Flanders Classics is organising the 2027 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships together with Toerisme Oostende vzw

Flanders Classics has been commissioned by Toerisme Oostende vzw to organise the 2027 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in Ostend. The event will take place on 29, 30 and 31 January 2027 and promises to be a unique experience that will further enhance Ostend’s international reputation.

“We are delighted that as the city of Ostend, we have been able to bring this prestigious event to our city,” says mayor Bart Tommelein. “The 2021 edition of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in Ostend was a corona event in every way with no audience. Now we also want the public to enjoy our city to the full, while also giving an economic boost to our hospitality and shopping. We are very happy that we can once again bring this event to our City by the Sea. Ostend is ready to show the best of itself.”

The dossier for the candidacy of the 2027 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships was characterised by a strong substantive link with the city of Ostend. Not only will the course feature the sporting accomplishments in the sand, it will also highlight the city’s icons such as the Royal Galleries. This unique combination of sport and city marketing will make the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Ostend a truly special event.

Bart Boelens, Chairman of Horeca-Middenkust, emphasises the economic impact: “This event comes at a very welcome time for the hospitality sector. The expected influx of visitors will give a huge boost to the local economy, especially during a period that is normally fairly quiet. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world and letting them taste our culinary delights.”

Peter Craeymeersch, General Manager of Toerisme Oostende vzw, adds: “This event allows us to showcase the DNA of Ostend, our City by the Sea, to a very large audience. The Cyclo-cross World Championships give us the opportunity to promote Ostend as a dynamic and sporting city, both nationally and internationally. We are opting to partner with Flanders Classics because they are offering a total experience that also emphasises our city’s other cultural and culinary assets.”

The 2027 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships promise to be an all-encompassing event, with a focus on the cultural and culinary assets of Ostend in addition to the sporting spectacle. There will be several themed zones, such as a family zone, a food zone and a party zone, to offer visitors an unforgettable experience.

Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics: “We are hugely excited to be joining hands with the City of Ostend for what is intended to be the absolute highlight of the cyclo-cross winter in the 2026-2027 season. We are therefore greatly looking forward to our first collaboration with the queen of seaside resorts. One where experience, both sporting and cultural, will be paramount. After the 2021 Road World Championships in Flanders and the upcoming 2024 Road European Championships in Limburg, we can’t wait to build a cyclo-cross championship for the first time.”