🏁 Cyclocross Race 2025/26: The Most Important Dates

Cyclocross is more than just cycling in the mud – it's a mix of technique, endurance, mud fun, and competitive atmosphere that excites both spectators and hobby riders.

If you're eager to hit the track this season or simply want to watch the spectacular races as a spectator, you're in the right place. We've compiled the top 10 Cyclocross races in and around Germany for 2025/26, including dates, highlights, and reasons why they're so special. 

Why Cyclocross? A Brief Introduction for Beginners

For those who have not yet experienced Cyclocross live: Imagine a mix of road cycling and obstacle course, then garnish it with a pinch of dirt. You read that right, CX means muddy, slippery, and maximally action-packed. Cyclo-Cross – or CX for short – pushes both man and bike to the limit, as the course is deliberately chosen to get dirty. This special demand on riding technique, concentration, and also on the durability of the bike parts makes a cross-country race extremely exciting. Whether you participate in an amateur CX race as a hobby rider or marvel as a spectator at how professionals plow through sand, mud, and gravel, Cyclocross is a spectacle not to be missed. 

Why do CX races take place in winter?

Actually, summer is the popular cycling season, so why are the Cyclocross race dates in winter? The answer is on the weather map: Without mud, no Cyclocross, without rain, no mud – and it simply rains more in winter! If you are familiar with Cyclo Cross, you know: At some point, the race track has to become so slippery that the bike has to be carried. 

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The Top 10 Cyclocross Races 2025/26

There are many dates in the Cyclocross race calendar, here are our favorites: 

1. GaloppCross – Cyclocross Bundesliga in Bremen 

📅 11 October 2025
 📍 Stahnsdorf, Brandenburg 🇩🇪

Why interesting: The Bundesliga CX race Bremen takes place on the grounds of the horse racing track, you can look forward to competitions in different classes and a supporting program with music and bratwurst is also on offer.

Info at: https://www.bremen.de/veranstaltung/galoppcross-cyclocross-bundesliga#/

2. St. Pölten Cross-country

📅 18 and 19 October 2025
 📍 St Pölten, 🇦🇹

 Why interesting: In the Kaiserwald, races take place in different classes, starting with three-year-olds on balance bikes up to Elite competitions. It will certainly be an exciting day for the whole family, so... put on your mud pants and dive into the fun!

Info at: https://stroblclassics.blogspot.com/

3. Frank Oxenfart Campus Cross / German University Championship

📅 November 22, 2025
📍 Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia 🇩🇪

Why important: A unique university campus race that brings together students and amateur riders. With quirky obstacles and a cool atmosphere, the race is perfect for beginners to gain their first experiences.

Info at: https://www.radtreffcampus.de/campus-cross/

4. Rhein-Neckar Cross Heidelberg (Cyclocross Cup)

📅 November 22, 2025
📍 Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg 🇩🇪

Why important: A mix of city proximity and traditional cross course, and also part of the Cyclocross Cup Rhein Neckar race series. Particularly attractive for amateur riders as you can get a taste of racing in a relaxed atmosphere. A must for regional cyclocross fans.

Info at: https://cyclocrosscup.de/rennen/, https://rsv-heidelberg.de/

5. Rhein-Neckar Cross Rheinzabern (Cup Final)

📅 November 30, 2025
📍 Rheinzabern, Rhineland-Palatinate 🇩🇪

Why important: The final of the regional cup series attracts many amateur riders and young athletes. Excitement guaranteed, not only for the Elite, but also for the open races.

Info at: https://www.rsv-rheinzabern.de/?page_id=27

6. UCI Cyclocross World Cup Antwerp

📅 December 20, 2025
📍 Antwerp, Belgium 🇧🇪

Why important: Belgium is the mecca of cyclocross. Antwerp offers a fast, flat course with technically demanding terrain, slight inclines, and the obligatory sandy sections. Cyclocross becomes an exciting mass event here, ideal for spectators and amateur riders who want to see the pros up close. The race is part of the World Cup series and thus a perfect excursion destination for German cyclocross fans.

Info at: https://www.ucicyclocrossworldcup.com/en/calendar/2025-2026/antwerpen-1

7. Duinencross Koksijde (UCI World Cup)

📅 December 21, 2025
📍 Koksijde, Belgium 🇧🇪

Why important: The ultimate sand race! Challenging, slippery, spectacular – those who shine here prove their technique. A highlight for hobby drivers and spectators that you must see. If you want to get some action at the racetrack just before Christmas, you should be here!

