep-in-touch\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>subscribe to our free email newsletter<\/strong><\/a> to keep up with all the latest information?<\/p><p>The UCI has now provided the list of broadcasters with contracts. That doesn't always mean they will actually broadcast the events:<\/p><ul><li><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/assets.ctfassets.net\/761l7gh5x5an\/1Wy7dtNkJDhRxC6w3qBNJX\/70defd8bc9b337d6ff98edeed1de3917\/Broadcast_Intentions_2026_UCI_CX_WCHs_Hulst_NED_Day1.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Friday contracted TV broadcasters<\/strong><\/a><\/p><\/li><li><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/assets.ctfassets.net\/761l7gh5x5an\/1jRm3RahVLurtVkKxpo0pu\/4aad7ee6fad60143b643535ef867c1d8\/Broadcast_Intentions_2026_UCI_CX_WCHs_Hulst_NED_Day2.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Saturday contracted TV broadcasters<\/strong><\/a><\/p><\/li><li><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/assets.ctfassets.net\/761l7gh5x5an\/6df8Alp2vMnXKVMI8TKGq9\/093a44ef7ebd2da9fd233c136b6ff3e6\/Broadcast_Intentions_2026_UCI_CX_WCHs_Hulst_NED_Day3.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sunday contracted TV broadcasters<\/strong><\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul><hr \/><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Friday, 30 January 2026<\/h3><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Team Relay<\/h3><p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>12:35 UK time, 13:35 CET<\/strong><\/p><p>The Team Relay only became an official World Championship event in 2024. It\u2019s a simple concept. Each nation enters six riders, one from each of the other six races. Each rider completes one lap, and the team that finishes first wins.<\/p><p>The first edition provided a thrilling last lap when British elite champion Cameron Mason relentlessly pursued French junior Aubin Sparfel. The youngster just held on in the dash for the line, and they both finished at the same time.<\/p><p>Given that it's perfect TV viewing, it was a shame that last year's event wasn't broadcast. The top four teams finished within less than ten seconds of one another. This year, the organisers have confirmed the event will be broadcast on TV.<\/p><p>After skipping the event in 2025, the Dutch have entered a team for the Team Relay, which features Tibor del Grosso, Shirin van Anrooij, Leonie Bentveld, Guus van den Eijnden, Delano Heeren and Isis Versluis. It's hard to see them being beaten.<\/p><p>We think the closest challenger will be Italy, who have the junior women\u2019s World Cup winner Giorgia Pelizotti in their ranks, along with Sara Casasola, Filippo Grigolini, Stefano Viezzi and Filippo Fontana, who are all in good form. The only question hangs over Elisa Ferri, their U23 representative. If she can produce the ride of her young life, the Italians could top the podium.<\/p><p>France, Great Britain and Belgium are all contenders for the bronze medal, and it\u2019s a close call, but we think that the French team will edge out its rivals. All it requires is for one team member to make a mistake and crash, and it\u2019s probably game over for them.<\/p><p><img src=\"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/zy2y7c5jzhtowpsvzcsca8stgogmzvmnj8zkyjkmntgnaht2.jpeg.jpeg?w=1140&amp;v=2\" alt=\"Cyclocross World Championships Team Relay podium predictions\" title=\"Cyclocross World Championships Team Relay podium predictions\" \/><strong>Last year<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>1st Great Britain \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7<\/p><\/li><li><p>2nd Italy \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9<\/p><\/li><li><p>3rd France \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Favourites<\/strong>: Netherlands, Italy, France, Belgium, Great Britain.<\/p><p><strong>British team<\/strong>: Peggy Knox, Zoe Roche, Zoe Backstedt, Milo Wills, Amey Oscar, Cameron Mason.<\/p><p><strong>Belgian team<\/strong>: Zita Peeters, Fleur Moors, Julie Brouwers, Jari Van Lee, Kay De Bruyckere and Niels Vandeputte.<\/p><p><strong>Start list<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cyclocross24.com\/files\/pdf\/startlist\/2025-2026\/wk-veldrijden-hulst-2026.pdf#page=2\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Team Relay<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Coverage<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>Discovery+ (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>Sporza &amp; VRT1 (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>RTBF Auvio (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>HBO Max (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>FloBikes (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>TNT Sports 6 (EE TV) (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/live\/nbCN0PmEyW4?si=8eJsoCcP5D9L7LAA\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>UCI YouTube channel<\/strong><\/a> (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) - only available in countries where there isn't a broadcast agreement, such as Hong Kong.<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Race time:<\/strong> 12:35 UK time, 13:35 CET<\/p><hr \/><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Saturday, 31 January 2026<\/h3><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Junior women<\/h3><p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>10:05 UK time, 11:05 CET<\/strong><\/p><p>Surprisingly, in the previous five editions of the junior women's World Championships, the Dutch have only won once. Shirin van Anrooij led home Puck Pieterse in 2020. For the last three years, the Dutch haven't scored any medals.<\/p><p>French rider Lise Revol is the reigning champion and has won three of the U19 World Cup rounds. Her closest challengers are likely to be last year's silver medallist Barbora Bukovsk\u00e1 and Italy's Giorgia Pellizotti, who have both won rounds of the World Cup this season.