Glasgow Gears Up: The UK’s Return to UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Racing
Great Britain is set to host a round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup for the first time in 12 years, with Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park confirmed as the venue on December 13, 2026. This marks a significant moment for cycling in the UK, completing the 12-race schedule for the 2026-27 series.
A Return to Roots and a Growing Global Sport
The last time the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup visited the UK was in November 2014, in Milton Keynes, Scotland. This event was groundbreaking, being the first time the series ventured outside mainland Europe, where cyclo-cross traditionally holds a strong presence, particularly in Belgium and neighboring countries. The return to British soil signifies the growing international appeal of the sport.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for cycling in Great Britain,” stated Jonathan Day, director of events at British Cycling. “To bring a prestigious UCI World Cup round to our portfolio of events is brilliant for fans of this amazing sport and for major sporting events in the country.”
The 2026-27 World Cup Calendar: A European Focus with UK Inclusion
The 2026-27 calendar showcases a strong European base, with six rounds taking place in Belgium. Beyond Belgium, the series will also visit Czechia (Ostrava and Tabor), France (Besançon), Spain (Benidorm), and the Netherlands (Hoogerheide). The inclusion of Glasgow demonstrates a commitment to expanding the sport’s reach.
The opening races will be held in Czechia, with Ostrava hosting the first event on November 27, 2026, followed by Tabor on November 29, 2026. The series will then move to Glasgow on December 13, 2026, before continuing across Europe, culminating in Hamme and Hoogerheide in late January 2027.
Glasgow: A Proven Cycling Venue
Kelvingrove Park is no stranger to major cycling events. It served as the finishing circuit for the road races during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and also hosted BMX Freestyle and BMX Trials competitions at the same event. This existing infrastructure and experience will contribute to a successful World Cup round.
Building Momentum: Partnerships and Future Growth
Securing the World Cup round was a collaborative effort, involving British Cycling Ventures, EventScotland, and Glasgow Life. This partnership highlights a dedicated push to develop cyclo-cross within the UK. Tomas Van Den Spiegel, CEO of Flanders Classics, emphasized the importance of introducing new venues, particularly in major cities like Glasgow.
Last season, Mathieu van der Poel and Lucinda Brand dominated the World Cup, each winning eight rounds in their respective elite categories, demonstrating the high level of competition fans can expect.
Cyclo-cross World Cup 2026-2027 Calendar
- Round 1 – Friday, 27 November 2026 – Ostrava, Czechia
- Round 2 – Sunday, 29 November 2026 – Tabor, Czechia
- Round 3 – Sunday, 13 December 2026 – Glasgow (Scotland), Great Britain
- Round 4 – Saturday, 19 December 2026 – Antwerpen, Belgium
- Round 5 – Sunday, 20 December 2026 – Koksijde, Belgium
- Round 6 – Saturday, 26 December 2026 – Gavere, Belgium
- Round 7 – Sunday, 27 December 2026 – Namur, Belgium
- Round 8 – Tuesday, 29 December 2026 – Besançon, France
- Round 9 – Sunday, 3 January 2027 – Zonhoven, Belgium
- Round 10 – Sunday, 17 January 2027 – Benidorm, Spain
- Round 11 – Saturday, 23 January 2027 – Hamme, Belgium
- Round 12 – Sunday, 24 January 2027 – Hoogerheide, Netherlands
FAQ
Q: When is the Glasgow World Cup round?
A: Sunday, December 13, 2026.
Q: Where is the Glasgow World Cup round being held?
A: Kelvingrove Park.
Q: How many rounds are in the 2026-27 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup?
A: 12 rounds.
Q: Has the UK hosted a World Cup round before?
A: Yes, in Milton Keynes in 2014.
Ready to experience the thrill of cyclo-cross firsthand? Stay updated on ticket information and event details by visiting the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup website.
