UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Hoogerheide – race preview

This guest post from Velora Cycling offers a snapshot of their preview for the 12th and final round of the 2026 Cyclocross World Cup.

The World Cup season concludes on Sunday in Hoogerheide, serving as the final test ahead of the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Hulst one week later. With Lucinda Brand (1200) having already secured the women’s overall title and Mathieu van der Poel (1200) unbeaten in his six World Cup starts this season, the GP Adrie van der Poel will be their last World Cup appearance before Worlds.

For a full rider-by-rider breakdown and season context, you can read Velora’s complete Hoogerheide World Cup preview.

Course & Fantasy Strategy

Hoogerheide is historically a "power rider’s" course, which simplifies fantasy selection: avoid lightweight climbers and bet heavily on riders with high raw wattage. The critical "Stairway to Heaven" and the 40cm planks (which require bunny-hopping to maintain speed) create natural separation. If you have the budget, prioritize riders known for technical jumping skills; they save vital energy for the long, uphill tarmac sprint where the final points are often decided.

Conditions

The forecast predicts a frozen, fast track (reaching 6°C). This speed limits the effectiveness of drafting, meaning gaps will open based on pure strength rather than tactical stalling. Managers should look for riders with strong "first lap" stats, as recovery on this high-speed circuit will be difficult if they miss the initial split.

Women’s elite favourites

Brand arrives with eight World Cup victories this season and remains the benchmark on fast, power-oriented circuits. With Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1200) absent from the start list, the dynamics behind the leader open up significantly.

Puck Pieterse (357) has the explosiveness to clear the 40cm planks cleanly and could benefit if the race remains tactical, while Aniek van Alphen (400) has built her season on consistency, limiting losses through the circuit’s technical sectors.

Amandine Fouquenet (400) continues to establish herself as a reliable podium contender, while Blanka Vas (1000) and Zoe Bäckstedt (1000) both return to a venue where they have previously featured strongly.

Men’s elite favourites

Van der Poel is expected to start as the overwhelming favourite after dominating every World Cup round he has contested this season. Racing in his home region, Hoogerheide offers another opportunity to assert control before the World Championships.

Thibau Nys (1000) has been one of the most consistent riders of the winter and possesses the sprint strength to respond to early accelerations. Tibor Del Grosso (400) has already shown podium potential on fast courses, while teammate Niels Vandeputte (800) remains a dependable top-five option.

With Wout van Aert, Eli Iserbyt, and Laurens Sweeck sidelined through injury, the fight for the remaining podium places is wide open. Felipe Orts (600) and Michael Vanthourenhout (1200) are among those targeting a strong finish to the World Cup campaign.