Organisers of leading Belgian cyclocross events have revealed that calendar changes for 2026–27 are a result of late-season races suffering steep attendance and revenue declines following the mass withdrawal of elite riders.
As we reported this week, the Superprestige has shifted its calendar, now with a race falling on Christmas day.
The Noordzeecross in Middelkerke, a long-running fixture in the Superprestige series, expects spectator numbers to fall from around 20,000 to between 6,000 and 8,000 this weekend, according to race organiser Luc Verschueren in comments made to Het Nieuwsblad. Multiple organisers reported struggling to break even.
Organisers attribute the decline to riders ending their cyclocross campaigns immediately after the UCI World Championships in Hulst on January 31–February 1. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Thibau Nys (Lidl-Trek) and U23 World Champion Tibor del Grosso all ended their cyclocross seasons to begin road training camps.
Organisers identify Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) as having set the example. "Van Aert started it, and everyone followed," Willy Van Rooy, organiser of the Krawatencross in Lille, told Het Nieuwsblad. By shortening his cross season in previous years to peak for the Spring Classics, Van Aert provided a model that other elite riders have followed. "We're happy if we break even," he added.
Organisers say similar patterns are appearing in younger categories. Van Rooy noted that even U23 Belgian champion Aaron Dockx opted for a Spanish training camp over a race located five kilometres from his home.
Verschueren said team restrictions, rather than rider preferences, are behind these withdrawals. "He wants to, but he is not allowed," he said of Nys's absence from Middelkerke.
In response, next season the Noordzeecross will move to Thursday, November 5, 2026, and adopt a nocturne format to create what organisers described as a "Halloween atmosphere." By racing during the autumn school break, they hope to secure full participation from leading riders still in cyclocross mode.
The Superprestige series will conclude on January 2, 2027, in Gullegem, removing February races from its classification.
However, not all organisers share that view of late-season dates. Mon Leys of the Sluitingsprijs in Oostmalle argued that races without superstars can produce more unpredictable competition while avoiding the "exorbitant" appearance fees demanded by top-tier riders.
Cover image credit: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com
