Everything is ready in Sardinia, precisely in Terralba Marceddì (Oristano), for the most important cyclocross event that Italy will host in the 2025-2026 season: on Sunday, December 7th, the third stage of the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup will be held, the most prestigious and important worldwide cycling circuit in the professional panorama.

After last year's cancellation due to adverse weather conditions, the Crazy Wheels Cycling Academy staff led by Luca Massa, has changed location from Is Arutas Cabras to Terralba Marceddì, maintaining a unique natural context, backdrop of a technical and modern high-level course.

This event represents a historic opportunity for the island, which is hosting a World Cup stage for the second time, thanks to the collaboration between the Municipality of Terralba and the sports society Crazy Wheels Cycling Academy. An event of international significance.

The 2025-2026 calendar of the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup, promoted by Flanders Classics under the UCI aegis, includes 12 stages in six countries, and the Terralba Marceddì stage will be the third of the season, immediately after Flamville (France) and before the historic race in Namur (Belgium).

A TECHNICAL, MODERN AND SPECTACULAR COURSE

The race track develops over 3,400 meters in the splendid location of Marceddì, in the territory of Terralba, located in the south-west of Sardinia. It is a course designed to enhance the characteristics of contemporary cyclocross: sandy sections, fast grass and dirt tracks, guided passages through the pine forest and regulatory obstacles to jump over.

The race begins in the characteristic fishing village, with a start on a highly scenic dirt road. After the first 400 meters, riders pass through the box area, tackling a mixed grass/sand section followed by the first long sandy stretch. They then enter the pine forest in a guided but smooth sector, then skirt a suggestive sea inlet on compact dirt road. The course then re-enters the pine forest, crosses a brief asphalt section and returns to sand for a second section parallel to the previous one. Following are fast and flat stretches, another passage through the boxes, additional technical sections on sand, earth, and grass, and before the finish on asphalt, a final brief sandy section of about 40 meters. Even in case of rain, the course maintains excellent flow thanks to the natural drainage of the terrain.

WORLDWIDE TV COVERAGE

The Women Elite and Men Elite races will be broadcast with international TV coverage, ensuring worldwide visibility for the event, athletes, and territory.

OFFICIAL PROGRAM

Saturday, December 6, 2025

· 10:00 – 11:30 • UCI – Course Inspection

· 14:00 – 16:00 • Official Trials

· 16:00 – 17:00 • Participant Confirmation and Accreditation Distribution

Sunday, December 7, 2025

· 11:20 – 11:50 • Official Trials

· 13:00 – 13:30 • Official Trials

· 13:40 – 14:40 • UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup – Women Elite Race
Followed by Protocol Ceremony

· 15:10 – 16:20 • UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup – Men Elite Race
Followed by Protocol Ceremony

THE EXPECTED ATHLETES: WORLD CYCLO-CROSS STARS AT THE START

The Marceddì – Terralba stage will bring the strongest athletes of the international panorama to Sardinia, making the event one of the most prestigious appointments of the entire World Cup season. Never as this year does the Cup competition seem fierce, given the high level of participants. Each stage will be fundamental in terms of overall ranking, which is why all the big names in the specialty are expected in Sardinia.

Women Elite

In the women's field, a high-level challenge is emerging, led by the crystalline talent of Fem Van Empel, World Champion and dominator of recent seasons. The young Dutch rider is considered the new global cyclo-cross star, capable of combining superb technique and power in the most challenging sections, especially on sand, which in Marceddì will be one of the key elements of the course. Challenging her for primacy will be the multi-titled Lucinda Brand, an experienced, solid, and complete athlete, current World Cup overall winner. Her ability in technical courses and impeccable race management makes her one of the most fearsome opponents. She is the most in-form athlete at the moment. Also present will be Inge Van der Heijden, current European Champion, showing constant growth and increasingly competitive against the big names, and Sara Casasola, currently the top Italian in the international field.

Men Elite

Among the men, a high-intensity competition is anticipated, with some of the most representative names in modern cyclo-cross. The young Belgian Thibau Nys, son of a cycling legend and already an absolute protagonist of the discipline, combines explosiveness and technique in guided sections, making him one of the most spectacular athletes to follow. His recent performances confirm him as one of the main podium favorites. Challenging him for victory will be Toon Aerts, European Champion and an experienced athlete, particularly effective on courses requiring rhythm continuity and management of the most challenging sections. His high-level return has reignited fan enthusiasm, making him one of the most anticipated protagonists.

Belgian Michael Vanthourenhout, a champion of solidity and regularity, represents one of the most complete crossers in the circuit. His ability to maintain a high pace on mixed terrains could prove decisive in the central phases of the race. Completing the group of big names will be Dutchman Joris Nieuwenhuis and Belgian Niels Vandeputte, athletes in continuous rise and certain protagonists of the entire World Cup.

Italians in the Race

Italy can count on a representation of great interest, with athletes who in recent years have shown constant growth even at the international level. Sara Casasola will be the spearhead of the women's sector, with World Cup experiences and a season in evident progress. Among the men, two former junior world champions stand out: Mattia Agostinacchio, U23 European Champion, and Stefano Viezzi.

The Sardinian public will thus have the opportunity to see the world's best interpreters of the discipline up close, in a day that promises to be spectacular from every point of view.

To purchase tickets, the following link is active: https://shorturl.at/6Kd1z

MARCEDDÌ – TERRALBA: THE AUTHENTIC CHARM OF A FISHING VILLAGE

Marceddì is a historic marine village located 12 km from Terralba, immersed among pine forests and lagoon areas of great charm. A traditional fishing village, it is renowned for its fish products and represents a natural gateway to some of the most suggestive beaches of the southwest coast: Pistis, Torre dei Corsari, Costa Verde, Piscinas.

The village comes alive particularly during the Madonna di Bonaria Festival, a religious and popular event with almost century-old origins, culminating in the spectacular sea procession with decorated fishing boats and great participation of believers and visitors.