Last year, the town of Cabras was supposed to host the first cyclocross World Cup race in the history of the Italian island of Sardinia, but a strong storm forced the organizers to cancel the event. One year later, the island finally makes its debut in the World Cup, although the venue has been moved about 30 km further south, from Cabras to Marceddì, a small coastal settlement belonging to the municipality of Terralba.

 
Circuit

The course measures 3,400 meters and runs through the spectacular setting of the Marceddì lagoon. Several sandy and compacted dirt sections alternate with stretches through pine forests, on a course that, according to the organizers, maintains its flow even in rainy conditions thanks to the natural drainage of the terrain.

 
Women’s race: favourites

Lucinda Brand (1200), Ceylin Del Carmen Alvarado (1200), Aniek Van Alphen (400), Shirin Van Anrooij (800), Leonie Bentveld (600) and Sara Casasola (800) are the main favourites for the women’s race.

 
Men’s race: favourites

Michael Vanthourenhout (1200), Laurens Sweeck (600), Niels Vandeputte (800), Toon Aerts (800), Joris Nieuwenhuis (600) and Joran Wyseure (800) are some of the standout riders on the start list for the men’s race.

 
Photo: (cc) Gianni Careddu