Dalija Stojanovska becomes first North Macedonia rider at European Cyclo‑cross Championships
On November 7, 2026 in Zeddam, Netherlands, the junior competitor finished 46th, marking North Macedonia's debut at the event.
North Macedonia made its debut at the European Cyclo‑cross Championships on November 7, 2026, when junior rider Dalija Stojanovska lined up in Zeddam, Netherlands. It was the first time the country had an entrant in the continental cyclo‑cross event.
The Zeddam course proved demanding: long sandy stretches combined with technical obstacles that stretched the field and rewarded experience on classic cyclo‑cross terrain. Stojanovska raced against a deep field of Europe's top junior cyclists.
Result and significance
Stojanovska completed the junior race in 46th place. While not a podium finish, the result marks an important milestone for the sport in North Macedonia and gives the young rider exposure to high‑level international competition.
Under the guidance of selector Milan Nacevski, the outing in Zeddam is being viewed as a building block for the country’s cyclo‑cross programme and for Stojanovska’s development as she gains experience against stronger and more seasoned opponents.
Federation officials described the participation as a step forward in expanding North Macedonia’s presence in off‑road cycling disciplines, with plans to use the lessons from Zeddam to prepare athletes for future international starts.
For Stojanovska personally, the November 7 appearance in the Netherlands offers a baseline result from which coaches and the rider can measure progress in upcoming seasons.
Photo: press material from the event