Info at: https://www.ucicyclocrossworldcup.com/en/calendar/2025-2026/koksijde-2

8th German Cyclocross Championship 2026

📅 January 11, 2026
📍 Bensheim, Hessen 🇩🇪

 Why important: National title fights! The Elite competes for the championship jerseys, while hobby drivers and open races in the supporting program enhance the atmosphere. A winter event that beginners must experience.

Info at: https://radcross-bensheim.de/

9th UCI World Cup Benidorm, 

📅 January 18, 2026
📍 Benidorm, Spain 🇪🇸

 Why important: Sun instead of mud! The World Cup race in Benidorm is a true highlight at the end of the season – Mediterranean atmosphere, fast (but probably dry) courses, and enthusiastic spectators create a completely different cyclocross feeling. Here, top stars meet spring-like temperatures – perfect for combining the season with a trip to the sun. 

Info at: https://www.ucicyclocrossworldcup.com/en/calendar/2025-2026/benidorm-3

10th Hoogerheide – GP Adrie van der Poel (UCI World Cup Final)

📅 January 25, 2026
📍 Hoogerheide, Netherlands 🇳🇱

 Why important: The grand finale of the World Cup season. Only a few hours' drive from Germany, German hobby drivers can watch professionals compete for the overall World Cup standings. Legendary atmosphere guaranteed!

Info at: https://www.ucicyclocrossworldcup.com/en/calendar/2025-2026/hoogerheide-5

11th 2026 UCI Cyclocross World Championship

📅 January 30 - February 1, 2026
📍 Hulst, Netherlands 🇳🇱

 Why important: Here it is decided who gets to wear the rainbow jersey! The World Championship in Hulst is the grand finale of the season and attracts the entire cyclocross-Elite. The course is technically demanding, with tight curves and dike passages that ensure thrilling duels. For spectators, the atmosphere is legendary – typically Dutch, loud, enthusiastic, and with the best view of the key spots.

Info at:  https://www.uci.org/competition-details/2026/CRO/74370

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🏁 Cyclocross Race 2025/26: The Most Important Dates at a Glance

Here again are the race dates at a glance so you can plan your Cyclocross winter 25/26:

Smartly plan cyclocross dates

↪If you want to participate!

Participating yourself is a very special experience! We probably don't need to tell you that you have to do training rounds on the Cyclocross bike months (or years) in advance. To enjoy your season optimally, here are a few tips:

1. Plan early: Many open-entry spots are quickly taken. Especially for World Cup events like Koksijde, you need to register in time.
   
   

2. Check routes: Look at course plans in advance – sandy, muddy, or smooth – and adjust tire choice & equipment.
   
   

3. Mix of races: For beginners, it makes sense to participate in a mix of regional cups and an international highlight (World Cup) or to visit.
   
   

4. Amateur and open-entry races: Many events offer parallel amateur classes. Ideal for gaining experience without having to compete against the pros.
   
   

5. Look around: Besides races, there are often trade fair areas, workshops or testing opportunities for cross bikes – a perfect opportunity to get tips from professionals.
   
   

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Tips for Cyclo-Cross Spectators

1. The bigger the race, the more precisely you should plan your arrival. 

2. Especially at mass events, such as World Championships or the big UCI spectacles, traveling by bus & train can be much more relaxed. 

3. In the Netherlands and Belgium, cyclocross races often have a festival atmosphere. It's a lot of fun, but you should be there early to get a good spot on the track.

4. Ticket prices are usually affordable, so you should definitely buy your tickets online in advance!

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💡 Conclusion: Cyclocross Dates 2025/26 – a Must for Spectators, Beginners & Hobby Riders

The 2025/26 season offers a great mix of national highlights, regional cups and international World Cup races. Whether you want to be there as a spectator or want to stand on the track yourself – the Top 11 races offer enough opportunities for every beginner, hobby athlete and spectator to enjoy cyclo-cross.

• Plan your cyclocross dates early.
  
• Use hobby and amateur races to gain first experience.
  
• Visit one or two UCI Cyclocross World Cup events to see the pros live.
  
  

In the end, it applies: Fun, experience, and camaraderie on the track count more than placements. Cyclocross is winter fun, a fitness booster, and an experience all in one – so put on your shoes, get on the bike, and head into the mud! 🏁🚴💨