It’s going to be so great to have you with us!
We just need your email address to keep in touch.
By submitting the form, I hereby give my consent to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of sending information about products, services and market research of ŠKODA AUTO as well as information about events, competitions, news and sending me festive greetings, including on the basis of how I use products and services. For customer data enrichment purpose ŠKODA AUTO may also share my personal data with third parties, such as Volkswagen Financial Services AG, your preferred dealer and also the importer responsible for your market. The list of third parties can be found here. You can withdraw your consent at any time. Unsubscribe
Every year, the route of the La Vuelta a España is planned with exploring Spain’s hidden gems in mind to evoke a sense of wonder and wanderlust. Join La Vuelta’s exploratory spirit by entering our #cyclingthroughspain contest.
Is it Tour de Excitement? Tour de Family Ride? Share it on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube Shorts – and use #whatsyourtour to show us what the Tour de France means to you…. Now’s your time to join the ride!
Enjoy the outdoors, think great thoughts, meet interesting people, explore the countryside or just cruise down the road in a zen-like state. Enjoy Ride Tested.
Follow the Tour with general updates and become the best version of Peter Sagan you can be.
How to successfully explain that you need a new bike. And more.
Factual reports on all the latest health trends and nutritional methods. We’ll help you get the most out of your training sessions.
Veer off the main road and explore nature first-hand. You will fall, but you will have fun. We promise.
Learn to navigate the jungle that is city cycling. The good, the bad and the ugly. All in one place.
The mission is to share the road responsibly. Let’s look at all the perks and pitfalls of being a cyclist.
 
Guide your relatives toward the one thing that actually matters. Tell them it’s good for their health. Or whatever works.
 
WeLoveCycling.com is an online magazine that brings you original stories, fresh videos and special reports from the wide world of cycling.
 
What happens when you mix road cycling, mountain biking, and a dash of steeplechase? You get cyclo-cross – known to fans and riders as CX or simply “cross.” This offroad discipline challenges riders to navigate circuits that are part power, part finesse, and all-out chaos.

