The longstanding rivalry between Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel reignites this Saturday, December 20, 2025, in Antwerp, Belgium, during the fifth round of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup. Cycling enthusiasts are eager to witness the clash between these two cycling titans, who are set to compete alongside a robust field of competitors.
Broadcast Options for the Cyclocross World Cup
Cycling fans around the globe have multiple options to catch the action live. In the United States, the race will be available on FloBikes, which offers exclusive coverage of the World Cup series. Viewers can subscribe for a monthly fee of US$29.99 or opt for an annual plan priced at US$149.99.
In the United Kingdom, the event can be streamed on Discovery+. Unfortunately, viewers in the UK will not have access to the UCI’s free live stream, which is available on the UCI YouTube channel in select locations. For those traveling outside their home regions, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can facilitate access to usual streaming services, allowing fans to stay connected to the race.
Key Details and Competitor Overview
The men’s race in Antwerp will feature an impressive lineup of 97 riders, including heavyweights like Thibau Nys, Michael Vanthourenhout, and Joris Nieuwenhuis. On the women’s side, Lucinda Brand, Aniek van Alphen, and Puck Pieterse will compete among a total of 87 participants, marking a significant show of talent.
The day’s schedule is as follows: the Women Elite race will start at 13:40 CET (12:40 GMT / 07:40 EST), followed by the Men Elite race at 15:10 CET (14:10 GMT / 09:10 EST).
This race is particularly critical as it follows the recent competition in Namur, where Van der Poel claimed victory in his first race of the season. The challenging weather conditions expected in Antwerp, including rain leading to a slippery course, may add an unpredictable element to the race.
Nys currently leads the World Cup standings after winning the first two rounds, but with the season still in its early stages, the competition remains fierce. Brand is aiming for her fourth consecutive win, while van Alphen is at the top of the women’s standings with one victory and consistent performances. Pieterse, who debuted last week, will look to improve on her fourth-place finish.
For the US audience, the race will also showcase rising talents, including recently crowned women’s elite cyclocross champion Lizzie Gunsalus and men’s U23 winner Henry Coote, both making their European debuts.
Fans can look forward to an exciting day of competitive racing in Antwerp, as the leading figures in cyclocross take to the challenging course.