The highly anticipated rivalry between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert resumes on December 20, 2025, in Antwerp, Belgium. This showdown marks the fifth round of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup. Cycling enthusiasts are eager to witness these two cycling giants compete again after a thrilling season.
The event features a robust field of 97 male competitors, including strong contenders such as Thibau Nys, Michael Vanthourenhout, and Joris Nieuwenhuis. On the women’s side, Lucinda Brand, Aniek van Alphen, and Puck Pieterse aim to assert their dominance among a lineup of 87 riders.
Viewing Options for the Cyclocross World Cup Antwerp
Fans can catch the action through various platforms. In the United States and Canada, the event will be available on FloBikes, the exclusive North American broadcaster for the series. Monthly subscriptions cost approximately USD 29.99 or CAD 39.99, while an annual plan is priced at USD 149.99 or CAD 203.88.
In the United Kingdom, viewers can tune in on Discovery+. Unfortunately, the UCI’s free live stream on YouTube is not accessible in the UK. Those who wish to access the UCI stream while in the UK will need to utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for their usual coverage.
The UCI is offering a free live stream for select locations on its YouTube channel. However, geo-restrictions apply in several countries, including the UK, US, and Canada. To bypass these restrictions, viewers can use a VPN. This technology allows users to connect as if they were in a different location, providing access to their regular streaming services.
Event Schedule and Anticipated Competitors
The racing schedule for the Antwerp round is as follows: the Women Elite race begins at 13:40 CET (12:40 GMT, 07:40 EST), followed by the Men Elite race at 15:10 CET (14:10 GMT, 09:10 EST).
This round in Antwerp is particularly exciting as it follows the previous weekend’s event in Namur, where van der Poel emerged victorious in challenging conditions. The upcoming race is expected to be equally unpredictable, as rain has altered the course’s conditions, making it slippery and challenging for all participants.
While Nys currently leads the series, the season is still in its early stages. Brand seeks to continue her winning streak, aiming for a fourth consecutive victory this season. Meanwhile, Aniek van Alphen tops the World Cup standings thanks to consistent performances. Pieterse, who debuted in the season last weekend, finished fourth.
The race will also feature emerging talents from the US, including newly crowned women’s elite cyclocross champion Lizzie Gunsalus and men’s U23 winner Henry Coote, both making their European debuts.
As interest builds for the Cyclocross World Cup in Antwerp, fans around the globe are preparing to tune in to witness one of the most thrilling events in the cycling calendar.
