A look ahead: From the WorldTour to the first World Championships of the year, what can cycling fans get excited for early in 2025?

As 2024 comes to a close, cycling fans are already gearing up for an exciting start to 2025. The action kicks off almost immediately, with a packed calendar of events to look forward to in January and early Februay. From cyclocross World Cups to the opening road race of the World Tour season, there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at what’s coming up over the next month or so on two wheels.

The first cyclocross World Cup race of the new year will take place in Dendermonde, a city located in the Flemish province of East Flanders, Belgium. Last year’s edition saw Pim Ronhaar claim victory ahead of Lars van der Haar and Laurens Sweeck. This year, the stakes are even higher as Mathieu van der Poel, the reigning world champion, is set to make his return to the course. Van der Poel’s presence in Dendermonde is part of his build-up to a potential record-equalling seventh cyclocross world title in February, and judging by his recent form Van der Poel is at his explosive best.

But Van der Poel won’t have it easy. Wout van Aert, his arch rival, will also be in action, setting the stage for yet another epic duel between these two legends. Fans can expect an intense battle as both riders look to assert their dominance in the early part of the season, as they both build towards battling each other on the cobbles and the road in the spring classics later in the year.

The action continues with the World Cup in Maasmechelen, a municipality located on the Meuse River within the Belgian province of Limburg, and this event promises another head-to-head clash between Van der Poel and Van Aert. Last year, Lars van der Haar triumphed in the men’s race, while Fem van Empel delivered a commanding performance in the women’s race, beating her rival Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado by over a minute.

The Maasmechelen World Cup is known for its challenging course and unpredictable weather conditions, which often lead to thrilling races. With both Van der Poel and Van Aert expected to compete, this year’s edition is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

The final World Cup race of the season will take place in Hoogerheide, the Netherlands, on the 26th of January, and this race marks Mathieu van der Poel’s last competitive outing before the World Championships in Liévin, France. As the defending champion, Van der Poel will look to end the World Cup season on a high note and carry momentum into the championship race.

Hoogerheide has long been a staple of the cyclocross calendar, offering a course that challenges riders’ technical skills and endurance. With the World Championships just days away, this race will serve as a critical test for all the top contenders.

Cycling fans received exciting news with the announcement that Marianne Vos will be back in the mix in the cyclocross field, and hopefully we will see plenty of her in the cross races in January. Vos, who was last seen in cyclocross action in early 2023, has been a commanding force in the discipline throughout her career. Her last cyclocross world title came in 2022, where she edged out Lucinda Brand by just one second in an unforgettable finish.

We hope to see Vos in several World Cup races in January, which would put her in good shape if she is planning to return to the World Championships. Her return adds another layer of excitement to an already thrilling season, and fans will be eager to see if she can reclaim her place at the top of the sport with yet another rainbow jersey.

The road racing season officially kicks off with the Santos Tour Down Under, the first World Tour race of the year. This six-day event in Australia’s stunning Adelaide region is a favourite among riders and fans alike. Last year, Stephen Williams of Israel-Premier Tech emerged victorious, claiming the ochre jersey, and he will return in 2025 to defend his title, but he will face stiff competition from 2023 winner Jay Vine and a host of other top riders.

The Tour Down Under offers a mix of stages, from flat sprints to challenging climbs, providing a perfect early-season test for the peloton. With its electric atmosphere thanks to the Australian fans, this race is the ideal curtain-raiser for the road season.

The cyclocross season reaches its climax with the World Championships in Liévin, France during the first weekend of February, and all eyes will be on Mathieu van der Poel as he aims to secure a record-equalling seventh world title. Van der Poel has been in imperious form over the past few years on all terrains, and with his biggest rival, Wout van Aert, not competing, he enters the event as the overwhelming favourite. Even if Van Aert was in attendance, one would still imagine that Van der Poel would be the firm favourite.

However, Van der Poel won’t have it all his own way. European champion Thibau Nys will be eager to challenge the Dutchman and stake his claim on the world stage. While Van der Poel remains the man to beat on paper, the unpredictable nature of cyclocross means surprises are always possible. The World Championships promise to deliver high drama and a potential moment of history, as van der Poel goes in search of a record equalling win.

January 2025 promises a fascinating start to the cycling season, with a packed schedule of cyclocross World Cups, the Santos Tour Down Under, and the highly anticipated Cyclocross World Championships. Whether it’s the return of Marianne Vos, the fierce rivalry between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, or the opening races of the road season, there’s no shortage of action to look forward to. Cycling fans, get ready for an unforgettable month of racing!