<\/p><p>Pellizotti was disqualified from the results of the European Championships, where she'd crossed the line fourth, because the UCI deemed her bike to be non-compliant.<\/p><p>A dark horse is Swiss Champion and first-year junior Shana Huber, who was second and third at Dendermonde and Hoogerheide, respectively. Belgium\u2019s best hope is with Zita Peeters. A medal is probably beyond her grasp, but a top ten is within reason.<\/p><p>Britain\u2019s Peggy Knox was an excellent eighth at Hoogerheide. The British National Champion and her teammate, Zoe Roche, might make the top ten.<\/p><p>Our predictions are Pellizotti taking the top spot, with Revol and Bukovsk\u00e1 second and third, respectively.<\/p><p><img src=\"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/pppgnj55696kdanzunibrqxpxqzaoofyonoz0lorch7beekl.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&amp;h=auto\" alt=\"Cyclocross World Championships Junior Women podium predictions\" title=\"Cyclocross World Championships Junior Women podium predictions\" \/><strong>Last year<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>1st Lise Revol \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7<\/p><\/li><li><p>2nd Barbora Bukovsk\u00e1 \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddff<\/p><\/li><li><p>3rd Rafaelle Carrier \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Favourites<\/strong>: Lise Revol, Giorgia Pellizotti, Barbora Bukovsk\u00e1, Shana Huber.<\/p><p><strong>British team<\/strong>: Peggy Knox, Zoe Roche.<\/p><p><strong>Belgian team<\/strong>: Liese Geuens and Zita Peeters.<\/p><p><strong>Start list<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cyclocross24.com\/files\/pdf\/startlist\/2025-2026\/wk-veldrijden-hulst-2026.pdf#page=4\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Junior Women<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Coverage<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>Discovery+ (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>TNT Sports 9 (EE TV) (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>HBO Max (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>FloBikes (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>Sporza &amp; VRT1 (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/live\/WoJR6uuYuxk?si=tzKL23cstBM5KFG_\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>UCI YouTube Channel<\/strong><\/a> (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) - only available in countries where there isn't a broadcast agreement, such as Hong Kong.<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Race time:<\/strong> 10:05 UK time, 11:05 CET<\/p><hr \/><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Saturday, 31 January 2026<\/h3><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Under-23 men<\/h3><p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>12:10 UK time, 13:10 CET<\/strong><\/p><p>Like the junior men's race, the under-23 race is often hard to call. Tibor de Grosso was the standout favourite last year, and he met expectations. Once again, a Dutch rider is the favourite. This year, David Haverdings has won four of the U23 rounds of the World Cup, including Benidorm.<\/p><p>However, he'll be challenged hard by the Belgians, including Yordi Corsus, Aaron Dockx, Kay De Bruyckere, Viktor Vandenberghe and Arthur Van Den Boer.<\/p><p>Don't discount Italians Stefano Viezzi and Mattia Agostinacchio, who, between them, have won the last two junior world titles, or French rider Aubin Sparfel. This could prove to be one of the best races of the weekend.<\/p><p>It\u2019s extraordinarily hard to predict the winner. We\u2019re going for Haverdings, Sparfel and Corsus, but any of the other favourites could win.<\/p><p><img src=\"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/xcqeewgmcj5itay2knlk2nfmxwyufufjtjjadevo734uukox.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&amp;h=auto\" alt=\"Cyclocross World Championships U23 Men podium predictions\" title=\"Cyclocross World Championships U23 Men podium predictions\" \/><strong>Last year<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>1st Tibor del Grosso \ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1<\/p><\/li><li><p>2nd Kay de Bruyckere \ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/p><\/li><li><p>3rd Jente Michels \ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Favourites<\/strong>: Haverdings, Yordi Corsus, Aaron Dockx, Kay De Bruyckere, Viktor Vandenberghe, Arthur Van Den Boer, Stefano Viezzi, Mattia Agostinacchio, Aubin Sparfel.<\/p><p><strong>British team<\/strong>: Oscar Amey, Ben Askey, Declan Oldham.<\/p><p><strong>Belgian team<\/strong>: Yordi Corsus, Sil De Brauwere, Kay De Bruyckere, Aaron Dockx, Viktor Vandenberghe, Arthur Van Den Boer, and Mats Vanden Eynde. Reserve: Kenay De Moyer.<\/p><p><strong>Start list<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cyclocross24.com\/files\/pdf\/startlist\/2025-2026\/wk-veldrijden-hulst-2026.pdf#page=5\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Under 23 men<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Coverage<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>Discovery+ (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>TNT Sports 9 (EE TV) (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>HBO Max (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>FloBikes (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>Sporza &amp; VRT1 (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) \ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/p><\/li><li><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/live\/usw55Uwgges?si=7p-Hn1Lrb3xQZ4Rb\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>UCI YouTube Channel<\/strong><\/a> (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) - only available in countries where there isn't a broadcast agreement, such as Hong Kong.