Cyclocross worlds 2026: Belgium ready for title battle in Hulst
Following the KNWU, Belgian Cycling has also finalized its team selection for the Cyclocross World Championships. The anticipated names will make their appearance in Hulst, Zeeland. Among the elite men, attention will be on top riders like Thibau Nys, Niels Vandeputte, and Michael Vanthourenhout.
In the junior categories, the focus is especially on Giel Lejeune. The 17-year-old cross rider is recognized as a great talent and has already shown impressive performances this winter in the U19 category. He finished third at the recent European Championships in Middelkerke and has managed to challenge the Italian stars Filippo Grigolini and Patrik Pezzo Rosola in various World Cup rounds.
Lejeune could potentially bring Belgium a medal or even the world title among the juniors. In the U23 category, Belgium fields several contenders in this cyclocross powerhouse nation. Viktor Vandenberghe, reigning Belgian U23 champion, will start with ambition, while Arthur Van Den Boer, Aaron Dockx, Yordi Corsus, Mats Vanden Eynde, and Kay De Bruyckere can also deliver strong results on their day.
Among the elite women, a standout performance from Belgian champion Marion Norbert Riberolle is certainly possible, while in the elite men's race we can expect something from Thibau Nys, Michael Vanthourenhout (although he was ill leading up to the Worlds), Niels Vandeputte (a former World Cup winner in Hulst), and Toon Aerts.
