Belgium announces selection for Cyclocross World Championships; The battle for final spot to be decided in Hoogerheide
Cycling
Belgian Cycling has revealed the selection for the Cyclocross World Championships in Liévin next weekend. In the men's category, national coach Angelo De Clercq already his most of the lineup figured out, but he still leaves one spot open for whoever shows up in great form at the last two World Cup rounds.
Naturally both European Champions from earlier this winter; Thibau Nys (elite) and Jente Michels (U23) have their start secured thanks to guaranteed extra lineup spot. In addition, there will be another extra spot for overall World Cup winner in 2024/25. Michael Vanthourenhout should normally secure this ticket this weekend. That would allow Belgium to nominate nine (more than any other country) riders for the men's elite category.
Then there's no doubt about about nominations for some of the best cyclocrossers of this winter: Toon Aerts (2nd in World Cup and X2O Trophy rankings), Eli Iserbyt (World Cup Antwerpen winner and X2O Trophy leader), Laurens Sweeck (winner of five crosses in 2024/25), Niels Vandepute (World Cup Hulst winner and Superprestige leader), Emiel Verstrynge and Joran Wyseure.
This puts the Belgium's selection to eight names. De Angelo keeps the situation around final man in the selection still somewhat open with several candidates in the running. Jens Adams was a bit behind expectations before Christmas but after several strong showings, he seems to be back in the pole position. Especially as his competiton - Toon Vandebosh and Witse Meeussen didn't give the best impression in recent races.
De Angelo will announce the ninth rider after the World Cup Hoogerheide.
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Belgium selection for Cyclocross World Championships 2025:
Men Elite
- Toon Aerts
- Eli Iserbyt
- Thibau Nys
- Laurens Sweeck
- Niels Vandeputte
- Michael Vanthourenhout
- Emiel Verstrynge
- Joran Wyseure
Women Elite
- Julie Brouwers
- Sanne Cant
- Marion Norbert Riberolle
Men U23
- Yordi Corsus
- Sil De Brauwere
- Kay De Bruyckere
- Aaron Dockx
- Jente Michels
- Viktor Vandenberghe
- Seppe Van Den Boer
Women U23
- Xaydee Van Sinaey
- Sterre Vervloet
Men Junior
- Lennes Jacobs
- Ryan Laenen
- Giel Lejeune
- Arthur Van Den Boer
- Mats Vanden Eynde
Women Junior
- Sanne Laurijssen
- Lisa Maes
- Zita Peeters
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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