Fayetteville is proud to welcome a worldwide audience of national teams and athletes, spectators and more than 50 million TV viewers as the official host of the 2022 UCI® Cyclo-cross World Championships to be held January 28-30, 2022.
To get the party started and showcase the excitement of cyclo-cross, Fayetteville hosted a 2021 UCI® World Cup event on October 13, 2021 featuring pro teams and riders. Click here to see results from that event as well as interviews with some of the riders.
Make plans now to come see this spectator-friendly sport and to support world-class cycling events in the USA. In the 72-year history of cyclo-cross world championships, this is only the second time for the event to held outside of Europe.
The World’s Best Cyclists
How good are world-class cyclo-cross riders? Jolanda Neff of Switzerland and Tom Pidcock of Great Britain – both professional cyclo-cross racers expected to compete in Fayetteville – showed their talent and versatility by winning Gold in the Tokyo Olympics mountain biking events. The defending elite male cyclo-cross champion, Mathieu van der Poel, wore the Yellow Jersey as race leader for 6 days in the 2021 Tour de France, while former world champion Wout van Aert, won three stages in the Tour.
In other words, these athletes are the best in the world.
Cyclo-Cross 101
Cyclo-cross is the fastest growing type of cycling across the globe. It is often described as mountain biking with a road bike on a criterium style course. Cyclo-cross courses are twisty, hilly, wet, muddy and full of obstacles that require riders to dismount and carry their bikes at times.
Best of all, cyclo-cross courses are relatively short – usually around 2-miles – and the riders complete multiple laps in a race. This means it’s great for spectators because the world’s best cyclists are just an arms-length away each time they circuit the course.
The Cyclo-Cross Culture
The first thing you’ll notice about Fayetteville’s UCI cyclo-cross events is that they’re happening in the winter months which tells you that the mood is pretty chill!
We’ll have parties, festivals, music, and expos for all to enjoy, not to mention great cycling for all from our world-class trails, mountain biking, gravel rides and road courses renowned by the pros who train and race here.
Experience Fayetteville
Come for the world-class cycling but stay for the unique and welcoming experience you can only find in Fayetteville, Arkansas! From our vibrant local art scene to our unique dining and natural beauty, Fayetteville is a favorite destination for many travelers and adventure-seekers.
Getting Here
For those visiting from far away, Fayetteville is conveniently located less than 20 miles from the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). If traveling by car, the drive to Fayetteville allows guests an excellent opportunity to see the beauty of the Ozark Mountains. Visit our Getting Here page to learn more about popular routes and attractions along the way.
Schedule of Events
World Cup - October 13, 2021
Elite Men & Women Races
World Championships - January 28-30, 2022
U18 Men & Women Races
U23 Men & Women Races
Elite Men & Women Races
For more information, please visit our cyclo-cross event website at www.cyclocrossfayettevillear.com.
