UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Maasmechelen – race preview

This guest post from Velora Cycling offers a snapshot of their preview for the 11th round of the 2026 Cyclocross World Cup.

The penultimate round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup heads to Maasmechelen on Saturday, where Mathieu van der Poel (1200) arrives unbeaten in six World Cup starts this season and as the clear favourite on a course built for explosive power.

On the women’s side, Lucinda Brand (1200) has already secured the overall World Cup title following her victory in Benidorm, shifting the focus in Belgium to the individual race win and the final podium places in the general classification.

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

Course

While Velora's main preview covers the technical layout, fantasy managers should note that the "terhills" slag heaps favor high-wattage riders over pure technical specialists. The lack of heavy mud this year means gaps will be small; expect high scores from riders with a strong sprint finish, as overtaking is difficult but speed will be high.

Conditions

With a dry, frozen forecast (7–8°C), this isn't a day for the "mud sloggers." Avoid selecting riders who rely on running sections to make up time. Instead, prioritize your budget on explosive riders who excel on hard-packed, greasy surfaces – this is where the points will be won.

Men’s race favourites

Van der Poel (1200) is the overwhelming favourite. The punchy climbs and technical flow of the terrils suit his ability to repeatedly accelerate and maintain speed through corners.

Thibau Nys (1000) continues to show excellent late-season form and is one of the strongest domestic challengers, particularly on steep, explosive courses. Felipe Orts (600) has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign and arrives off another podium performance in Benidorm.

Alpecin-Premier Tech are well covered beyond Van der Poel, with Tibor Del Grosso (400) and Niels Vandeputte (800) both capable of top-five finishes on this type of terrain.

Women’s race favourites

With the overall already secured, Lucinda Brand(1200) races without classification pressure but remains a leading contender on technical circuits.

Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1200) is her closest rival and could benefit from clean execution through the off-camber sections. Amandine Fouquenet (400) has established herself as a consistent podium threat this season, while Shirin van Anrooij’s (800) climbing ability suits the repeated power demands of the course.

Puck Pieterse (800) is expected to line up despite still managing recent injuries and remains a potential wildcard. Blanka Vas (1000) and Zoe Bäckstedt (1000), who featured prominently here last season, also return after top-ten finishes in Benidorm.

How to watch: Broadcast details vary by region UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Maasmechelen.