Lucky Sport Cycling Team’s 2026 season started immediately with cyclocross racing in Belgium. On January 1, Vilmer Ekman lined up for the first of four races in an intensive New Year cyclocross block.

X2O Badkamers Trofee GP Sven Nys, Baal

The opening race was the X2O Badkamers Trofee GP Sven Nys in Baal, an U23 C2 race with a strong and diverse start list on a technically demanding course. It marked Vilmer’s first cyclocross start since October, while many competitors were already deep into their winter campaigns. With an important World Cup race later in the week, the objective was clear: regain race rhythm, sharpen intensity, and build confidence.

Due to not having raced more cyclocross earlier in the season, Vilmer entered without UCI points. This resulted in an unfavorable start position, starting last among the unranked riders after the draw. Despite this, he rode a patient and controlled race. Lap by lap, he worked his way forward, racing against familiar rivals from the junior ranks and steadily improving his position. He crossed the line in 28th place, a solid opening result and a good foundation for the days ahead.

Exact Cross Mol, Zilvermeercross

The second race of the block took place at the Exact Cross Mol Zilvermeercross, a C2 race with an exceptionally strong field. With Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert on the start line, the level was immediately clear.

The course was fast and varied, winding around a lake with long sand sections mixed with mud and gravel, combined with a long tarmac start and finish straight. During reconnaissance the conditions were dry, but one hour before the race, just as Vilmer began warming up, snowfall arrived and completely changed the course.

For a Nordic rider, the snowy conditions played to Vilmer’s strengths. Once again starting far back due to a lack of ranking points, he went aggressively from the gun. On the opening lap he gained around 20 positions, quickly moving into the top 40. From there the focus shifted to maintaining rhythm, avoiding traffic, and making decisive moves.

As the snowfall intensified, many riders struggled with grip and changing conditions. Vilmer continued to move forward, gaining roughly another 20 positions through smart riding and consistent pacing. Eventually he was caught by the race leader, which in cyclocross still allows classification. He finished in a strong 21st place, an impressive result considering both the field and his starting position, and a clear sign of growing form.

Vilmer Ekman on the race

It was hard and really cold, but also a fun race where I was actively racing and fighting all the time. At moments I found myself in no man’s land, but my motivation was simply to survive as long as possible until Van der Poel would catch me.

Telenet Superprestige Gullegem

Saturday morning marked the third race of the block. A demanding course awaited, featuring technical sections combined with steep hills.

The start list was slightly less star-studded than previous days, although it still included two riders inside the top five of the UCI ranking. At the same time, the field was large, with around 70 riders on the start line. Once again unseeded and forced to start from the very back, Vilmer faced another challenging day for positioning.

He executed a strong start, gaining several places early through calm and intelligent riding. Instead of forcing moves, he stayed composed and made steady progress. Compared to earlier races, this one involved more group riding, frequent position battles, and well-timed passes. After two laps Vilmer had already moved up to 45th position.

He continued to balance aggression with patience throughout the race and worked consistently to the finish, eventually crossing the line in 31st place. This also meant a top ten finish in the U23 category and first place among riders of his age. A strong performance that highlighted what could be possible with a better starting position.

UCI World Cup Zonhoven

The final and biggest test of the block arrived with the UCI World Cup in Zonhoven. Already the evening before, images of the course showed that snowfall from previous days was still lying over the track, with several centimeters covering the surface.

Race morning confirmed the same conditions. Tire choice was discussed within the team, but with the hard-packed snow on such a diverse course, the decision was made to run sand tires.

Zonhoven is best known for the steep Kuil hill, and Vilmer started the day with a clear goal: finish inside the top 50 to secure UCI points and survive at least half the race. Starting dead last in 87th position, he knew the task would be difficult. On a snowy course, leaving the preferred line often meant sliding on ice and losing control.

Despite this, Vilmer made the most of the situation. The start was hectic and chaotic, but he avoided trouble and capitalized on mistakes from other riders. Early on it was clear that Mathieu van der Poel was racing on another level, attacking immediately and riding alone at the front. For the riders further back, maintaining pace was crucial to avoid being pulled out too early.

Vilmer focused on the technical sections, gaining time wherever possible and steadily moving forward. After three laps he found himself riding alone, then shifted focus to finding a sustainable rhythm on the slippery course. After four of eight laps he was taken out of the race, classified in 46th place. He finished 13th among the U23 riders and first of his age, having gained around 40 positions during the race.

He achieved his goal and left with valuable experience, although naturally wanting more. As a first-year rider stepping up against the very best in the world, it was an encouraging performance.

Now it is time for a few days of recovery before Vilmer reloads for the Swedish Championships in Malmö this sunday, where he will line up as one of the favorites for the title.