The cyclocross season has just begun, but already, the excitement is palpable. It’s a time of renewal, resurgence, and revelation, as riders emerge from their off-season slumber to test their mettle against the mud, the competition, and their own limits. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while some familiar names are back in the saddle, others remain conspicuously absent, leaving fans to wonder—who will rise to fill the void? And this is the part most people miss: the early season isn’t just about the stars; it’s a stage for the full-timers, the underdogs, and the rising talents to shine.
As the pedals start turning in earnest, the European Championships have served as the first major checkpoint, offering a glimpse into who’s on form and what lies ahead. But is this snapshot a reliable predictor of the season’s trajectory? Let’s dive in.
The season kicked off about six weeks ago, and since then, we’ve seen a mix of expected triumphs and surprising comebacks. Riders like Joris Nieuwenhuis are bouncing back after a lackluster ’24-25 season, while young talents such as Célia Gery continue their steady ascent through the ranks. The return of Fem van Empel, a former world champion who stepped away from competition this summer, has added another layer of intrigue. Across the Atlantic, names like Eric Brunner, Andrew Strohmeyer, Sidney McGill, Maghalie Rochette, and Lizzy Gunsalus are making waves, proving that the cyclocross world is truly global.
However, the absence of heavyweights like Zoe Bäckstedt, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, Puck Pieterse, Shirin van Anrooij, Eli Iserbyt, Wout van Aert, and Mathieu van der Poel has left a noticeable gap. Is this a missed opportunity, or a chance for new faces to step into the spotlight? While injuries, fitness struggles, or strategic delays explain some of these absences, it’s hard not to wonder how the season might unfold if they were in the mix. Yet, their absence isn’t all bad—it allows fans to focus on the full-time riders, whose talents are as diverse as they are impressive.
With the X2O and Superprestige series now underway, the European Championships provided a perfect pause to assess the field. But the real action is just heating up. The World Cup kicks off in Tabor, Czechia, on November 23, with the legendary Kerstperiode looming on the horizon. Which riders will dominate these marquee events? And will the early-season form hold, or will we see unexpected breakthroughs?
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the big events are still to come. Now is the time to take stock: Who’s looking sharp? Which races are unmissable? Using the European Championships as our starting point, this guide will help you navigate the CX season’s twists and turns. And don’t forget—Escape Collective will be there every step of the way, bringing you galleries and coverage from the World Cup weekends.
But here’s a thought to ponder: With so many variables at play, is it fair to crown early-season performances as indicators of future success? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think the current form will hold, or are we in for a season of surprises? The mud is flying, the races are heating up, and the stage is set for a thrilling ride.
