Valley of sun… and snow
The only Italian event of the Cyclocross World Cup takes place this Saturday in Val di Sole (Valley of Sun), an alpine valley that lives mainly from ski and snow-related sports during the winter. So, in the middle of December, this Saturday's races take place mostly on snow and in sub-zero temperatures, providing spectacular images on an unusual surface in World Cup races.
Favorites women’s race
Anything short of a win by Fem Van Empel (1200) or Puck Pieterse (1200) would be a big surprise. On paper, those who should be closest to the Dutch couple are their compatriots Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1000) and Manon Bakker (600), Hungarian Kata Blanka Vas (800), Italian Silvia Persico (800), French Helène Clauzel (1000) or Canadian Maghalie Rochette (800).
Favorites men's race
Without Wout Van Aert (1200) and Thomas Pidcock (1000), all eyes will be on Mathieu Van Der Poel (1000), who starts as the main favorite for the men's race. Other candidates for victory are Eli Iserbyt (1200), Michael Vanthourenthout (1200) or the leader of the current World Cup, Laurens Sweeck (1000).