How to Watch the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Antwerp: Mathieu van der Poel vs. Wout van Aert Showdown

The fifth round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Antwerp marks a significant event in the cycling calendar, primarily due to the much-awaited return of Wout van Aert and his initial direct competition against Mathieu van der Poel. This guide provides a detailed overview for fans globally, outlining various broadcasting and live streaming options to ensure no one misses the action.

Scheduled for December 20, the races will feature elite men, elite women, and under-23 women categories. The UCI World Cup is a premier competition in the cyclo-cross season, serving as a critical precursor to the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, slated from January 30 to February 1, 2026. This year's Antwerp event is particularly special as it brings together two of the sport's most formidable rivals.

For viewers in the United Kingdom, coverage of the Cyclocross World Cup Antwerp will be exclusively available on Discovery+. A monthly subscription to Discovery+ costs £30.99. It's important to note that the event will not be broadcast on TNT Sports' linear television channels.

North American fans, including those in the United States and Canada, can stream the UCI World Cup through FloBikes. Subscription plans for FloBikes start at USD$29.99 per month for US subscribers and CAN$39.99 per month for Canadian subscribers. This platform is the primary broadcaster for cyclo-cross events in these regions.

Australian cycling enthusiasts can tune into the UCI World Cup Antwerp via the Stan Sport streaming service. Accessing Stan Sport requires a base Stan subscription, which starts from $12 per month, in addition to a $15 per month sports add-on package.

For those looking for free viewing options, the UCI offers live streaming of all its CX World Cup rounds on its YouTube channel. However, geo-restrictions apply, meaning the stream is blocked in countries where a licensed broadcaster holds exclusive rights, such as the UK and the US. The UCI provides a list of blocked territories for fans to check availability in their area. International viewers can bypass these geo-restrictions by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN can change a device's virtual location, allowing users to access their usual streaming services from anywhere in the world. TechRadar, a reputable tech review site, highly recommends NordVPN as a top choice for streaming.

The broadcasts for the UCI World Cup Antwerp will commence at 11:30 AM GMT in the UK, featuring the elite women's race followed by the elite men's event. In the US and Canada, coverage will start earlier, at 7:30 AM EST. This staggered timing accommodates different time zones, ensuring a broad audience can tune in live.

The Antwerp Cyclocross World Cup promises an exciting spectacle, especially with the return of Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. While both athletes now prioritize road cycling, their historical success in cyclo-cross, including multiple World Cup victories and World Championships, makes them perennial favorites. Van der Poel, known for his dominance in the sport, secured five World Cup wins and a World Championship title last season, aiming for his eighth this season. Their limited head-to-head appearances—Van Aert is scheduled for eight races and Van der Poel for thirteen, with five direct clashes—make each encounter a must-watch event. The competition also features other prominent riders such as Lucinda Brand, Inger van der Heijden, Puck Pieterse, Thibau Nys, Lars van der Haar, and Michael Vanthourenhout, guaranteeing a high-caliber contest.