UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Benidorm 2026, Costa Blanca, Spain

UCI Cyclocross World Cup 2026 – Benidorm, Costa Blanca

Date: January 18, 2026
Location: Benidorm, Alicante Province, Valencian Community, Spain

The UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Benidorm is an international stage of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup, included in the official calendar of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). This event is one of the key winter sports events in the Costa Blanca region, attracting the attention of the professional sports community, fans, and tourists from all over Europe.

On January 18, 2026, Benidorm will once again become the center of world cyclocross. On the course laid out through El Moralet and Foietes parks, elite riders and youth category competitors will compete. The stage stands out for its high level of organization, technically challenging course, and unique combination of natural landscapes and urban infrastructure.

Cyclocross as a cycling discipline

Cyclocross is a winter cycling discipline that combines elements of road racing, mountain biking, and running with a bicycle. Races take place on looped circuits typically ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 kilometers, featuring various surfaces and obstacles.

Cyclocross tracks include grass, dirt, and sand sections, sharp turns, climbs and descents, as well as artificial barriers and stairs. In certain situations, riders must dismount and carry their bikes on their shoulders, requiring excellent physical fitness, coordination, and tactical thinking.

Cyclocross is highly dynamic and spectacular, as the compact format allows spectators to follow the riders closely.

UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup

The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup is a series of top-level international competitions held under the UCI. The stages of the World Cup take place in different countries during the winter season and bring together the world’s strongest riders.

Each stage is important for athletes because the results directly affect the UCI world ranking. Points earned determine starting positions, riders’ status, and their prospects for world championships and other prestigious events.

The Benidorm stage holds a special place in the World Cup calendar due to its climate, technically diverse course, and high international audience interest.

Benidorm and Costa Blanca – the host location

Benidorm is located on the Costa Blanca coast and is one of Spain’s most famous resort cities. The region has long been recognized as a destination for sports and active tourism, especially in winter.

Its mild Mediterranean climate, developed transport infrastructure, and presence of natural areas make Benidorm an attractive place for international competitions. Cycling plays an important role in the region’s sports strategy, and the UCI Cyclocross World Cup stage fits naturally into this concept.

Course geolocation – El Moralet and Foietes

The races will take place on a specially prepared cyclocross course between the parks:

• Parque El Moralet – a large green park with varied terrain;
• Parque Foietes – an urban park hosting the start, finish, and spectator areas.

These parks are located within Benidorm city limits and allow for a course with technical elements meeting UCI requirements for difficulty and spectacle.

Official schedule and race times

The competition program has been officially published by BenidormCX and UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup and is available on the official stage website:
Programa de Competición – Benidorm CX 2026.
All times are local Central European Time (CET).

Saturday, January 17, 2026 – preparation and training

• 08:30–10:00 – UCI course inspection (without bikes)
• 14:00–16:00 – Official training for participants
• 16:00–17:00 – Rider registration confirmation

Sunday, January 18, 2026 – race day

• 08:30–09:20 – Official warm-up before start
• 09:30–10:20 – Junior Boys race
• 10:35–11:20 – Junior Girls race
• Award ceremony
• 11:20–11:50 – Break / training
• 12:00–13:00 – Men Under-23 race
• Award ceremony
• 13:40–14:40 – Elite Women race
• Award ceremony
• 15:10–16:20 – Elite Men race
• Award ceremony

Participants include elite, youth, and junior categories. Spain will be represented by over 50 riders, including national team leaders such as Felipe Orts and Sofía Rodríguez, Spanish champions in their categories.

World leaders are also expected to participate, including contenders for the overall World Cup standings. Among the notable names is Mathieu van der Poel, current overall leader, expected to compete for victory.

In the youth categories, promising riders such as Marc Moncho Signes from Gata de Gorgos will compete in the junior category.

Course features and layout

The official organizer has published the map and detailed course information for 2026. The route includes:

• Dirt and grass sections;
• Sand zones and artificial obstacles;
• Stairs, wooden elements, and climbs;
• Final straight through a large sand section before the finish.

These modifications were made to increase course difficulty and spectacle to meet riders’ and spectators’ expectations.

Course map

Where to watch and broadcasts

Races will be broadcast via online platforms and sports channels:

• Eurosport and Teledeporte – live broadcast with multilingual commentary of elite races (events starting approx. 13:30 and 15:00 CET).
• Streaming platforms (e.g., FloBikes/FloSports) offer live and on-demand race coverage.

Tickets and spectator participation

Tickets can be purchased officially through the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup platform and the BenidormCX website, including categories:

• Adult – €22 (buy ticket)
• Child ticket – €2 (buy ticket)
• VIP options with additional services (more info)

Event impact on the region

The Benidorm stage attracts tens of thousands of spectators, generating significant economic impact due to tourist influx, hotel occupancy, and participation in related activities.

Other official confirmations

UCI has officially included the Benidorm stage in the 2025-2026 World Cup calendar as the 10th of 12 races.

The city is actively promoting its candidacy to host the 2031 Cyclocross World Championship, highlighting the growing international status of the event.

Sporting significance of the stage

The Benidorm stage plays a key role in the overall season ranking. Valuable ranking points are contested, affecting overall World Cup standings.

Participation also allows riders to assess their form, gain international racing experience, and increase visibility with teams, sponsors, and media.

Spectator appeal

Cyclocross is considered one of the most spectacular cycling disciplines. The compact course, frequent overtakes, crashes, attacks, and tactical battles make the race intense and dynamic.

Benidorm is particularly convenient for spectators due to good visibility of key sections and proximity to urban infrastructure.

Why attend the Benidorm World Cup stage

• See the world’s top riders;
• High-speed, dynamic racing format;
• Mild Costa Blanca climate in January;
• Convenient course location;
• Combine sport with resort relaxation.

How to reach Benidorm and parking

Nearest airport: Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, ~45–50 min by bus, taxi, or rental car. Parking for cars and buses is organized near El Moralet and Foietes parks. Viewing points are available for spectators.

Conclusion

The UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Benidorm, Costa Blanca on January 18, 2026, is one of the most important sporting events in the region. It is an international, world-class winter event featuring a challenging course, top riders, a rich program, and strong spectator interest both on-site and via broadcasts.

Event organizers

The Benidorm 2026 UCI Cyclocross World Cup stage is organized by:

• BenidormCX – official local organizer, responsible for course preparation, logistics, and spectator zones. Official site: benidormcx.es
• UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup – international organization ensuring UCI regulations are followed and the stage is included in the official calendar. Calendar: ucicyclocrossworldcup.com
• Benidorm City Council and Alicante Province – supporting organization, security, and infrastructure.

FAQ – Spectator Guide 2026

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