Cyclocross World Championship: Surprising start by champion Marcel Meisen

The current best German cyclocross specialist will now take part in the World Championships in Hulst/Netherlands to take part. Marcel Meisen has surprisingly confirmed his participation in the elite race next Sunday (1 February 2026) at short notice. This was announced by the German Cycling Federation in a press release. The 37-year-old from Stolberg won the title of German champion for the tenth time in Bensheim in southern Hesse at the beginning of January. He had not planned any more international starts after declaring the end of his professional career at the end of the 2024/25 season.

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Two German starters alongside Mathieu van der Poel

"The German Cycling Federation asked me after the DM whether I could imagine taking part in the World Championships. After thinking about it for a while, I spontaneously accepted the opportunity," said Meisen about his decision, according to the association's press release. "I'm going into the race without any expectations, but I'll do my best," he said about his goals. His best World Championship results were eighth place in 2015 and 2019. The veteran also emphasises his role as a mentor for the younger German starters: "I like going out on the track with our young riders, for example to work with them on their riding line." In addition to Meisen, DM runner-up Fabian Eder will also be competing in the elite race at a cyclocross world championship for the first time. He has so far mainly appeared as a mountain biker. "Perhaps the German spectators along the route will also be happy to be able to cheer on one more German rider. In any case, I'm looking forward to the World Championships, because it's going to be another huge cyclo-cross festival!" emphasises Meisen. Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel is the favourite going into the World Championship race in his home country.

The World Championship race (start: 15:00) will be broadcast in German-speaking countries on Eurosport and Discovery+.