Cyclo-cross races unfold on closed-loop courses, typically 1 to 3 kilometres long, combining grass, dirt, sand, and sometimes snow or ice. These intense 30-minute to one-hour sprints are not just about pedalling hard; they demand sharp bike handling, quick dismounts, and a knack for tackling obstacles like tree roots, barriers, and steep climbs – all while shouldering your bike.
And the weather? It’s not just a backdrop – it’s an integral part of the drama. Held during autumn and winter, CX races embrace the elements: rain-soaked mud, bone-chilling wind, and slippery terrain that leaves riders caked in grit and glory.
While cyclo-cross has long been a playground for daring riders, recent developments are making the sport even more inclusive and dynamic – especially for women. One of the most significant milestones came last season with the introduction of a dedicated Women’s Under 23 (WU) category in the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships.
This move was the result of persistent advocacy by athletes like British cyclo-cross star Helen Wyman who saw the need for a better developmental pathway for young female riders. “When a 16-year-old woman has to race the likes of Katie Compton, Marianne Vos, and Sanne Cant week in and week out, it becomes very demoralising,” Wyman explained. The WU category now offers athletes aged 17 to 22 the chance to compete against their peers, creating a more level playing field while still offering prize money and UCI points equal to their male counterparts.
The WU category has already seen success at the national and continental levels, and its inclusion in the World Championships is a huge step forward. With the potential for this category to expand to more World Cup races in the future, the UCI is setting the stage for a new generation of stars to rise. This focus on nurturing young talent mirrors similar successes in mountain biking where introducing dedicated youth categories has led to a surge of neo-pros making waves at the elite level.
With promising names like Zoe Bäckstedt – already a Junior World Champion – poised to make their mark in the WU category, it’s clear this initiative is more than just a gesture; it’s a commitment to fostering long-term growth and inclusivity in the sport.©
Cyclo-cross traces its origins back to early 20th-century Tour de France riders who invented the sport as a way to stay fit in the off-season. With few paved roads, they took to the countryside, cutting through fields, climbing fences, and forging new paths over rugged terrain.
Since those scrappy beginnings, cyclo-cross has evolved into a discipline with a devoted following, especially in northern Europe. Belgium and the Netherlands are its heartlands, hosting iconic events like the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup and the Superprestige series. Meanwhile, the sport has gained momentum in the United States, with national championships and regional circuits drawing passionate competitors and fans.
Women’s cyclo-cross has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, thanks to growing parity in race schedules, prize money, and media coverage. The field is more competitive than ever, blending seasoned champions with promising newcomers.
The sport’s popularity has extended beyond traditional cyclo-cross powerhouses like the Netherlands and Belgium. Countries like the USA, Italy, and the UK are producing talented riders who are challenging the dominance of the Dutch and Belgian squads. This internationalisation, combined with the inclusion of youth categories in six World Cup rounds, ensures the pipeline of talent remains robust.
The 2024-2025 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup presents 12 rounds spanning six countries and the introduction of a new venue in Oristano, Sardinia. Kicking off  on November 24, in Antwerp, Belgium — the upcoming months promise intense competition and a chance for upcoming stars to make a name for themselves.
Antwerp will set the tone for the season with its iconic sand sections and high-speed demands. Riders will also return to established favourites like Hoogerheide and Namur where weather conditions and technical features often dictate the outcome.
One of the season’s highlights will be the expansion of youth categories. By including Men’s Under 23, Men’s Junior, and Women’s Junior races in select rounds, the World Cup fosters the development of future stars and adds a new layer of excitement for fans.
The women’s field is stacked with talent, featuring a mix of established champions and rising stars. Here are the key riders to keep an eye on as the Cyclo-cross World Cup unfolds:
The reigning Cyclo-cross World Champion has proven herself as a powerhouse. With incredible technical skills and the ability to thrive in all conditions, she starts the season as the rider to beat. Van Empel’s consistency and tactical acumen make her a favourite for the overall World Cup title.
A former World Champion, Alvarado combines finesse and experience to deliver strong results. She’s especially dangerous on courses that require sharp cornering and short bursts of power.
Brand’s all-rounder capabilities and tactical smarts make her a perennial contender. With a background in road racing and cyclo-cross, she adapts quickly to varying conditions and thrives in muddy, endurance-heavy races.
Honsinger, the top American in the field, is building a reputation as a mud specialist. Her resilience and ability to power through difficult terrain make her a rider to watch, particularly in courses where conditions are unpredictable.
A rising star from the Netherlands, Van Der Heijden has shown she can compete with the best. With steady improvements each season, she’s likely to play a significant role in the World Cup.
One of the strongest riders on sand-heavy courses, Betsema is known for her powerful starts and ability to maintain high speed on flat, fast terrain. She’ll be a major factor in races like Antwerp.
Representing Italy, Casasola is part of a growing wave of international riders making their mark. Her technical skills and steady progression in recent years could lead to breakout performances.
Among the youngest riders on this list, Bäckstedt is already a force to be reckoned with. The British sensation brings raw talent and fearless racing to the field, making her an exciting wildcard for podiums.
This season’s inclusion of youth races highlights the importance of nurturing future talent. With opportunities for junior and U23 riders to compete on the World Cup stage, these races are not only entertaining but also crucial for development.
For fans, the youth categories offer a glimpse of tomorrow’s stars. Riders like Zoe Bäckstedt have already proven that age is no barrier to success. This focus on youth ensures the longevity of cyclo-cross as a sport, with a steady influx of skilled athletes entering the elite ranks.
It’s going to be so great to have you with us! We just need your email address to keep in touch.
By submitting the form, I hereby give my consent to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of sending information about products, services and market research of ŠKODA AUTO as well as information about events, competitions, news and sending me festive greetings, including on the basis of how I use products and services. For customer data enrichment purpose ŠKODA AUTO may also share my personal data with third parties, such as Volkswagen Financial Services AG, your preferred dealer and also the importer responsible for your market. The list of third parties can be found here. You can withdraw your consent at any time. Unsubscribe
There is no doubt that the most significant transfer of this transfer season has so far been the move of 28-year-old Ben O’Connor from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale to Jayco AlUla. In a way, it’s a natural move since O’Connor is Australian and he is…
What’s going on with the Pro team Lotto Dstny, which is coming off a terrific year and appears set to be promoted to World Tour status in 2026. Or is it? For one thing, the team said earlier in the year that Dstny will stop…
As we enter the 2025 season, it feels like an exciting new chapter for women’s cycling and me personally. This year, team dynamics across the peloton are evolving, with some impressive transfers that promise to shake things up. My team has made some strategic additions,…
Everyone has heard of the so-called Commentator’s Curse. Praise an athlete and they will immediately drop the ball, trip over their shoelaces or, in the case of Thibau Nys, crowned cycling’s Next Big Thing in this column, lose a race he should have won and…
WeLoveCycling.com is an online magazine that brings you original stories, fresh videos and special reports from the wide world of cycling.
You can review our Privacy Policy, Whistleblower system, Information on Personal Data Processing and Information about processing of personal data through cookies and other web technologies for more information about the usage of your personal data.

source

Post Views: 7