No Van Empel, but Brand
The dominant force of the current women’s cyclocross, Fem Van Empel (1200), will not be present at the upcoming UCI World Cup race, which takes place on Sunday in Dendermonde, Belgium. In the UEC European Championships last Sunday, Van Empel secured her sixth consecutive victory, but now her team has decided to have her take a two-weeks break to arrive fresher for future events. On the other hand, former world champion Lucinda Brand (1200) will participate in this Sunday’s race, marking her debut in this cyclocross season after a full road season.
Women's Race: The Favorites
Without Van Empel, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1000), Aniek Van Alphen (800), Denise Betsema (1200), Inge Van Der Heijden (1000), and Zoe Backstedt (400) will have a golden opportunity to get a World Cup win. The most significant threat to all of them is undoubtedly Lucinda Brand (1200), winner of this race two years ago.
Men's Race: The Favorites
Lars Van Der Haar (1200), Michael Vanthourenhout (1200), Eli Iserbyt (1200), Laurens Sweeck (1200), and Cameron Mason (200) are the main contenders for victory in the men's race.
Photo: © UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup