The Cyclo-Cross World Cup Kicks Off
This Sunday, the first round of the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup takes place in Antwerp, Belgium. Organizers delayed the start of the competition until late November to encourage the participation of the big stars from the first race. However, neither Mathieu Van Der Poel (1000), Wout Van Aert (1200), nor Tom Pidcock (800) will take part in Sunday's inaugural event in Antwerp.
Course
The race will be held on the traditional Antwerp circuit, where the sandy stretch on the riverside beach often proves decisive.
Women's Race: Favorites
Fem Van Empel (1200), Lucinda Brand (1000), and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1200) are the three main favorites for victory. Inge Van Der Heijden (1000), Sara Casasola (400), Zoe Backstedt (600), Marie Schreiber (800), and Kata Blanka Vas (800) are also contenders for top positions.
Men's Race: Favorites
Eli Iserbyt (1200), Lars Van Der Haar (1200), Thibau Nys (600), Felipe Orts (600), Michael Vanthourenhout (1000), Pim Ronhaar (800), Laurens Sweeck (1200), Joris Nieuwenhuis (800), and Niels Vandeputte (1000) are the main contenders for the men's race.
Photo: © UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup