News

As every year, the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup calendar intensifies during the Christmas holidays, starting next weekend with two consecutive races. On Saturday, the first of the two Dutch events of the season will take place in Hulst, while Sunday will feature Zonhoven in Belgium. In Zonhoven, the world champion, Mathieu Van Der Poel (1000), will be the center of attention as he competes in his first cyclo-cross race of the winter.

Courses

Hulst: Although it features some short ramps that force riders to dismount, the circuit in Hulst is mostly flat and runs around the moat and 17th-century fortification of the town.

Zonhoven: The spectacular Zonhoven circuit includes the famous “De Kuil,” a long, steep sandy descent flanked by spectators on both sides. This iconic image is repeated every year and is one of the highlights of the calendar.

Women's Races: Favorites

The start lists for the two women’s races share the main favorites: Fem Van Empel (1200), Puck Pieterse (1200), Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1200), and Lucinda Brand (1000). In a second tier are Kata Blanka Vas (800), Annemarie Worst (800), Inge Van Der Heijden (1000), Zoe Backstedt (600), and Marie Schreiber (800).

Men's Races: Favorites

Key contenders for Saturday’s race include Michael Vanthourenhout (1000), Lars Van Der Haar (1000), Eli Iserbyt (1200), Laurens Sweeck (1200), Pim Ronhaar (800), Thibau Nys (600), and Felipe Orts (600). Toon Aerts (200) and Emil Verstringe (200) should also be noted, as they placed second and third, respectively, in last weekend’s race in Namur.

A very different outcome is expected on Sunday, as it will be tough for anyone to beat the world champion, Mathieu Van Der Poel (1000). Van Der Poel is clearly superior to the rest of the participants.

Photo: © UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup