This weekend marks the official start of the Christmas period in the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup with a top-level double program. On Saturday in Antwerp, a new chapter of the historic rivalry between Mathieu van der Poel (1200) and Wout van Aert (1200) will unfold, rivals since childhood and protagonists of the biggest duels in modern cyclo-cross. It will be the first of the five head-to-heads scheduled this season.

On Sunday, the famous dunes of the Koksijde Duinencross, one of cyclocross's greatest temples, are back to the World Cup, though this time without van Aert.

 
Antwerpen: course and favorites

The Sint-Anneke riverside beach hosts Saturday’s race, on a technical circuit but without much elevation.

After his winning debut last Sunday in Namur, Mathieu van der Poel (1200) is the main favorite on the day his great rival Wout van Aert (1200) makes his debut. Other contenders include Thibau Nys (1000), Michael Vanthourenhout (1200), Lars van der Haar (1000), and Toon Aerts (800).

For the women’s race, Lucinda Brand (1200) has dominated the season at will and is the main favorite. Other notable riders are Inge Van Der Heijden (1000), Puck Pieterse (800), Aniek van Alphen (400), Sara Casasola (800), Shirin van Anrooij (800), Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1200), and Amandine Fouquenet (400).

 
Koksijde: course and favorites

Sunday is Koksijde’s turn and the famous Duinencross, returning to the World Cup after a three-year hiatus. It is the sandiest circuit on the calendar.

In the men’s race, without van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel (1200) is an even stronger favorite.

In the women’s race, the list of contenders remains the same as Saturday’s.

 
Photo: © UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup