On Friday in Gavere and on Sunday in Dendermonde, the last two rounds of the Cyclo-cross World Cup of the year take place. These races are set against the backdrop of the intense cyclo-cross activity that Belgium experiences during the Christmas period.

 
Gavere: course and favorites

Gavere is a historic fixture on the Belgian cyclo-cross calendar. Part of the Superprestige series since the 1980s, this will be the fourth edition of the race as a World Cup event. The circuit is characterized by an abundance of mud and, above all, by a long climb through the forest that is usually decisive.

Lucinda Brand (1200) continues to dominate the season with an iron grip, and anything other than a victory for her would be considered a surprise. Shirin Van Anrooij (800), Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1200), Aniek Van Alphen (400), Puck Pieterse (800), Inge Van der Heijden (1000), Amandine Fouquenet (400), Blanka Vas (1000), and Sara Casasola (800) are among the main contenders for the podium.

In the men’s race, another triumphant display from Mathieu van der Poel (1200) is expected. Thibau Nys (1000), Michael Vanthourenhout (1200), Toon Aerts (800), Lars van der Haar (1000), Niels Vandeputte (800), Emiel Verstrynge (600), Laurens Sweeck (800), Tibor Del Grosso (200), Cameron Mason (400), and Joris Nieuwenhuis (600) are also standout riders.

 
Dendermonde: course and favorites

The Dendermonde course is mostly flat and runs over meadows, so it is important to pay attention to the weather forecast, as conditions can greatly affect the race. Last year, for example, the course turned into a complete mud bath due to rainfall in the days leading up to the event.

The favorites for the women’s race are the same as on Friday, and once again Lucinda Brand (1200) is expected to take the win. Worth noting is the inclusion of Zoe Bäckstedt (1000), who will be racing her first cross of the season here.

In the men’s race, Mathieu van der Poel (1200) will be resting and will not take part, opening up the fight for victory among the remaining riders. Wout van Aert (1200), Thibau Nys (1000), Michael Vanthourenhout (1200), Toon Aerts (800), Lars van der Haar (1000), Niels Vandeputte (800), Emiel Verstrynge (600), Laurens Sweeck (800), Tibor Del Grosso (200), Cameron Mason (400), and Joris Nieuwenhuis (600) are among the main favorites.

 
Photo: © UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup