After visiting the Czech Republic, France, and Italy, the Cyclocross World Cup finally holds the first race of the year on Belgian soil. Next Sunday marks the start of the intense Christmas campaign in the cyclocross heartland, which in twenty days hosts 6 of the 12 races that make up the most prestigious competition in the discipline.

The chosen venue for the first of these six races is Namur, in the Walloon part of the country, already one of the most emblematic events on the calendar. Held on the slopes of the hill where the famous citadel overlooking the city stands, the race has been part of the World Cup since 2013. The diversity and difficulty of the course, as well as the beauty of the televised images, have made this race an unmissable event on the calendar since day one.

 
Course

The circuit takes place around the iconic Citadel of Namur and features a combination of significant elevation changes through forests, cobbled sections, steep slopes, and includes the iconic off-camber section. It is a technical and demanding course that offers plenty of emotions and breathtaking visuals, with the famous citadel as a backdrop.

 
Women's race: favorites

Lucinda Brand (1200), Aniek Van Alphen (400), Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (1200), Sara Casasola (800), Inge Van Der Heijden (1000), Leonie Bentveld (800), and Puck Pieterse (800), making her debut in this race this season, are among the main favorites.

 
Men's race: favorites

Seven-time Cyclocross World Champion Mathieu Van Der Poel (1200) also makes his debut in this race and will be the rider to beat in the men's event. Other favorites include the season's top performers: Thibau Nys (1000), Michael Vanthourenthout (1200), Toon Aerts (800), Joris Nieuwenhuis (600), Cameron Mason (400), Laurens Sweeck (600), Lars Van Der Haar (1000), and Niels Vandeputte (800).

 
Photo: © Cyclo-Cross Namur