<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Race time:<\/strong> 12:10 UK time, 13:10 CET<\/p><hr \/><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Saturday, 31 January 2026<\/h3><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Elite women<\/h3><p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>14:10 UK time, 15:10 CET<\/strong><\/p><p>It's inconceivable that the Netherlands won't win the elite women's world title. With Brand, Alvarado and Pieterse in their squad, they have the top three favourites. They may well take the top three spots for the Netherlands again this year as they have for the last three seasons.<\/p><p>In fact, only a bronze medal by Italian Silvio Persico in 2022 has prevented the Dutch women from achieving a clean sweep over the last six years. The last non-Dutch winner was Sanne Cant in 2019.<\/p><p>The only question is which of the Dutch women will prove victorious, and can any rider from another nation sneak into the medals. Deposed French Champion Amandine Fouquenet, Italian Sara Casasola, and Czech Kristyna Zemanova look the best bets to challenge the Dutch hegemony.<\/p><p>Great Britain\u2019s Zoe Backstedt has been improving after her late start to the season, but we think she\u2019ll fall short of a medal position, not for lack of trying. Her first race back was in Dendermonde on December 28th, where she finished in a lowly twenty-seventh place. Her improvement since then has been remarkable.<\/p><p>What of the Belgians? Occasionally, likeable double National Champion Marion Norbert Riberolle has been close to the very best riders, but inconsistently so. Julie Brouwers has had some very respectable rides this year and has continued to improve, but a top ten would be an achievement.<\/p><p>Call us sentimental, but we\u2019re predicting Lucinda Brand to win ahead of Ceylin Alvarado and Puck Pieterse. It's true that Brand underperformed at Maasmechelen and pulled out of Hoogerheide, but assuming her injury is minor, we expect her to be back to her best.<\/p><p><img src=\"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/tp0skxxxevw0iir8cewscdtipdn7whzu2dhf3k5ixxapnagn.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&amp;h=auto\" alt=\"Cyclocross World Championships Elite Women podium predictions\" title=\"Cyclocross World Championships Elite Women podium predictions\" \/><strong>Last year<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>1st Fem van Empel \ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1<\/p><\/li><li><p>2nd Lucinda Brand \ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1<\/p><\/li><li><p>3rd Puck Pieterse \ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Favourites<\/strong>: Lucinda Brand, Ceylin Alvarado, Puck Pieterse, Amandine Fouquenet, Sara Casasola, Kristyna Zemanova.<\/p><p><strong>British team<\/strong>: Zoe Backstedt<\/p><p><strong>Belgian team<\/strong>: Julie Brouwers and Marion Norbert Riberolle.<\/p><p><strong>Start list<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cyclocross24.com\/files\/pdf\/startlist\/2025-2026\/wk-veldrijden-hulst-2026.pdf#page=6\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Elite Women<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Coverage<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>Discovery+ (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>TNT Sports 4 (Sky, EE TV) (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>HBO Max (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>FloBikes (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>Sporza &amp; VRT1 (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>RTBF Auvio (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>NOS (free but geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/live\/5rmWp2f4HoI?si=yBfyDSYv370R19sx\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>UCI YouTube Channel<\/strong><\/a> (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) - only available in countries where there isn't a broadcast agreement, such as Hong Kong.<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Race time:<\/strong> 14:10 UK time, 15:10 CET<\/p><hr \/><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Sunday, 1 February 2026<\/h3><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Junior men<\/h3><p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>10:05 UK time, 11:05 CET<\/strong><\/p><p>Belgium hasn\u2019t won the junior men\u2019s Cyclocross World Championships since 2020, when Thibau Nys led home fellow countrymen Lennert Belmans and Emile Verstrynge. Since the first junior men\u2019s Championships in 1979, over forty years ago, Belgium has only filled the top spot on seven occasions.<\/p><p>The reality is that victory in the junior men\u2019s Championship is not a reliable predictor of future greatness in cyclocross. Mathieu van der Poel, Niels Albert and Richard Groenendaal all came out on top, but many others abandoned field riding, or their careers just fizzled out.<\/p><p>Britain's Stuart Marshall was a surprise winner in 1986. It was his only medal in a UCI-ranked cyclocross event. Czech Roman Kreuziger was champion at Birmingham in 1983. He prospered as an amateur before turning professional for one season.<\/p><p>His most notable success was fathering a son, also Roman, who finished second at the junior Cyclocross World Championship before winning the Tours de Suisse and Romandie and a stage at the Giro d\u2019Italia.<\/p><p>Sven Nys never even managed to achieve a medal at the junior men\u2019s World Championships, and he turned out to be a better-than-average cyclocross rider.<\/p><p>Whatever happens, if Belgium doesn\u2019t win, then it shouldn\u2019t be seen as the decline of Belgian cyclocross.<\/p><p>Italians Patrik Pezzo Rosola, Filippo Grigolini, Belgian Giel Lejeune, and Frenchman Soren Bruy\u00e8re Joumard are the favourites, each having won a round of the World Cup. But don't be surprised if a non-favourite gatecrashes the podium.