Back in the fields after an altitude training course in Spain with Visma-Lease a bike, Wout van Aert had to settle for 4th place during the Benidorm Cyclocross World Cup round won by Thibau Nys last Sunday. The Belgian from Visma-Lease a bike is now expected on Saturday at Maasmechelen, where the penultimate round of the World Cup will take place. “I think I will be fresher next week and I hope to finish in style in Maasmechelen,” he said.
The return of MVP
WVA will find there a certain Mathieu van der Poel for the second and (already) last time of the season after meeting at Loenhout, a repeat cross for the Belgian who was unable to keep up with the Dutchman and had to settle for 4th place there too. For his part, the reigning world champion will return to competition after a little more than three weeks of absence due to a rib injury. This promises a tempting duel, arbitrated by Thibau Nys, That is, Iserbyt, Michael Vanthourenhout, Toon Aerts and others.
Sunday, the test of Hoogerheide, venue of MVDP's world title last year, will close the 2024-2025 World Cup vintage. The Dutchman will be good at the start, unlike his eternal rival who will now devote himself fully to preparing for his road season. In the general ranking, it is still Vanthouren wood who holds the rope. Leading with 231 points, he is ahead of Toon Aerts by 33 points (198). Eli Iserbyt moved from 5th to 3rd place with 169 points ahead of Joran Wyseure, 4th with 162 points.
-Well placed brand
For the ladies, Fem van Empel continues to rule the roost, having won her 10th victory of the season in Spain and her 4th in the World Cup. Beaten in the sprint, her compatriot Lucinda Brand is still the best placed to take the general since she occupies the lead with 285 points, 31 more than Van Empel, 2nd. The British Zoe Backstedt is still in 3rd place with 194 points, six more than Schreiber, 4th (188). Vas is 5th with 183 points.
Follow the last two rounds of the Cyclocross World Cup this Saturday January 25 and Sunday January 26 from 1:30 p.m. on the Pickx Sports Pop-up and Pickx Showcase channels (basic offer) Pickx+ Sports 1, available in the package Pickx Sports from Next. Find ici the complete broadcast schedule of cycling events.
