It is winter and that means little road cycling on TV. But there is one cycling discipline that is in its element right now: cyclocross. Mud, cold, steep climbs and riders carrying their bikes up the stairs — it is a real winter sport and wonderful to follow on Eurosport or via the Belgian channels.
This weekend is extra special: on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026 the European cyclocross championships will be held in Zeddam, in the Achterhoek region. Exactly twenty years after the Gelderland village hosted the world championships, the international cyclocross circus returns.
The course in Zeddam is notorious. National coach Gerben de Knegt calls it an almost mythical race: 'The staircase is a real executioner and can rightly be called a breaking point in the lap. With those 100 steps you easily bridge 20 metres of elevation.'
The Netherlands counts on a broad and talented selection for a home European Championship. In the elite women's race Lucinda Brand, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and Fem van Empel start, together with title defender Inge van der Heijden. In the elite men's race Joris Nieuwenhuis and Pim Ronhaar are the main contenders. The Netherlands is also represented with full teams in the junior and under-23 categories.
The races are live this weekend on Eurosport and the Belgian channels. So turn up the heating, grab a hot chocolate and enjoy the mud in Zeddam. Want to know more about the Dutch selection? Read the full article via the button below.