The Cyclo-cross World Championships return to the Netherlands for 2026, with riders battling for rainbow jerseys in Hulst from today (Friday 30 January) to Sunday 1 February.
The racing takes place over three days, beginning with the Team Relay on Friday, before the junior, under-23 and elite categories over the weekend.
Following his absolute dominance this season, Mathieu van der Poel enters as the favourite to seek a record eighth world title in the men’s elite race.
The 2025 champion, Fem van Empel, will not be lining up to defend her title, so Dutch eyes will be focused on her 12 compatriots, including Lucinda Brand, Puck Pieterse and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, who head up a formidable home line-up in the women’s field.
2026 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships race schedule
- Friday 30 January
- Team relay: 12.35pm GMT / 1.35pm CET / 7.35am ET
- Saturday 31 January
- Junior women: 10.05am GMT / 11.05am CET / 5.05am ET
- Under-23 men: 12.10pm GMT / 1.10pm CET / 7.10am ET
- Elite Women: 2.10pm GMT / 3.10pm CET / 9.10am ET
- Sunday 1 February
- Junior men: 10.05am GMT / 11.05am CET / 5.05am ET
- Under-23 women: 12.10pm GMT / 1.10pm CET / 7.10am ET
- Elite men: 2.10pm GMT / 3.10pm CET / 9.10am ET
How to watch the 2026 Cyclo-cross World Championships
The UCI YouTube channel will livestream the 2026 World Championships for free in locations worldwide where broadcasters don't hold exclusive rights.
Unfortunately, this means no free access for viewers in the UK, US and Canada.
UK 'cross fans will need to tune in to TNT Sports/Discovery+. Subscriptions cost £25.99 a month when billed annually.
US and Canadian viewers can watch the event on FloBikes, with plans starting at $29.99 or CA$39.99, although annual plans work out significantly cheaper for committed viewers.
How can I watch the Cyclo-cross World Championships 2026 if I’m travelling abroad?
Readers from the UK who have escaped our dreary shores for a spell of sunnier climes, wanting to watch riders slip around a boggy northern European field, may want to use a VPN to access their streaming services.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that enables you to change your device's IP address, making it appear as though you're accessing the internet from another country.
As long as you adhere to your broadcaster's terms and conditions, a VPN enables you to unblock your usual streaming services, no matter your location. Additionally, a VPN can improve playback speeds and significantly enhance your overall internet security.
There are many VPN options available, but we recommend NordVPN as the best choice. It offers strong streaming capabilities, robust security features and excellent value for money.
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