Race analysis, favourites, and predictions for CX World Cup Benidorm - Costa Blanca ME 2024

The Cyclo-cross World Cup is primarily held in Belgium, but in recent years, the organization has made efforts to internationalize the competition. This is the context for the inclusion of a race in Benidorm, Spain, for the third consecutive year. Over these three years, the race has gained prominence, becoming a public success, and some top riders consider it a key event of the year.

Course

The Benidorm circuit is one of the fastest on the calendar, far from the muddy conditions typical of northern Europe. It consists of two distinct sections: the first runs through the urban park of Foietes, while the second is located in the forest park of El Moralet.

Women's Race: Favorites

Fem Van Empel (1200), Lucinda Brand (1000), Ceylin Del Carmen Alvarado (1200), Puck Pieterse (1200), Marianne Vos (1000), Zoe Backstedt (600), Marie Schreiber (800), and Kata Blanka Vas (800) are the main favorites for the women’s race.

Men's Race: Favorites

Wout Van Aert (1200) is the leading favorite for the men’s event. Eli Iserbyt (1200), Michael Vanthourenhout (1000), Thibau Nys (600), Toon Aerts (200), Felipe Orts (600), Joris Nieuwenhuis (800), Pim Ronhaar (800), Laurens Sweeck (1200), and Lars Van Der Haar (1200) are other strong contenders.

Photo: © UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup