2025-2026 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #5, Antwerpen

Antwerpen, Belgium 20 Dec 2025 Class CDM – World Cup

Website www.ucicyclocrossworldcup.com

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The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Antwerp, often referred to by its historic name, the Scheldecross, is one of the most prestigious and atmospheric rounds on the professional calendar. Known for its iconic riverside setting and deep sand, it has evolved from a local race into a centerpiece of the World Cup “Christmas Block.”

⏳ Historical Evolution

• Origins (2005): The race was first held in 2005 as the “Scheldecross,” named after the Schelde river that borders the course. Sven Nys won the inaugural edition.
• The DVV/X²O Trophy Era: For many years, the race was a staple of the DVV Verzekeringen Trophy (now the X²O Badkamers Trofee). During this period, it became famous for the dominance of Mathieu van der Poel, who won six consecutive editions between 2014 and 2020.
• Promotion to World Cup (2021/2022): The race was scheduled to join the UCI World Cup for the 2021-2022 season, but the debut was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. It officially held its first World Cup edition in December 2022.
• The 2024/25 Season Opener: In a break from tradition, Antwerp served as the opening round of the 2024-2025 World Cup season on November 24, 2024, rather than being part of the mid-winter schedule.

🚲 The Course: “Sint-Anneke”

The race is held on the Linkeroever (Left Bank) of the Schelde river, primarily on the beach and grassy embankments of “Sint-Anneke.”

• The Sand: The defining feature of Antwerp is its massive sand sections. Unlike the heavy, wet sand of Koksijde, the Antwerp sand is often lighter and “deeper,” requiring explosive power and technical finesse.
• Redesign (2025): For the December 2025 edition, organizers moved the start/finish to the wider Thonetlaan to accommodate larger crowds and prevent first-corner bottlenecks that previously plagued the narrow beach-side start.

🏆 Hall of Fame

The Antwerp race has historically been dominated by the “Big Three” and the legendary figures of the sport.

🏆 Hall of Fame: Women’s Winners

Since the race’s inclusion in major trophies and the World Cup, the winners’ list is a “Who’s Who” of cyclocross history.

⭐ Multi-Time Champions

Fem van Empel has dominated the modern World Cup era in Antwerp, currently holding a three-race winning streak (2022–2024).

Mathieu van der Poel holds the record for most wins in Antwerp (7 total, including pre-World Cup eras).