2026 European Cyclocross Championships Preview | Europe's best cyclocross stars battle it out in the Dutch mud

Twenty years after the Cyclocross World Championships, an international cyclocross championship is returning to Zeddam. In 2006, Erwin Vervecken and Marianne Vos both claimed the world title there. As of 2026, Vervecken is even involved with the course as a course designer, including the well-known staircases.

The European Championship course largely follows the World Championship course from twenty years ago, with modifications to suit a modern cyclocross race. It’s a familiar battleground, then, where cyclocross riders can give it their all on November 7 and 8.

Defending champion Toon Aerts will not be competing in the men's race due to a lingering knee injury, which means we're sure to have a new winner.

Michael Vanthourenhout is currently the rider in top form, though he'll face competition from, among others, local hero Joris Nieuwenhuis.

In women's cyclocross, the Dutch riders are usually the ones to watch, although Luxembourg's Marie Schreiber has been making quite a splash in recent weeks.

The big question in cyclocross has been whether Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel will compete. Tom Pidcock has already ruled himself out, Van der Poel is a heavy question mark, but Van Aert is confirmed.

Van Aert could return in strong form and make an early impact, especially while expecting Van der Poel is undecided due to his impending fatherhood.

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Men's U21 (1:00 p.m.)

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Elite Women (3:00 p.m.)

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Junior Men (11:00 a.m.)
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Women's U21 (1:00 p.m.)

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