100 days before the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Ostend (West Flanders) the official countdown to the final has begun. From 29 to 31 January, the city will host the World Championships. The World Championships are returning to Ostend after six years. It is also 11 years since Cyclo-cross World Championships with spectators took place in Belgium. The organisers are eager to turn them into a huge public celebration.
In 2021, the seaside resort of Ostend hosted the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships. At that time, due to the coronavirus pandemic, no junior races were held and no spectators were allowed. Early next year, the atmosphere will be completely different, with a full sporting programme and tens of thousands of spectators lining the route.
“The countdown has now begun,” says Flemish Sports Minister Annick De Ridder (Flemish nationalist N-VA). “The Cyclo-cross World Championships are a highlight for this sport and a celebration of our sporting heritage and cycling DNA. We look forward to welcoming cycling fans from at home and abroad to Ostend.”
“Cyclo-cross is a sport with deep roots in Belgium and enjoys enormous popularity in Belgium,” says Ostend Mayor John Crombez. “Soon we will see the world’s very best competing for the world title in our city, on a unique course that links the sea, the beach, the city and our heritage.”
2 sand hills on the circuit
The countdown clock is located near King Leopold II’s statue and local landmark Drie Gapers, close to the Royal Galleries. Together with the beach and the Wellington Hippodrome racecourse, this site forms the circuit. The circuit is approximately 3.4 kilometres long. Unlike in 2021, there are now 2 bridges over the tram lines. Six years ago, there was just one bridge.
Two hills of sand will be erected on the beach. In front of one of these two, a paved section will be laid out using cycle path slabs. This will allow the riders to build up speed as they approach the hill. There will also be a paved section in the finish area. The riders will cross from the beach to the finish area via a long flight of steps just before the finish line.
‘We’re currently working on two fan zones, but a World Championship calls for something extra,’ says Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of organisers Flanders Classics. "That’s why these zones will be a little more than just the classic, traditional marquees. We’re creating a festival atmosphere where everyone feels at home, from cyclo-cross fans to families. We’re looking into adding extra entertainment around the course and want to showcase Ostend’s culinary delights.”
Programme
On Friday 29 January, the Team Relay is scheduled as a rainbow race. After that, there will be an opportunity for adaptive or disability sports with the Belgian G-cyclo-cross Championships for riders with an intellectual disability or autism.
In Belgium and the Netherlands G-sport (where "G" stands for gehandicapt, meaning disabled) is the term used for adaptive or disability sports.
“The fact that a Belgian G-cyclo-cross Championship is being organised in Ostend on the Friday is a real bonus,” says Tom Van Damme, chair of Belgian Cycling. “It will undoubtedly be a unique experience for the participants to be able to compete for their Belgian title within the context of a World Championship. The combination of these two events is an example of how sport can be inclusive – something we at Belgian Cycling wholeheartedly welcome and are keen to support.”
Schools in Ostend will also play a part. Pupils will take part in various challenges attached to the World Championships. On Friday 29 January, a Schools’ World Championship will take place in a section of the course.