The Noordzeecross is raced in the coastal town of Middelkerke, and with a first edition in February 1959 it is said to be the oldest cyclocross race still running. Since 2005 it has been held at Sportpark De Krokodiel, on a course of sandy sections, short steep climbs and stretches of cobbles and tarmac, where the soft ground punishes any rider who cannot hold his speed. Norbert Dedeckere holds the record with six wins, and Mathieu van der Poel won four in a row from 2016 to 2019. For most of its Superprestige years it closed the season, and in the 2026 final Michael Vanthourenhout won after his teammate Gerben Kuypers punctured twice late on, but Niels Vandeputte finished second and kept the overall title by two points. Because the 2027 World Championships are in nearby Ostend, the race moves to a Thursday evening in November with a Halloween theme.