<\/p><p>Our predictions are Lejeune from Pezzo Rosola and Bruy\u00e8re Joumard, although, given the Belgian\u2019s track record in this event, it\u2019s almost certainly a mistake.<\/p><p><img src=\"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/oyxe8d6jo8prtujdilccksazjyjjw2t41uocu3sfdt3r6jdh.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&amp;h=auto\" alt=\"Cyclocross World Championships Junior Men podium predictions\" title=\"Cyclocross World Championships Junior Men podium predictions\" \/><strong>Last year<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>1st Mattia Agostinacchio \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9<\/p><\/li><li><p>2nd Soren Bruy\u00e8re Joumard \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7<\/p><\/li><li><p>3rd Filippo Grigolini \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Favourites<\/strong>: Patrik Pezzo Rosola, Filippo Grigolini, Giel Lejeune, Soren Bruy\u00e8re Joumard.<\/p><p><strong>British team<\/strong>: Jacob Steed, Luke Trafford, Milo Wills.<\/p><p><strong>Belgian team<\/strong>: Lars Corsus, Giel Lejeune, Bas Vanden Eynde, and Jari Van Lee.<\/p><p><strong>Start list<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cyclocross24.com\/files\/pdf\/startlist\/2025-2026\/wk-veldrijden-hulst-2026.pdf#page=7\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Junior Men<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Coverage<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>Discovery+ (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>HBO Max (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>FloBikes (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>Sporza, VRT Canvas &amp; VRT1 (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/live\/uGXLz2pvGIY?si=xiZ5qqDnxsTfseZk\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>UCI YouTube Channel<\/strong><\/a> (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) - only available in countries where there isn't a broadcast agreement, such as Hong Kong.<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Race time:<\/strong> 10:05 UK time, 11:05 CET<\/p><hr \/><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Sunday, 1 February 2026<\/h3><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Under-23 women<\/h3><p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>12:10 UK time, 13:10 CET<\/strong><\/p><p>French National Champion C\u00e9lia Gery, Dutch rider Leonie Bentveld, Belgian Fleur Moors, Slovakian Vikt\u00f3ria Chladonov\u00e1, and Canadian Rafaelle Carrier are the favourites. Zoe Backstedt rides the elite race.<\/p><p>Gery appears to have swung into form just at the right time, as has Chladonov\u00e1. Moors has continued to improve, and Carrier has impressed at Gullegem and the GP Sven Nys. Bentveld hasn't looked as strong as she did earlier in the season, but anything can happen on the day.<\/p><p>We\u2019ve listed eight riders below as favourites. The field is only thirty-five riders strong, so it shows what a competitive race it should be.<\/p><p>We predict that Gery will win ahead of Hladikov\u00e1 and Bentveld.<\/p><p>For British fans, there will be no home riders to cheer for as British Cycling hasn't selected anyone.<\/p><p><strong>Last year<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>1st Zoe Backstedt \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7<\/p><\/li><li><p>2nd Marie Schreiber \ud83c\uddf1\ud83c\uddfa<\/p><\/li><li><p>3rd Leonie Bentveld \ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Favourites<\/strong>: Leonie Bentveld, C\u00e9lia Gery, Katerina Hladikov\u00e1, Lauren Molengraaf, Lidia Cusak, Fleur Moors, Amandine Muller, Rafaelle Carrier.<\/p><p><strong>British team<\/strong>: None.<\/p><p><strong>Belgian team<\/strong>: Shanyl de Schoesitter and Fleur Moors<\/p><p><strong>Start list<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cyclocross24.com\/files\/pdf\/startlist\/2025-2026\/wk-veldrijden-hulst-2026.pdf#page=9\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Under 23 Women<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Coverage<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>Discovery+ (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>HBO Max (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>FloBikes (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>Sporza &amp; VRT1 (free but geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/live\/FuJ8zWPNjcA?si=9eq-bq-Isjm-pJym\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>UCI YouTube Channel<\/strong><\/a> (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) - only available in countries where there isn't a broadcast agreement, such as Hong Kong.<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Race time:<\/strong> 12:10 UK time, 13:10 CET<\/p><hr \/><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Sunday, 1 February 2026<\/h3><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Elite men<\/h3><p style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>14:10 UK time, 15:10 CET<\/strong><\/p><p>Can anyone stop the juggernaut that is Mathieu van der Poel from demolishing the opposition and claiming a record eighth male cyclocross World Championship? No, is the simple answer. Only illness or injury stands in his way.<\/p><p>The only riders who have looked capable, if briefly, of providing the remotest challenge are Emiel Verstrynge, Wout van Aert and Thibau Nys. Only the latter will be on the start line. Verstrynge is preparing for the road season, and Van Aert fractured his ankle at Mol.<\/p><p>The real race then is for second place. It looks like a battle between Nys, Tibor del Grosso, Niels Vandeputte, and Felipe Orts for the title of best runner-up. Many of the regular crossers appear to have faded as the season has progressed, through fatigue or injury.