News

For the past three years, the course in the alpine valley of Val di Sole has provided spectacular images of riders pedaling on snow, in an attempt by the UCI to demonstrate that cyclo-cross has a place in the Winter Olympic Games. While rumors suggest this could become a reality at the 2030 Games in the French Alps, the snow race has been removed from the calendar this season, and the Italian leg of the World Cup has been moved to Sardinia, where much milder weather is expected.

Course

The course in Cabras is entirely new, and just by looking at the map, it’s hard to tell whether it will be a fast or technical circuit. We’ll have to wait for updates from the teams and riders after they inspect it to start identifying which type of cyclists it might favor.

Women’s Race: Favorites

Without Fem Van Empel (1200) or Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1200), it seems Lucinda Brand (1000) will have little opposition in the women’s race, and anything less than a victory for her would be a major surprise. Annemarie Worst (800), Laura Verdonschot (600), Sara Casasola (400), Hélène Clauzel (600), Denise Betsema (800), and Maghalie Rochette (400) are also notable riders who will participate.

Men’s Race: Favorites

The most notable names on the men’s start list are Eli Iserbyt (1200), Michael Vanthourenhout (1000), Laurens Sweeck (1200), Lars Van der Haar (1200), Pim Ronhaar (800), Niels Vandeputte (1000), and Felipe Orts (600).

Photo: © UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup