Dendermonde, Belgium 28 Dec 2025 Class CDM – World Cup
Website www.ucicyclocrossworldcup.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Dendermonde, often referred to as the Ambiancecross, is one of the most physically demanding stops on the professional cyclo-cross circuit. Located in the Belgian province of East Flanders, it has quickly gained a reputation for its deep, thick mud and grueling “running” sections.
Origins and Early Years
The race was created by Jurgen Mettepenningen, the manager of the Pauwels Sauzen–Bingoal team.
- 2018–2019: The event debuted as a standalone race called the Ambiancecross and was originally held in Wachtebeke.
- 2020: To secure a spot in the expanded UCI World Cup calendar, the race moved to its current location in Dendermonde (specifically the district of Grembergen).
The “Mudfest” Reputation
Dendermonde became legendary almost immediately due to the 2020 edition.
- Storm Bella: The race took place during a massive storm with high winds and torrential rain.
- Conditions: The course turned into an “apocalyptic” mud bath. It was so thick that even the world’s best riders were forced to dismount and run for long stretches.
- Wout van Aert dominated this edition, winning by nearly three minutes—a massive margin in professional cyclo-cross—cementing the race as a “power” course where pure strength beats technical finesse.
Key Historical Facts
- COVID-19 Impact: The first two World Cup editions (2020 and 2021) were held without spectators due to pandemic restrictions in Belgium.
- Course Features: The track is roughly 2,600 meters long and includes a notorious “washboard,” a sandpit, and a bridge. In 2023, a section of cobblestones was added to give it a “Paris-Roubaix” feel.
- The “Big Three” Rivalry: The 2021 edition saw one of the few head-to-head battles between Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, and Tom Pidcock during that season, with Van Aert taking the victory.
Recent Winners (Elite Men & Women)
| Season | Elite Men Winner | Elite Women Winner |
| 2024–25 | Wout van Aert (BEL) | Lucinda Brand (NED) |
| 2023–24 | Pim Ronhaar (NED) | Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (NED) |
| 2021–22 | Wout van Aert (BEL) | Lucinda Brand (NED) |
| 2020–21 | Wout van Aert (BEL) | Lucinda Brand (NED) |
Upcoming Edition
The next race is scheduled for December 28, 2025, as part of the 2025–2026 UCI World Cup season. It remains a fan favorite because it typically takes place during the “Kerstperiode” (Christmas period), the busiest and most prestigious week in the cyclo-cross calendar.