<\/p><p>Outside of these four, Joris Nieuwenhuis, Toon Aerts, Michael Boris, Kevin Kuhn and the improving Mees Hendrikx and Gerben Kuypers will be battling for a hard-fought fourth place. Let's just hope the TV producer shows us more than Van der Poel\u2019s solo ride to victory.<\/p><p>Great Britain\u2019s sole representative, Cameron Mason, should make the top ten.<\/p><p>Our prediction is that, unsurprisingly, Van der Poel will win with Del Grosso second and Orts third. The Spaniard has started to fly in the last few races, is great at peaking for events and has a good record at Hulst. Spain has never won an elite medal at cyclocross. Wouldn't it be fantastic if the popular Orts achieved the first?<\/p><p>By comparison, Thibau Nys has just made too many errors recently. I'm not sure he's coping with the pressure.<\/p><p><img src=\"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/gzyi3oxobxk9fuvhohahamnbqwryytq5slhab8ucmce2ino6.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&amp;h=auto\" alt=\"Cyclocross World Championships Elite Men podium predictions\" title=\"Cyclocross World Championships Elite Men podium predictions\" \/><strong>Last year<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>1st Mathieu van der Poel \ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1<\/p><\/li><li><p>2nd Wout van Aert <span style=\"font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;\">\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p>3rd Thibau Nys <span style=\"font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;\">\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/span><\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Favourites<\/strong>: Mathieu van der Poel, Tibor del Grosso, Felipe Orts, Thibau Nys, Niels Vandeputte.<\/p><p><strong>British team<\/strong>: Cameron Mason<\/p><p><strong>Belgian team<\/strong>: Toon Aerts, Gerben Kuypers, Jente Michels, Thibau Nys, Toon Vandebosch, Niels Vandeputte, Michael Vanthourenhout and Joran Wyseure. Ninth rider, if a Belgian wins the World Cup: Anton Ferdinande, Wout Janssen, Witse Meeussen or Victor Van De Putte.<\/p><p><strong>Start list<\/strong>:<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cyclocross24.com\/files\/pdf\/startlist\/2025-2026\/wk-veldrijden-hulst-2026.pdf#page=10\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong> Elite men<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Coverage<\/strong>:<\/p><ul><li><p>Discovery+ (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>TNT Sports 4 (Sky, EE TV) <strong>\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>HBO Max (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>FloBikes (paywall &amp; geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>Sporza &amp; VRT1 (free but geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>RTBF Auvio (free but geo-restricted) <strong>\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p><\/li><li><p>NOS (free but geo-restricted) \ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1<\/p><\/li><li><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/live\/Xa_8h85PB1g?si=dcU4OGNtqYd2ZFXb\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>UCI YouTube Channel<\/strong><\/a> (<strong>free <\/strong>but geo-restricted) - only available in countries where there isn't a broadcast agreement, such as Hong Kong.<\/p><p><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Race time:<\/strong> 14:10 UK time, 15:10 CET<\/p><hr \/><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>Can I watch the Cyclocross Worlds for free?<\/strong><\/h3><p>In some nations, such as Belgium, it will be easy to watch the 2026 Cyclocross World Championships on TV for free. But for much of the rest of the world, it\u2019s not so easy.<\/p><p>The UCI provides free access via its YouTube channel. Unfortunately, it\u2019s geo-blocked in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany, as well as in any other region where a broadcaster has acquired the TV rights.<\/p><p>If you live in a country where a broadcaster has acquired the rights and it\u2019s behind a paywall, your options are to either stump up the cash and pay or take an approach that Rijden couldn\u2019t condone.<\/p><p>Either set your VPN to Belgium and access Sporza online, or set your VPN to a country that doesn\u2019t have a broadcast agreement (for example, Hong Kong) and use the UCI YouTube channel. I stress once again that this is of dubious legality, although it is not illegal to use a VPN.<\/p><hr \/><h2 style=\"text-align:center;\">Live timings and results<\/h2><p>The UCI will provide a<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uci.org\/race-hub\/2026-rabobank-uci-cyclo-cross-world-championships\/Sd7nYHMlKGP7VkOEVYjqx\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong> live timings service <\/strong><\/a>and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uci.org\/race-hub\/2026-rabobank-uci-cyclo-cross-world-championships\/Sd7nYHMlKGP7VkOEVYjqx?tab=results0\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>results <\/strong><\/a>from their <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uci.org\/race-hub\/2026-rabobank-uci-cyclo-cross-world-championships\/Sd7nYHMlKGP7VkOEVYjqx?tab=overview\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Hulst World\u2019s information page<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><hr \/><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/keep-in-touch\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u><img src=\"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/jp7pcv92fgfipocaflvcyndjydjt4qavicdl69enyt1h9z1m.jpeg.jpeg?w=1140&amp;v=2\" alt=\"Subscribe to Rijden's free email newsletter\" title=\"Subscribe to Rijden's free email newsletter\" \/><\/u><\/a><strong>NEVER MISS OUT<\/strong><span style=\"font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;\">: <\/span><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/rijden.uk\/keep-in-touch\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>Subscribe to get all our latest cyclocross guides and features<\/em><\/strong><\/a><em>\u00a0with Rijden\u2019s free email newsletter.