Maasmechelen, Belgium 24 Jan 2026 Class CDM – World Cup
Website www.ucicyclocrossworldcup.com
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The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Maasmechelen is one of the newest and most unique additions to the international circuit. Located in the Province of Limburg, Belgium, it has quickly gained a reputation for its challenging terrain and historical backdrop.
Origin and Quick Debut (2022)
Maasmechelen made its debut on the World Cup calendar on October 30, 2022. Its inclusion was somewhat of a surprise: it was added as a late replacement for the Cyclo-cross Rucphen in the Netherlands, which had to withdraw due to financial and organizational challenges.
Organizers (Flanders Classics) and local authorities had only a few weeks to transform a former industrial site into a world-class racing venue. This first edition was marketed as a “zero-waste” event, emphasizing sustainability and the ecological beauty of the surrounding Hoge Kempen National Park.
The Course: A Former Mining Site
The race is held in the shadow of the historic mining shafts of Eisden. This industrial heritage defines the course:
- Terrain: Unlike traditional grassy fields, the Maasmechelen course is built on a former coal mine site. This means the ground is often composed of loose gravel, pebbles, and sand.
- Controversy: The 2022 debut was met with some criticism from riders due to the “bumpy” and “stony” nature of the track, which led to numerous punctures and mechanical issues.
- Technicality: It features steep ramps, a long off-camber section, and several technical turns that require precise bike handling.
Historical Winners
Despite its short history, Maasmechelen has already seen some of the sport’s biggest names on the top step of the podium.
| Season | Men’s Winner | Women’s Winner |
| 2022–2023 | Laurens Sweeck (BEL) | Fem van Empel (NED) |
| 2023–2024 | Lars van der Haar (NED) | Fem van Empel (NED) |
| 2024–2025 | Mathieu van der Poel (NED) | Blanka Kata Vas (HUN) |
| 2025–2026* | Mathieu van der Poel (NED) | Puck Pieterse (NED) |
*The 2026 race (held yesterday, Jan 24) was particularly significant as Mathieu van der Poel secured his 50th career World Cup victory there, equalling the all-time record set by Sven Nys.
Current Standing
As of the 2025–2026 season, Maasmechelen has become a fixture of the “closing weekend” of the World Cup. It serves as the penultimate round, typically paired with the final round in Hoogerheide, making it a critical race for those vying for the overall World Cup title.
