The festive cyclocross period continues on Monday 29th December 2025 with the Azencross in Loenhout, one of the most atmospheric races of the winter. While Dendermonde may carry the official Ambiancecross label, Loenhout has built a reputation as the true party cross of the end-of-year block, regularly drawing crowds well into five figures.
This year’s edition once again features a high-profile duel at the front, with Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert both on the start list, ensuring that the Azencross remains a focal point of the Christmas racing sequence.
Key information
- Event: X2O Badkamers Trofee Azencross Loenhout
- Date: Monday 29 December 2025
- Location: Loenhout, Belgium
Photo Credit: GettyWhat is at stake at the X2O Badkamers Trofee Loenhout?
Loenhout is a race where conditions and tactics often matter as much as pure form. The course itself has remained largely unchanged over the years, combining long straight sections around the football fields with harder paths, bridges, technical woodland passages, and the iconic washboard section that has been part of the race since the early 2000s. When rain arrives, the race can quickly tilt towards attrition. In drier years, it becomes fast and tactical, with the long finishing straight playing a decisive role.
In the men’s race, Mathieu van der Poel starts as the clear reference point, having dominated this event repeatedly in recent seasons. However, the absence of deep sand sections and long climbs means the margins can be tighter than elsewhere. Wout van Aert arrives looking to test himself again against his long-time rival, on a circuit that places a greater emphasis on speed and positioning than raw sand power.
With Thibau Nys and Tibor Del Grosso both skipping this round, attention behind the headline duel turns to riders targeting the X2O Trofee classification. Niels Vandeputte, Toon Aerts, Cameron Mason, and Joris Nieuwenhuis all have the profile to benefit if the race becomes tactical rather than explosive.
The women’s race centres on Lucinda Brand, who continues to dictate the winter whenever she starts. Loenhout is not the most selective circuit on the calendar, but Brand has repeatedly shown her ability to manage races that remain compact deep into the final laps. With several leading Dutch riders absent, the field opens up behind her, offering opportunities for riders like Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, Zoe Backstedt, and Marie Schreiber to fight for podium places.
How can you watch the X2O Badkamers Trofee Loenhout in the UK?
Viewers in the UK can watch the X2O Badkamers Trofee Loenhout via Warner Bros. Discovery platforms.
TNT Sports may carry selected coverage, while Discovery+ will stream the races online. Not every X2O Trofee round appears on linear television, making Discovery+ the most reliable option for full race access.
How can you watch the X2O Badkamers Trofee Loenhout across Europe?
In Belgium, Sporza will provide live television and online coverage.
Across mainland Europe, Eurosport will broadcast the races live in multiple territories, with HBO Max offering streaming access in selected countries. Coverage availability varies by region and platform.
How can you watch the X2O Badkamers Trofee Loenhout in North America?
Fans in the United States can watch the X2O Badkamers Trofee Loenhout via HBO Max.
There is no FloBikes coverage for the X2O Trofee series in North America. Canadian broadcast availability for this round is limited.
Is there a free live stream for the X2O Badkamers Trofee Loenhout?
Free live coverage is available in Belgium through Sporza’s television and online platforms.
Outside Belgium, free streaming options are restricted due to existing broadcast agreements and depend on the viewer’s location.
What time do the races start at the X2O Badkamers Trofee Loenhout?
All times listed below are GMT.
- Women Elite starts at 12:30
- Men Elite starts at 13:50
Broadcasters may begin coverage shortly before the scheduled start times.