<\/em><\/p><hr \/><h2 style=\"text-align:center;\">Prize money<\/h2><p>How much prize money do the winners of the Cyclocross World Championships get? Compared to many other sports, it's not a lot. The real prize is in the pride and glory of winning.<\/p><p>Reputedly, Mathieu van der Poel receives around 20,000 euros in start money for cross races on top of his million-euro salary. He's probably not that bothered about the prize money.<\/p><p>That's just as well because he probably won't even receive it. The money goes to the federations, although it's up to them how they distribute it.<\/p><p>The Belgian federation pays bonus money to the whole team if they win the gold medal. No wonder the Belgian team is so keen to win.<\/p><p>Elite men and women: 1st 5,000 euro, 2nd 2,500 euro, 3rd 1,250 euro.<\/p><p>Under-23 men and women: 1st 2,500 euro, 2nd 1,250 euro, 3rd 675 euro.<\/p><p>Junior men and women: 1st 1,250 euro, 2nd 675 euro, 3rd 340 euro.<\/p><p>Team Relay (per team): 1st 15,000 euro, 2nd 7,500 euro, 3rd 3,750 euro.<\/p><p style=\"text-align:center;\"><img src=\"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/cdn1uqh69yrxbeluyz7bcszzv7ntobfdxdgdcospss9vtnx4.png.jpg?w=1140&amp;h=auto\" alt=\"Image of professional cyclocross rider Zoe Backstedt. Britain\u2019s best hopes of a medal probably rest with Zoe Backstedt. Image: Bram van Lent\" title=\"Image of professional cyclocross rider Zoe Backstedt. Britain\u2019s best hopes of a medal probably rest with Zoe Backstedt. Image: Bram van Lent\" \/><em>Zoe Backstedt was under 23 World Champion in 2025. Image: Bram van Lent<\/em><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align:center;\">Can I get tickets for the Cyclocross Worlds?<\/h2><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Tickets for Saturday and Sunday<\/h3><p>Tickets can be purchased online from <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/tickets.hulst2026.com\/?language=en\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Hulsts\u2019 official website<\/strong><\/a>. You can buy tickets for individual days or get a 50% discount for purchasing tickets for both days (\u20ac 47.50 for Saturday and Sunday).<\/p><p>Children aged 6 to 12 are half price and under 6s are free, but you still need to \u201cbuy\u201d a ticket for them.<\/p><p>There's no mention of being able to purchase tickets on the day. It's probably best to book in advance, as even if they are available, they will almost certainly be more expensive at the gate.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Grandstands<\/h3><p>An entry ticket just allows you to wander around. If you want to watch from a grandstand, you'll have to pay extra.<\/p><p>There are five grandstands, and each costs \u20ac60 for Saturday and Sunday, with the same age discounts for children. You don't have to stay in a grandstand and can wander around the course, but you can only access the grandstand you've paid for.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Parking<\/h3><p>If you want to park, that's extra on top of everything else. If you want to book a car park, shuttle bus service or park and bike, then you'll need to do this when you buy your tickets online.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Friday tickets<\/h3><p>Yes, you'll have to buy a ticket for \u20ac10 to watch the one event on Friday, the Team Relay. Given it's going to be broadcast on TV, I wonder how many will come and watch.<\/p><p>You will, of course, be able to watch riders in the morning and afternoon training sessions. Riders are likely to be more relaxed, and it will be a lot less busy, so it's a good opportunity for pictures and autographs.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Spectating tips<\/h3><p>By the elite men's race on Sunday, the course will be packed with spectators. You\u2019ll need to grab your favoured spot much earlier in the day.<\/p><p>Hardened Belgium cyclocross fans have sharp elbows and think nothing of plonking several seats down when it's quiet. They\u2019ll then guard their spots with the ferocity of cross Alsatians.<\/p><p>The best approach is to use Friday or early on Saturday to conduct a course recce and work out where you'd like to watch. Accept that you can't see all of the course, and that you'll see more on TV.<\/p><p>But being at a cross race is about absorbing the atmosphere, the sounds and the smells. There will be ten big screens dotted around the course, so if you position yourself well, you can keep up with all the action. Don't be surprised, however, if your view is obscured by a banner declaring allegiance to a fan\u2019s favourite rider.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Food and drink<\/h3><p>Catering outlets will be provided, but based on experience, these will be limited, overpriced and offering disappointing and frankly unhealthy options.<\/p><p>It's normal to have to buy a card that you then use to procure your refreshments. Inevitably, you end up with credit on the card that you never use.<\/p><p>As the course gets busier with spectators, the queues grow and grow. Once a race is over, there's a mad rush to the catering and toilets.<\/p><p>If you go off to buy some food and drink, you will probably find someone has nabbed your precious viewing spot.<\/p><p>Maybe I'll be proved wrong, but I doubt it. Your best option is to buy before you get to the venue and smuggle in some decent grub and a palatable drink.<\/p><p>The official website says that they'll be checking bags and rucksacks, and you won't be able to bring in your own food and drink. They said that last year in Li\u00e9vin, but we're not aware of anyone having their bags checked.<\/p><p>I'm not sure what people with special dietary needs (Dutch: speciale dieetvereisten) are supposed to do, and the amount that's usually charged for plain water at these events is outrageous.