The 2025-2026 UCI CX World Cup resumes on Sunday, and once again it heads to Sardinia, Italy. Although, this year, it’s a new course. Terralba, just 40 km south of last year’s event, offers a more sheltered and logistically convenient venue. Unlike the exposed sands of the 2024 race in Italy, the course here runs along sandy paths interspersed with greenery, short sandy stretches.
A year ago, there was last-minute cancellation due to a violent storm. The race, which was to take place in Cabras, ended in chaos. Temporary facilities were hit by lightning, and 100 km/h winds tore through the course.
Riders were hardly thrilled–it was an expensive trip for nothing.
However, the event will see significant absences. Top names like Thibau Nys, Lars van der Haar, Cameron Mason, Toon Aerts have opted out.
Lucinda Brand will be there–she has been dominating thus far this season, so expect another big day. National champ Maghalie Rochette has gone home for now, but Sidney McGill will head down to Italy for the next round.
Sunday’s race promises a mix of fast, flowing sections mixed with punchy sand strips.
And it’s all set against the picturesque, Mediterranean backdrop of Terralba.
While the startlist may lack some of the regulars, the new course and unpredictable conditions should be a good one. And by the way, next weekend’s World Cup in Namur will see the return of none other than Mathieu van der Poel. He announced on Friday he was starting his ‘cross season a week earlier than originally planned.
You can catch the action on Flobikes.com on Sunday starting at 7:30 a.m. EST. The elite women race first, followed by a short break, and then the elite men take off.
As always Canadian Cycling Magazine will have a full report on both the men’s and women’s races.
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