British Cycling Reveals 2025-26 Lloyds National Trophy Cyclo-Cross Series Calendar, But Misses Out on Van Der Poel and Van Aert

British Cycling Reveals 2025-26 Lloyds National Trophy Cyclo-Cross Series Calendar, But Misses Out on Van Der Poel and Van Aert

 

British Cycling has unveiled the eagerly awaited race calendar for the 2025-26 Lloyds National Trophy Cyclo-cross Series and National Championships, marking an exciting season ahead for UK-based riders and international talent. However, the much-anticipated participation of some of the sport’s biggest names—Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert—will be notably absent from this year’s series.

 

The calendar, released on [insert date], highlights a number of key events across the UK, bringing together the country’s finest cyclo-cross competitors. The National Trophy Series will feature several rounds across England, Scotland, and Wales, with an overarching goal of fostering talent and increasing the visibility of the sport across Britain. It will culminate in the National Championships, where riders will battle for coveted titles and valuable points to enhance their rankings for future international events.

 

The absence of the Belgian and Dutch powerhouses—Van der Poel and Van Aert—has raised eyebrows in the cyclo-cross community. The two riders, both reigning superstars in the discipline, have long been the faces of elite cyclo-cross racing. Van Aert, a multi-disciplinary rider who has secured multiple World Championship titles, and Van der Poel, a fierce competitor with his own collection of victories, have become household names, not just in cyclo-cross, but across road cycling and mountain biking as well.

 

**Why Are Van Der Poel and Van Aert Missing from the 2025-26 Series?**

 

The decision for Van der Poel and Van Aert to skip the British series is rooted in both strategic and scheduling concerns. Cyclo-cross racing at the highest level often requires intense physical preparation, and both riders have packed schedules that require careful planning to avoid injury and fatigue. As top-tier competitors, they must prioritize their training and racing schedules to remain at the peak of their performance.

 

Both Van Aert and Van der Poel have already outlined their plans for the 2025-26 season, and they are expected to focus primarily on major European events. Their commitments to the World Cup series and the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships are understood to take precedence. Additionally, both riders are set to participate in numerous road racing events throughout the year, a discipline in which they are both currently heavily involved. Their absence from the National Trophy Series thus reflects the complexities of balancing elite-level competition across multiple cycling disciplines.

 

The riders’ absence will also leave the field open for rising British talents to assert themselves. British riders such as Tom Pidcock, who has made a name for himself in both cyclo-cross and road racing, are expected to be among the front-runners. Pidcock’s participation in the National Trophy Series could provide a significant boost to the competition’s profile, as he seeks to dominate in the absence of the international heavyweights.

 

**The National Trophy and National Championships: A Glimpse Into the Future of UK Cyclo-Cross**

 

The Lloyds National Trophy Cyclo-cross Series has long been an integral part of the British cyclo-cross scene, serving as a platform for riders to hone their skills, accumulate points, and qualify for the National Championships. This year’s calendar promises to be especially competitive, as several rounds are set in various locations that offer unique challenges for riders. From muddy, technical courses to fast, power-sapping circuits, the series will test the versatility of the riders and reward those who can adapt to the varied terrain.

 

The National Championships, typically held in January, will serve as the pinnacle event of the UK cyclo-cross calendar, where the country’s best riders will compete for national titles. While the absence of Van der Poel and Van Aert will certainly be felt, it will provide an opportunity for fresh faces to emerge and stake their claim on the national stage. Riders from the UK’s strong grassroots cyclo-cross scene are expected to rise to the occasion, with plenty of opportunities to prove themselves against the continent’s best.

 

**A Look Ahead: The Impact of Van Der Poel and Van Aert’s Absence**

 

While the absence of Van der Poel and Van Aert will undeniably leave a gap in the 2025-26 Lloyds National Trophy Cyclo-cross Series, it may also serve as a catalyst for the development of British talent. The focus will shift to homegrown riders, with more attention placed on athletes who may otherwise have been overshadowed by the international stars.

 

The UK cyclo-cross community is brimming with potential, and without the Belgian and Dutch superstars, the upcoming season could be one of the most exciting and competitive in recent memory. It will be a season to watch closely as British riders take center stage and aim to show the world that they too have the potential to compete at the highest level.

 

In conclusion, while fans will miss seeing Van der Poel and Van Aert on the start line of the National Trophy Series, the 2025-26 season offers an exciting opportunity for the next generation of cyclo-cross athletes to shine on home soil. The race calendar is set, and with a host of thrilling events on the horizon, British cyclo-cross is ready for a season to remember.