Our weekly cyclocross — er, cycling news roundup, checking in on ‘cross as we near the midway point of the season, and as Thibau Nys makes a bid for the field favorite — until van der Poel, and van Aert show up, at least. And as promised, we also feature women’s cyclocross, and look ahead — to the Tour Down Under, and to the next phase of Geraint Thomas’ career.
TOP STORY:
Nys Breaks Through as Cross Season Nears Inflection Point
RACE NEWS
RIDER & TEAM NEWS
Van der Poel Reveals ‘Cross Schedule
Geraint Thomas Appointed Director of Cycling at INEOS Grenadiers
British Cycling Announces New Competition Structure
Nys Breaks Through as Cross Season Nears Inflection Point
Just a couple of weeks ago, we wrote about parity in the cyclocross field after roughly a month of competition. After today’s race in Flamanville, however that parity seems to be breaking.
In the shadow of a seventeenth-century castle on a brisk, sunny day, Thibau Nys shook off a technical bobble and rode away from his competition. Behind, Lars van der Haar and a surging Cameron Mason traded pulls and attacks, with the Dutch cross specialist outlasting the Brit, who had burned an entire matchbook rallying from a slow start.
Six laps in, we thought we were seeing this season’s level playing field writ small in this French-soil race, with most of 2025’s protagonists featuring in a front group: Nys, van der Haar, Mason, and Jordan Nieuwenhuis, with Niels Vandeputte dangling 20 meters behind. When Nys, who would lose a half second on most technical sections, lost traction — and seemingly his chain — on a steep uphill, it appeared that his day was over, but he quickly recovered and joined the front group.
Mason and Van der Haar Jockeyed and Chased
When Nieuwenhuis — who appeared to be the second-strongest rider on the day — appeared to lose his chain on one of the course’s many slippery corners, the group’s rhythm was broken, and Nys escaped. After building a comfortable lead, he rode carefully; van der Haar and Mason closed his lead to less than ten seconds, but never truly threatened the scion’s margin.
Nys’ win in Flamanville follows recent victories in Hamme and Tabor, and Oudenaarde before that. He is now the season’s only four-time winner; Nieuwenhuis is the only rider with three 2025 victories. But as we’ve written here before — including below — this may all be meaningless before van der Poel and van Aert show up — especially considering the MVDP appears to vie for the World Cup crown in addition to the World Championship title.
Keep an eye on PEZ for continued cyclocross coverage — especially once your favorite road stars line up at the start.
RACE NEWS
Van Alphen Dominates for Maiden World Cup Victory in Flamanville
Aniek van Alphen (Seven Racing) rode a flawless race Sunday to claim her first-ever UCI World Cup victory, leading practically wire-to-wire on the technical Normandy course. The Dutch rider soloed to a 20-second victory over French national champion Amandine Fouquenet (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), with former world champion Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Fenix-Deceuninck) rounding out the podium.
Alvarado was making her first appearance of the season after missing the opening months due to a persistent knee injury. Starting from the second row after her extended absence, the 27-year-old battled through traffic to reach the podium. The dynamic was similar to that of the men’s race: after the leader widened an insurmountable lead, two chasers battled, with the one who expended energy making up ground early in the race eventually giving way to their rival.
“I can be very happy with today,” Alvarado said. “I started without expectations and tried to get the maximum out of it. That turned out to be third place, so I can be happy with my comeback.”
Van Alphen seized the lead on the opening lap and never looked back, building her advantage to 20 seconds by the finish. Behind her, Fouquenet found extra power on the final circuit to secure second place ahead of Alvarado.
The victory vaulted Van Alphen into the overall World Cup lead after two rounds, with series leader Lucinda Brand (Baloise Glowi Lions) having skipped Flamanville for training.
Aussie Ben O’Connor Headed to TDU
Australian Ben O’Connor, who won the Queen Stage of this year’s Tour de France, has become the first rider confirmed for the Santos Tour Down Under (TDU) in January.
The 30-year-old will lead Australia’s Team Jayco AlUla on a climber-friendly course when the 2026 UCI WorldTour season begins in South Australia from January 16-25.
O’Connor is one of Australia’s top general classification riders, having won four stages across all three Grand Tours including two at the Tour de France.
The pick of them came in July this year when he claimed the Tour’s highest summit finish at over 2300m above sea level on top of the Col de la Loze on Stage 18.
Now entering his second season with Team Jayco AlUla, O’Connor is coming back to where it all began in Adelaide after he launched his professional cycling career at the TDU in 2017.
Said O’Connor, “It’s one of the best races of the year, a lot of people can back that up being centralised in the middle of the city with this big festival atmosphere as well so I love it. And riding with Team Jayco AlUla there is a responsibility to perform there, so I want to be ready and switched on.”
