The 2021 UCI Cyclocross World Championships will be held as scheduled in Ostend, Belgium, on the last weekend in January, but without spectators as a measure against a coronavirus pandemic.

According to "HLN," "We have always believed in it and have considered every scenario. So I'm very proud that all the hard work over the last few weeks, months, and years has finally led to a decision." So I'm very proud that all of our hard work over the last few weeks, months, and years has finally led to a decision.

Defending women's and men's champion Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and her Dutch compatriot Mathieu van der Poel will compete in the elite race in Ostend on January 30 and 31, respectively.

"No one could have predicted a year ago that we would be holding this world championship without spectators.

"Ostend will be the scene of a titanic battle in cyclocross. That was the promise we made when we announced the event last year, and that remains true today."

"All parties have worked hard to make the World Championships possible in these difficult times. The World Championships in Flanders will be the highlight of the season not only for the top cyclo-cross riders in Flanders, but also for the Flanders TV audience. Events like this give us moments of joy."

"The Cyclocross World Championships in Ostend was a great opportunity to introduce cycling fans from all over the world to the beauty, sights and delicacies of Flanders.

"But even without spectators, we will invest as much as we can in our reputation as a cycling country so that after this blockade we can welcome back thousands of supporters to Flanders, the birthplace of cycling," she said.