The 2025 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships recently concluded at the circuit of Val de Souchez in Liévin, France, leaving spectators buzzing about the remarkable displays of athleticism and strategy. From January 30 to February 2, over 30,000 fans gathered to witness the fierce competition, which saw previous champions and newcomers alike vying for glory on the muddy and challenging course.
Mathieu van der Poel, the two-time defending champion and overwhelming favorite, entered the elite men's race with high expectations. Having claimed victory at every race he entered this winter, van der Poel was aiming for history, as another win would give him his seventh world title, equaling the record held by Belgian legend Eric De Vlaeminck.
But he faced stiff competition from Wout Van Aert, the Belgian powerhouse who made a surprise appearance at the championship after initially withdrawing. Their rivalry has become the stuff of legend, and conditions on race day were perfectly set for another epic duel. The weather, which included substantial mud and challenging terrain filled with steep inclines and slides, promised to test the limits of the riders' endurance.
The elite men's race began at 15:05 local time as spectators eagerly awaited the clash of titans. With each lap, the excitement built, especially as van der Poel and Van Aert battled for the lead. Although both riders faced setbacks, including moments where they had to dismount their bikes to navigate particularly tough sections, their experience on the course eventually shone through.
Fans were also excited by the other competitions preceding the men's race. Starting with the women's elite race, they witnessed intense competition among the top female riders, including the reigning champion Fem van Empel from the Netherlands, who was expected to fend off fierce challengers such as Lucinda Brand and Ceylin Alvarado. The women's competition took place on the prior afternoon, culminating with nail-biting finishes and impressive athletic displays.
Among the younger categories, French cyclist Soren Bruyère Joumard gained significant attention for his performance. Bros cœur, only 16 years old, demonstrated remarkable talent throughout the championships, eventually finishing as the silver medalist in the junior men's category. His race was filled with drama, including recovering from a fall early on to rally the support of the cheering crowd, which propelled him from 15th place to finish strong. "I am super happy with my performance," he reflected post-race. "The crowd really pushed me to do my best!"
Competing against Joumard was Italy's Mattia Agostinacchio, who clinched first place, showcasing his undeniable talent and thorough preparation as the new junior world champion. The podium was rounded out by another Italian, Filippo Grigolini, finishing third. These results brought pride to the French delegation, especially following the earlier bronze medal claimed by the mixed relay team, also representing France.
With the women's junior race yielding victory for Lise Revol, the French team found their footing with three medals during this championship. After finishing just behind Agostinacchio, Bruyère Joumard commented on his fierce competitors and the excitement around the championships: "These races bring out the best of us; it’s incredible to hold my ground among such talented athletes and to do so on home soil!"
Aside from individual and team results, the championships offered thrilling narratives, such as the rise of young competitors, various national contenders challenging the Netherlands and Belgium's dominance, and the compelling conditions of the race, which demanded both strategy and physical strength. The unique challenges—including talcum powder-thin dirt mixed with mud—posed hurdles even for the strongest riders.
While Mathieu van der Poel and Wout Van Aert attracted headlines, other cyclists also proved their mettle. Names like Thibau Nys, Michael Vanthourenhout, and Eli Iserbyt remained stern threats to anyone underestimaging them, showcasing the growing depth of talent across the cycling world.
Looking back, the 2025 championships reaffirmed Liévin's status as a premier destination for cyclo-cross, demonstrating both the charm of France's cycling culture and the fervor of its fans. The challenges presented during the races highlighted not only the technical aspects of cyclo-cross but also underscored the resilience and dedication of the athletes involved.
Anticipation now turns to future events as the 2025 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships laid the groundwork for next year's competitions. With young talents like Joumard stepping onto the scene and seasoned veterans battling for supremacy, the future looks bright for cyclists and cyclo-cross fans worldwide.