<\/p><p>They also said you couldn't bring in flags last year, as the website says this year, too. They didn't even try to implement that ban last year, and I can't imagine they will this year either.<\/p><hr \/><h2 style=\"text-align:center;\">How can I get to Hulst?<\/h2><p>Hulst is located approximately 40 kilometres north east of Ghent and 35 kilometres north west of Antwerpen.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Parking and shuttle buses<\/h3><p>You can't park outside the course. There are a number of options, including dedicated buses from Antwerpen (Belgium), Sint Niklaas (Belgium) and Terneuzen (Netherlands).<\/p><p>There's also kiss and ride (i.e quick drop off without parking), park and shuttle bus, park and walk and park and bike, as well as bike parking.<\/p><p>There are no trains in Hulst.<\/p><p>Full details on the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/hulst2026.com\/bereikbaarheid\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>accessibility page if the Hulst 2026 website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">By Eurotunnel and Dover port from the UK<\/h3><p>Hulst is easily accessible from the Eurotunnel terminal and ports at Calais, which are only two and a half hours away by road.<\/p><p><strong>Eurotunnel<\/strong> takes 25 minutes to cross under the water, whilst ferries from <strong>Dover to Calais<\/strong> are at least 90 minutes. The <strong>Dover to Dunkirk<\/strong> ferry takes a bit longer, but it's a little bit quicker from Dunkirk to Hulst.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Low-emission zones<\/h3><p>Belgium has introduced low-emission zones, including Antwerpen, Ghent and Brussels. Check the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vlaanderen.be\/en\/low-emission-zones-lez\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Flemish Government website for information about low-emission zones<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">By Eurostar from the UK<\/h3><p><strong>Eurostar<\/strong> from London St Pancras to Antwerpen is about three hours. You'll need to change at Brussels-Midi\/Zuid station.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">By plane<\/h3><p>The closest airports to Hulst are Ostend-Bruges and Brussels. Ostend-Bruges is the closest; however, most of the flights are to southern Europe.<\/p><p>Brussels Airport is Belgium\u2019s major international airport and has flights to most countries, including the USA, Canada and most of Europe.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">Visa requirements<\/h3><p>For EU citizens and citizens of countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement, a valid identity card is sufficient as an alternative to a passport. Citizens from non-EU countries may enter the EU\u2019s Schengen Area with a passport valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/travel-to-eu-schengen-area\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Schengen Area<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><hr \/><p><strong>WHAT IS THE SCHENGEN AREA? <\/strong><em>The Schengen Area includes all EU member countries, except Ireland and Cyprus, plus non-EU Norway, Iceland and Switzerland.<\/em><\/p><hr \/><p>People from some countries will require a Visa. Even if you don\u2019t need a Visa. You may be required to show documentation to justify the reasons for and the duration of your stay in the EU. It makes sense to have your tickets for the World Championships and your travel documentation with you when you reach border control - just in case.<\/p><p>Visitors from the UK, Australia, the US and Canada shouldn\u2019t need a Visa as long as they plan to stay for less than 90 days.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">But what about the EES that started on 12 October 2025?<\/h3><p>From 12 October 2025, the EU\u2019s entry-exit system (EES) commenced rollout. The European Commission says: \u201cTo provide Member States with the necessary time to adjust to the start of operations of the EES, during the first 60 days of the progressive start of operations of the EES, the use of biometric functionalities at border crossing points should not be mandatory.\u201d<\/p><p>In some countries and points of entry, the rollout has yet to happen.<\/p><p>But what is the EES? When travellers first encounter the EES, they must provide four fingerprints (not required for children under 12) and a facial biometric. Once you have registered, on subsequent encounters with the EES, you\u2019ll only need to \u201csupply\u201d one biometric taken - probably facial recognition.<\/p><p>For UK travellers, more information can be found on the<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.abta.com\/tips-and-advice\/planning-and-booking-a-holiday\/upcoming-changes-travel-europe\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong> ABTA website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><p>Those entering from outside the Schengen Area (which includes the UK) must, upon request, provide evidence of accommodation, sufficient financial resources, and a return ticket.<\/p><p>By the time of the Cyclocross World Championships, ESS should be up and running across most of the Schengen area, so expect delays and make sure you have handy access to the required evidence.<\/p><p>The EES already applies in coach departures from Dover Port and Eurotunnel, but checks on car passengers will not be introduced until \u201cearly 2026\u201d.<\/p><p>EES has already been implemented at London St Pancras for Eurostar services. It's also been introduced at airports, which has apparently led to delays such that passengers have missed flights. The advice is to get there early.<\/p><p>Sufficient financial resources vary for each country, from \u20ac14 for Latvia up to \u20ac95 per day in Belgium. The evidence required to demonstrate this amount of money, given that most people don't carry bundles of cash, again varies by country.