News

This weekend, the last races of the Cyclo-cross season will take place in Cycling Fantasy, and it couldn't be a better ending: with the World Championships in Liévin, France, and a new duel between Mathieu Van der Poel (1200) and Wout Van Aert (1200) in the men's race. Although the rivalry seems more unbalanced than ever in favor of the Dutchman, Van Aert’s determination and competitive spirit stand out, as he registered for the race just some days ago, even though it was not initially on his calendar.

The women's race also promises to be spectacular, as Fem Van Empel (1200) has not been as dominant this season as in the previous two. Lucinda Brand (1200), Blanka Vas (800), Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1200), and Marie Schreiber (800) have secured World Cup victories, and Brand, in particular, appears to be an even stronger candidate than Van Empel herself to wear the rainbow jersey of world champion next year.

 
Course

It is a demanding circuit with 75 meters of elevation gain per lap and two stair sections, but it also includes some straights where riders can pick up speed.

 
Favorites - Women's race

Fem Van Empel (1200) and Lucinda Brand (1200) are the two main favorites for Saturday's elite women's race, but a victory by Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1200), Puck Pieterse (1000), or Blanka Vas (800) cannot be ruled out.

 
Favorites - Men's race

As mentioned, on Sunday, Mathieu Van der Poel (1200) is the top favorite after an impeccable cyclo-cross season in which he has not lost a single race. Unless there is a major surprise, Van der Poel will take the gold, while the other two medals will be contested by Wout Van Aert (1200), Michael Vanthourenhout (1200), Thibau Nys (1000), Lars Van der Haar (1000), Eli Iserbyt (1200), Joran Wyseure (800), Joris Nieuwenhuis (600), and Toon Aerts (600).

 
Photo: © UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup