World Cup Namur Cyclocross: Startlist, Map, Favourites and how to watch in the USA and UK

Round 4 of the Cyclocross World Cup arrives this Sunday, December 14, on one of the sport’s most iconic venues. The slopes of the Citadel of Namur will once again host many of the world’s best riders, all battling for crucial World Cup points on what is widely regarded as the toughest course of the entire series. Below we take a look at the map, the start lists, the favourites and how to watch the racing across the United States and United Kingdom.

This could be nicknamed the “Citadel Cross”, a name that has stuck over the past decade. The course winds its way up, down and around the historic fortifications above the Meuse river, creating a test unlike anything else on the calendar.

The route is famous for its steep climbing, long rutted descents and heavy mud, and it consistently rewards the best all-rounders. There are no simple laps here. Mistakes happen easily, recovery is difficult, and the course usually extracts a winner through sheer attrition rather than explosive accelerations.

The women’s elite race begins at 13:40 CET, finishing around 14:30 CET.

The men’s elite race starts at 15:10 CET and should finish close to 16:15 CET.

Broadcast coverage follows the usual pattern for World Cup rounds. The race is live on Eurosport, HBO Max/Discover+ and the UCI YouTube channel (geo-restrictions can apply). Coverage is also carried in:

In the United Kingdom the race is available on Discovery+, or via the UCI YouTube channel where rights allow.

Namur almost always reshuffles the World Cup standings. The sheer difficulty of the Citadel rewards the most complete riders and punishes anyone low on form or still building condition. This is also the round where many big names begin their December campaigns. Riders skipping Terralba often reappear here, making Namur a far deeper field than the previous weekend.

A major excitement is the return of Mathieu van der Poel, who is expected to launch his cyclocross season in Namur. His presence immediately reshapes expectations. Behind him, the familiar Dutch core of Lars van der Haar, Joris Nieuwenhuis, Pim Ronhaar, David Haverdings and Ryan Kamp should all feature prominently. Thibau Nys has shown strong level on the climbs this season and Namur historically suits his punchy style.

Belgian riders such as Laurens Sweeck, Niels Vandeputte, Joran Wyseure and Toon Vandebosch should also appear near the front. The Citadel’s heavy mud sections and repeated climbing usually favour experienced riders comfortable with losing and gaining momentum. Conditions can be decisive, and if the course softens, it becomes a true survival race rather than a tactical one.

The women’s race promises one of the most competitive rounds of the early winter. Puck Pieterse is scheduled to make her return to cyclocross at Namur, instantly placing her among the top favourites. The repeated climbing and technical descents match her profile perfectly. Lucinda Brand has excelled here in the past and should once again be a major contender for the win.

The standings could see substantial movement, as many riders skipped Terralba and return specifically for this round. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado continues to build form and is another rider to watch closely, as Namur rewards her combination of technique and endurance. Riders such as Shirin van Anrooij, Marion Norbert Riberolle, Marie Schreiber and Leonie Bentveld all have the potential to fight for podium positions or top fives.

The startlist is typically one of the largest of the season in both quality and depth, and Namur tends to create significant gaps, so early positioning will be crucial on the opening climb out of the start loop