ANALYSIS: Take a look at how the last cyclocross world titles have been won as Mathieu van der Poel and Fem van Empel look to make history this weekend

This weekend, the world's best cyclocross riders will descend on Liévin, northern France, for the 2025 Cyclocross World Championships. The men’s race headlines a showdown for the ages as Mathieu van der Poel chases a record-equalling seventh world title, while Wout van Aert returns to challenge his great rival in a battle for the rainbow jersey.

In the women’s elite race, Fem van Empel aims to complete a historic hat trick of world titles but faces stiff competition in a strong field. Lucinda Brand, the recent world cup winner, will certainly be hoping to get amongst the action and get her hands back on the rainbow jersey.

As we build up to the biggest event on the cyclocross calendar, let’s take a look at how recent editions of the World Championships have played out to see if we can get an idea about how things will go down this weekend.

Last year, Mathieu van der Poel stormed to victory in Tabor, Czech Republic, securing his sixth world title with a trademark dominant performance. The Dutchman made his intentions clear from the outset, attacking early and leaving the rest of the field behind. Joris Nieuwenhuis claimed an impressive second place 37 seconds behind MvdP, while Michael Vanthourenhout completed the podium over a minute behind. It was a statement performance from van der Poel, who barely put a foot wrong all season.

The women’s race saw Fem van Empel successfully defend her world title in a flawless display. The Dutch sensation glided to victory, reinforcing her dominance in the discipline with a performance where she crushed the likes of Lucinda Brand and Puck Pieterse, as the Netherlands pulled off a clean sweep of the podium position. Her performance was imperious, once again showcasing her talent and tactical intelligence on the biggest stage as he claimed her second rainbow jersey.

Two years ago in Hoogerheide, the long-anticipated clash between van der Poel and van Aert produced one of the legendary chapters in the duo’s rivalry. The two cyclocross legends went head-to-head in an electrifying battle that wasn’t decided until the very final metres. Van der Poel had led most of the way, but couldn’t shake Van Aert from his wheel and the Belgian made a move of his own on the final lap. In the sprint finish, van der Poel edged out his Belgian rival to secure his fifth world title in an all-time classic, in what was the duo’s most recent cyclocross world championship duel. Eli Iserbyt rounded out the podium, 12 seconds behind the leaders.

Meanwhile, in the women’s event, Fem van Empel announced herself on the world stage by winning her first elite world title. At just 20 years old, she dominated the competition, proving that she was the next big star in women’s cyclocross. Once again it was Pieterse and Brand on the podium, but this time it was Pieterse who picked up the silver medal.

In the absence of van der Poel and van Aert, it was Tom Pidcock who seized his opportunity in Fayetteville, USA. The British rider delivered a masterful performance, becoming the first-ever British male to win the elite cyclocross world title. His technical skill and aggressive racing made him the clear winner on the day, as he showed that he could do special things on the cross bike as well as a mountain and road bike. Pidcock came in 30 seconds ahead of Lars van der Haar, who just beat Eli Iserbyt.

The women’s race saw Marianne Vos secure her eighth world title, rolling back the years with another vintage display, but she didn’t have it all her own way. No, Lucinda Brand was with her all the way, only to be pipped on the line by the GOAT. The Dutch legend cemented her place as one of the sport’s all-time greats but unfortunately, Vos will not be competing in Liévin this year due to a calf injury, meaning she won’t have the chance to add a ninth title to her collection.

In 2021, the elite men’s race saw Mathieu van der Poel claim his fourth world title in Oostende, Belgium. He overcame an early crash to defeat Wout van Aert in a dominant performance, and this may have been a sign of his dominance to come in the years ever since. Van Aert was 37 seconds back in second, and Too Aerts rounded out the podium nearly 90 seconds off Van der Poel. To make this extra sweet for Van der Poel, this race took place on Van Aert’s home turf in Belgium, meaning he got the win on rival territory. This win also saw Van der Poel pull clear of Van Aert in terms of cyclocross rainbow jerseys, as the duo had been tied on 3 each before.

In the women’s race, Lucinda Brand delivered a stunning performance to win her first elite world title. The Dutch rider impressed with her skill and tactical intelligence, edging out Annemarie Worst on the last lap. Brand, now 35, will be desperate to get her hands on another world title this weekend.

As we head into the 2025 edition of the World Championships, all eyes are on Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. Can van der Poel equal Eric De Vlaeminck’s record of seven titles, or will van Aert finally get the better of his long-time rival and claim his first rainbow jersey since all the way back in 2018? There’s no doubt that Van der Poel is the favourite, but if anyone is going to stop him from making history it is most likely going to be Van Aert.

In the women’s race, Fem van Empel is the favourite once again, but she will be up against strong contenders, especially Lucinda Brand, looking to prevent her from wrapping up a hat trick of world titles. And let’s not forget, this is cyclocross, where anything can happen to even the most elite of performers.

The stage is set for another thrilling weekend of cyclocross action in Liévin. Will history be made? We’re about to find out.