<\/p><p>Spain has said that internet banking evidence is not good enough, and real paper bank statements are required. Who has paper bank statements these days?<\/p><p>The rules are only supposed to apply at the first country of entry to the Schengen Area. France, which is the first country for many people from the UK, requires \u20ac65 unless you don't have a hotel booking, in which case it's \u20ac120.<\/p><p>If you first enter the Schengen Area in Italy, then the minimum for a single person is \u20ac270, which covers a stay of up to five days. For two or more people travelling together, the minimum falls to \u20ac213. For six to 10 days, the rate per day is \u20ac45 solo, or \u20ac26 in company. Confused?<\/p><p>The big question is whether each country will apply these rules and what evidence will be acceptable. Do you need real money, or is a credit limit acceptable? Hopefully, by the time of the Masters\u2019 World Championships, we\u2019ll all be clearer.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\">But the rules are stricter in France<\/h3><p>In addition, individual member countries can impose their own rules. France has decided you must have medical insurance even if you are just \u201cpassing through\u201d to another country.<\/p><p>The French government is demanding that travellers must have medical insurance, and states that \u201cYou must have an insurance certificate covering all medical and hospital expenses for which you may be liable for the duration of your stay in France, as well as medical repatriation costs and expenses in the event of death.\u201d<\/p><p>Note that these rules will be mandatory for Eurostar passengers, but may be rolled out in future to other ports of entry to France.<\/p><hr \/><p>Our thanks to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bram19890117\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Bram van Lent<\/strong><\/a> for the use of his amazing images.<\/p><hr \/><h3 style=\"text-align:center;\"><strong>NEVER MISS OUT<\/strong><\/h3><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/rijden.uk\/keep-in-touch\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Subscribe<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<em>to get all our latest stories and news. We won't bombard you with special offers. We don't want to send you junk, and you don't want to receive it.<\/em><\/p><p><em>We run occasional free competitions for newsletter subscribers.<\/em><\/p><p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/keep-in-touch\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u><img src=\"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/xs2icbj73nqbxvamvefj63i1kl1zroarww5rjauilcpkruvw.jpeg.jpeg?w=1140&amp;v=2\" alt=\"6kgtpzoqkpmcrnkay0vl5ur7qvwnfvqykbp6aw8e4v2jxkla.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&amp;h=auto\" \/><\/u><\/a><a target=\"_blank\" class=\"cursor-pointer tml-tag inline-flex items-center blog-tag-list-item mb-2 mr-3\" href=\"https:\/\/rijden.uk\/blog\/tagged\/cyclocross\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#Cyclocross<\/a><a target=\"_blank\" class=\"cursor-pointer tml-tag inline-flex items-center blog-tag-list-item mb-2 mr-3\" href=\"https:\/\/rijden.uk\/blog\/tagged\/guides\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#Guides<\/a><\/p>","urlTitle":"cyclocross-world-championships","url":"\/blog\/cyclocross-world-championships\/","editListUrl":"\/my-blogs","editUrl":"\/my-blogs\/edit\/cyclocross-world-championships\/","fullUrl":"https:\/\/rijden.uk\/blog\/cyclocross-world-championships\/","featured":false,"published":true,"showOnSitemap":true,"hidden":false,"visibility":null,"createdAt":1733948441,"updatedAt":1769897821,"publishedAt":1769897820,"lastReadAt":null,"division":{"id":61205,"name":"Rijden_2"},"tags":[{"id":1160,"code":"cyclocross","name":"Cyclocross","url":"\/blog\/tagged\/cyclocross\/"},{"id":1874,"code":"guides","name":"Guides","url":"\/blog\/tagged\/guides\/"}],"metaImage":{"original":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/mf5g6gcqjjosisebjzsjcuctujfkdp0kyxdxbotqlpjburjy.jpeg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/mf5g6gcqjjosisebjzsjcuctujfkdp0kyxdxbotqlpjburjy.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/mf5g6gcqjjosisebjzsjcuctujfkdp0kyxdxbotqlpjburjy.jpeg.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"metaTitle":"2026 Cyclocross World Championships guide","metaDescription":"Everything you need to know about the Cyclocross World Championships 2026 in Hulst, including the favourites, dates, times and TV viewing.","keyPhraseCampaignId":105985,"series":[],"similarReads":[{"id":9561,"title":"Guide to Belgian beer","url":"\/blog\/beer-guide-part-2\/","urlTitle":"beer-guide-part-2","division":61205,"description":"Here at Rijden, we love Belgian beer. 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During an enjoyable interview, he told me about freezing in the Alps, travelling by e-bike and how he faked his way into professional photography.","published":true,"metaImage":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/hed6ed0xd68xvkqekrz04yqhwthnw7fc8apax9eqpyodq9c1.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/hed6ed0xd68xvkqekrz04yqhwthnw7fc8apax9eqpyodq9c1.jpeg.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"hidden":0},{"id":10567,"title":"Ian Field part one","url":"\/blog\/ian-field-part-one\/","urlTitle":"ian-field-part-one","division":61205,"description":"Cyclocross professional turned CX coach Ian Field gives the low down on what it takes to live and race cyclocross in Belgium. Part one: \"Come home when you're broke\".","published":true,"metaImage":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/z0esxhm8ptynkd2ccmx2d0j6vhz1ahl1o7kheqjmiwaqppei.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/z0esxhm8ptynkd2ccmx2d0j6vhz1ahl1o7kheqjmiwaqppei.jpeg.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"hidden":0}],"labels":[]}