After a year of absence, the Flamanville circuit in Normandy regains its place in the Cyclo-cross World Cup calendar and will also be the only round of the competition held on French soil this season.

Thus, the majestic 17th-century castle will once again provide an impressive setting for a race that, since its birth in 2007 as a regional event in the Normandy Cup, has become one of the most prominent in the country.

 
Course

As mentioned, the circuit mostly runs through the meadows and forests surrounding the Flamanville castle and includes several winding and technical sections but with little elevation.

 
Women’s race: favorites

World Cup leader Lucinda Brand (1200) is the major absentee from this event, which is highlighted by the return of Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1200). Inge Van Der Heijden (1000), Marie Schreibber (800), Shirin Van Anrooij (800), Leonie Bentveld (800), Manon Bakker (600), Amandine Fouquenet (400), Hélène Clauzel (600), Annemarie Worst (600), Marion Norbert Riberolle (600), Denise Betsema (600), Aniek Van Alphen (400) and Laura Verdonschot (400) are some of the main riders on the provisional start list.

 
Men’s race: favorites

Michael Vanthourenhout (1200), Thibau Nys (1000), and Toon Aerts (800) are the three main contenders for victory. Other notable riders are Lars Van Der Haar (1000), Joran Wyseure (800), Niels Vandeputte (800), Pim Ronhaar (1000), Joris Nieuwenhuis (600), Laurens Sweeck (800), Ryan Kamp (400), Cameron Mason (400), and Emil Verstrynge (600).

 
Photo: © UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup