The European Cyclo-Cross Championships are scheduled for soon. The best European riders will compete for the coveted European champion jersey on the weekend of November 2 and 3 in Pontevedra, Galicia. In the Leader’s jersey gives an overview of the program!
The cyclo-cross riders must travel to the northwest of Spain for the European title battle. It requires a major logistical task from the support of the crossers. Especially because the iconic Koppenbergcross is on the program a few days earlier. ‘During the Overijsselse Cross I already send a bicycle ahead with a camper, so that I can ride the Koppenberg. After the Koppenberg, a van with materials goes to Spain. “I will fly to Portugal on Saturday and then travel by car to Spain,” Van der Haar said about his hectic route to the European Championship.
Last year the European Championship was in Pontchâteau, France. Michael Vanthourenhout then successfully extended his European title. Will he make it a genuine hat trick this year? The Belgian is already in good form. He won the Ardooie Fair Cross and also stood on the podium three more times. Among the women, Fem van Empel can also make it three in a row. Because she is also the world champion, a third victory would mean that the European jersey remains invisible among women for another year.
Latest winners and winners of the European Cyclocross Championships
| The man elite | Women elite | Men promises | Women’s promises | Men juniors | Women juniors | |
| 2023 | Michael Vanthourenhout | Fem van Empel | Girl Michels | Zoe Backstedt | Aubin Sparfel | Célia Gery |
| 2022 | Michael Vanthourenhout | Fem van Empel | Emiel Verstrynge | Puck Pieterse | Leo Bisiaux | Lauren Molengraaf |
| 2021 | Lars van der Haar | Lucinda Brand | Ryan Kamp | Shirin van Anrooij | Aaron Dockx | Zoe Backstedt |
| 2020 | That is, Iserbyt | Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado | Ryan Kamp | Puck Pieterse | ❌ | ❌ |
| 2019 | Mathieu van der Poel | Yara Kastelijn | Mickaël Crispin | Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado | Thibau Nys | Puck Pieterse |
| 2018 | Mathieu van der Poel | Annemarie Worst | Tom Pidcock | Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado | Pim Ronhaar | ❌ |
| 2017 | Mathieu van der Poel | Sanne Cant | That is, Iserbyt | Chiara Teocchi | Loris Rouiller | ❌ |
Participants in the 2024 European Cyclocross Championships
Top countries Belgium and the Netherlands are both sending a strong selection to Pontevedra. In terms of breadth, the Belgians have the strongest selection among men. In addition to reigning champion Vanthourenhout, Eli Iserbyt, Laurens Sweeck and Thibau Nys are also present. However, expectations regarding the latter are not high after Nys’ preparation was disrupted by illness.
On behalf of the Netherlands, Lars van der Haar has the best chance of winning gold among the men. The Dutch champion already won the opening cross of Beringen this season and also triumphed impressively in the Nacht van Woerden. Among the women, the Netherlands can easily claim the entire podium, with Van Empel, Lucinda Brand and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado in the selection.
European Cyclocross Championships 2024 programme
Saturday November 2
15.00 uur: Mixed Team Relay
Sunday November 3
09.00 Junior women
10:00 a.m. Junior men
11 a.m.: Women’s promises
12.50 o’clock Promises men
2:10 PM Elite women
3:30 PM Elite men
