Cyclocross worlds 2026: Delano Heeren wins junior title in thriller, Grigolini cracks under pressure
Delano Heeren is the new cyclo-cross world champion in the junior men's category. The Dutch rider seemed destined for a silver medal but made the most of two crashes by Filippo Grigolini in the final lap, who was on his way to the world title. The Italian ended up 'only' second, ahead of Belgian Giel Lejeune.
On the final day of the cyclo-cross world championships in Hulst, the junior men got things started. We were treated to an exciting race with quite a few contenders on paper. Host nation Netherlands was hoping for a standout performance from Delano Heeren or Noël Goijert, Belgium had potential world champion Giel Lejeune, and Italy was represented by Patrik Pezzo Rosola and Filippo Grigolini.
Heeren eager to race
Due to the (light) rainfall in the hours before, the course was slightly more treacherous compared to the races held on Saturday. However, Heeren did not let this deter him: the Dutch favorite took off like a rocket, immediately putting pressure on his rivals. Lejeune sensed the threat and stayed close behind, but the other top riders also completed the first lap unscathed.
This wasn’t the case for everyone, as the tricky conditions led to several slides and crashes in the back of the pack. Meanwhile, at the front, Grigolini left no time to waste. With an impressive intermediate acceleration, the Italian relentlessly pulled away from his rivals. Lejeune and Frenchman Soren Bruyère Joumard made a frantic attempt to close the gap but couldn’t keep up.
Grigolini soloing to the title
Even more, Grigolini kept extending his lead over the first chasers. With two laps to go, his advantage stood at twelve seconds. However, Lejeune was not ready to give up; he dropped Bruyère Joumard and went solo in pursuit of the Italian. Yet Lejeune didn’t gain an inch and in the penultimate lap even found himself joined by Heeren, who had found a second wind.
But this was still at a safe distance from the fired-up Grigolini. The European champion even doubled his lead to over twenty seconds in the second-to-last lap. In other words, the battle for the world title seemed - barring misfortune - decided. Emphasis on seemed, because Heeren clearly still had some energy left in the tank. Entering the last lap, Grigolini’s advantage suddenly shrank to ten seconds.
Grigolini buckles under pressure
Was this the prelude to a thrilling finale? Initially, it didn’t look that way as Grigolini regained his composure and extended his lead slightly. An Italian world title appeared imminent, but the leader cracked under the pressure. Grigolini crashed not once but twice and had to helplessly watch Heeren overtake him.
The Dutchman seized his opportunity and, fueled by the raucous home crowd, rode on to the world title. Grigolini still finished second, ahead of Lejeune, but will undoubtedly be disappointed after a heartbreaking finale.