Cycling Luminaries Gather for Boonen & Friends Charity Cyclocross Event
Tommeke said he loved seeing so many friends at his namesake event.
After a decade-long hiatus, the Boonen & Friends Charity Cyclocross event made a comeback to the Zilvermeer in Mol, Belgium this past weekend. “The Return” edition drew a star-studded lineup of current and former professional riders and raising funds for a cause close to Tom Boonen’s heart.
The primary purpose of the event is to raise money for Move to Improve, a support fund for children suffering from neuromotor problems and physical disabilities caused by brain damage. On the technical and sandy course, current road sprinters dominated the results sheets. In the Men’s Elite race, Tim Merlier (Soudal – Quick Step) secured the victory, followed by Florian Vermeersch (UAE Emirates XRG) and Johan Jacobs (Groupama – FDJ).
Merlier took the victory in style.
In the Women Elite category, Sanne Cant came out of retirement to take top honors, with Ilse Pluimers and Lore De Schepper rounding out the podium. The Men Masters category saw former ‘cross world champion Corné van Kessel take the win, ahead of Bert De Backer and Maarten Wynants.
Sanne Cant donned white for her post-retirement victory.
The event, a staple on the winter calendar during its original run (2009-2015), remains a unique blend of sport and goodwill, thanks to the participation of numerous icons. Notable riders who attended include:
Current Professionals: Tim Merlier, Tiesj Benoot, Michal Kwiatkowski, Paul Magnier
Former Champions & Legends: Tom Boonen, Sanne Cant, Philippe Gilbert, Zdeněk Štybar, Alessandro Ballan, Richard Virenque, Maarten Wynants, Johan Museeuw, and Erwin Vervecken
RIDER & TEAM NEWS
Van der Poel Reveals ‘Cross Schedule
Just last Thursday we posted that Wout van Aert had released his (delayed) cyclocross plan; now we know the schedule for his rival, World Champion Mathieu van der Poel.
He will probably start in Namen on December 14, and will probably squeeze in enough races to compete for the UCI World Cup title. But he will almost certainly line up at the World Championships on Dutch home soil — in Hulst on February 1st. With a win there, van der Poel’s total would surpass Eric De Vlaeminck’s record tally. (The two are currently tied for the most World Championship wins.)
Of course we have no idea how this campaign will play out — whether MVDP will again prove dominant, notwithstanding this late start, any momentum gathered by Thibau Nys and the other full-season participants, or the threat of a resurgent van Aert. But van der Poel enjoyed yet another impressive road season, and is showing no signs of slowing. At some point, after enough golf and running, maybe he’ll indeed succumb — but we’re betting that won’t happen this year.
Geraint Thomas Appointed Director of Cycling at INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers has appointed Geraint Thomas Director of Racing.
One of cycling’s most respected and decorated riders, Thomas transitions from the peloton into this newly created leadership position at the INEOS Grenadiers. He will work closely with Sir Dave Brailsford and the rest of the Senior Management Team,
Drawing on over two decades of experience at the highest level, and having ridden with the team since its inception, Thomas has been central to many of its defining moments. The proud Welshman’s storied career includes his 2018 Tour de France triumph, multiple Grand Tour podiums and stage race victories, as well as double Olympic gold medal performances with Team GB.
Geraint Thomas said: “This team has been my home since day one, and stepping into this role feels like a natural next step. I’ve learnt so much from the people around me – fellow riders and staff – and I now want to continue building on our incredible past success into the future.”
And you thought he was just going to quaff pints and make podcasts from the massage table…
British Cycling Announces New Competition Structure
British Cycling has unveiled a revised competition framework following consultation with riders, clubs, volunteers, and fans. The changes, set to be implemented by 2029, aim to standardize competition across all cycling disciplines.
The organization’s research indicated that only 20% of current competitive events accommodate newcomers. As a result, the body developed a new structure comprised of five levels: Discover (introductory, coach-supported events), Engage (grassroots and club competitions), Challenge (regular competition for developing riders), Advance (events for experienced competitors), and Elite (top-tier domestic competition).
British Cycling states the framework will prioritize rider experience, simplify competition structure, support event organizers, and establish financial sustainability. The changes will be developed alongside the organization’s digital transformation program over the next 14 months.
Amy Gardner, Sport and Participation Director, described the initiative as part of British Cycling’s strategy to support sport growth, aiming for a “modern, inclusive and high-quality competition structure.”
Community members can participate in focus groups and work sessions beginning Spring 2026 to contribute to the framework’s development. British Cycling is accepting registrations from interested participants.
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