Cyclocross fans face paywalls for major Belgian races

Belgian cyclocross fans will face significant costs this winter as nearly half of the major classification races are being moved behind paywalls. Approximately 42 percent of the World Cup and Superprestige races will require a paid subscription to watch live.

Telecom operators Telenet and Proximus hold exclusive rights to twelve specific events: six Superprestige rounds (including Overijse, Middelkerke, Niel, Merksplas, Heusden-Zolder, and Gullegem) and six World Cup rounds (Ostrava, Glasgow, Antwerp, Namur, Benidorm, and Hoogerheide). To access these live broadcasts, viewers must purchase a sports subscription, which currently costs approximately 20 euros per month.

While highlights will remain available via Sporza, the decision has drawn criticism from fans, riders, and teams. Telenet has defended the move by citing rising production costs, while Tomas Van Den Spiegel of Flanders Classics noted that the shift aligns with changing viewing habits among younger audiences. Other series, such as the X2O Badkamers Trofee and the HG Cross, as well as national and world championships, will remain available through free channels.