After the United States, Belgium, France, and Ireland, the cyclocross World Cup circuit is now heading to the Italian Alps, where the Val di Sole cross will take place for the third time. Join us as the rider in IDLProCycling.com conquers the snowy terrain with you!
In 2021, the cross made its debut in Vermiglio, the host of the Val di Sole World Cup race. Wout van Aert and Fem van Empel claimed victory in the inaugural edition that season. However, the latter might not cherish fond memories of the Italian venue as she took a hard fall in the snow last season.
While Van Aert was absent at Val di Sole in the previous season, Mathieu van der Poel participated. The Dutchman had an off day and witnessed European champion Michael Vanthourenhout seize the victory in Val di Sole. Who will follow in their footsteps, succeeding Vanthourenhout, and who will be the female champion to follow in the footsteps of the previous winner, Puck Pieterse, at this edition?
2022 Michael Vanthourenhout / Puck Pieterse
2021 Wout van Aert / Fem van Empel
The course does have some changes compared to last year's edition, but, in essence, it remains predominantly the same cyclocross experience: one of snow, ice, and slipping and sliding. Regardless, there are once again ample elements in place to ensure a spectacular display in Vermiglio, the official venue for the Val di Sole cyclocross.
So, what's different this time? The section south of the river, which divides Val di Sole's cross into several parts, has undergone significant expansion and is notably more technical than the previous season's edition. There are numerous additional turns to navigate, and the presence of barriers in this section introduces a factor where the competition could see some differentiation.
Furthermore, the last technical passage leading to the finish has been made slightly more challenging, thanks to the inclusion of additional features. The so-called "snow hill" reappears somewhere around the middle of the Val di Sole circuit.
Weather
We're in the snow, of course, so then you can guess that it's not going to be too warm. Sunday temperatures will be around freezing, with a reasonable westerly wind. Dress well all!
Times
Start women: 1:10 pm
Finish women: 2:00 pm
Start men: 2:40 pm
Finish men: 3:45 pm
No Fem van Empel, but many other women have opted to forgo the Italian World Cup field trial for a return trip to the Spanish sun. Puck Pieterse is an exception, defending her victory from last year in Val di Sole. With her technical prowess, she is undoubtedly the woman to beat in the Alps this Sunday.
Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado had to miss last weekend due to a serious illness but will make a comeback to the field this Sunday. However, expecting an immediate resounding World Cup victory from her would be unfair. Nevertheless, Alvarado has the opportunity to secure significant points for the overall World Cup ranking.
Italy's Sara Casasola may well be the big surprise, as she was at the European Championships. Eva Lechner, Maghalie Rochette, Sindey McGill and Kristyna Zemanova also proved that they can do well in the snow, whileManon Bakker can also aim for a nice result with a podium finish.
Top favorite: Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck)
Outsiders:Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Sara Casasola (FAS Airport Services)
Long shots: Manon Bakker (Crelan-Corendon), Maghalie Rochette (Canada) and Kristyna Zemanova (NCh Brilon)
With Lars van der Haar and Pim Ronhaar absent from the second and third-place positions in the World Cup rankings, race leader Eli Iserbyt has the opportunity to gain ground on his rivals. In 2021, he finished fourth on the course, where teammate Michael Vanthourenhout showcased his prowess with a second-place finish at the time and a victory last year. However, Vanthourenhout is currently experiencing a bit of a downturn.
Two other men who have demonstrated their proficiency in the snow are Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Kevin Kuhn (Circus-ReUz-Technord), both of whom secured podium finishes last season alongside Vanthourenhout. Will they manage to establish themselves with a decisive victory in the prestigious World Cup standings this season?
No Van der Haar or Ronhaar for the Dutch, but Joris Nieuwenhuis and Ryan Kamp will be in attendance. For both men, it will be their first encounter with the snow, but given their current form, they have the potential to go a long way. Corné van Kessel is also aiming for a favorable result.
Additionally, our attention will be on the season revelation, Cameron Mason (Cyclocross Reds), while several other riders are hopeful for a day when everything falls into place: Belgians Laurens Sweeck, Toon Vandebosch, and Joran Wyseure of Corelan-Corendon, along with Swiss rider Timon Rüegg, who finished fifth last year.
Top favorite:Eli Iserbyt (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal)
Outsiders: Joris Nieuwenhuis (Baloise Trek Lions) and Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
Long shots: Cameron Mason (Cyclocross Reds), Kevin Kuhn (Circus-ReUz-Technord) and Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal)
The women start as early as 1:10 p.m., earlier than usual. Eurosport will broadcast both races live on Eurosport 1 and online channels (Eurosport.nl/Discovery+/GCN+). The NOS may also cover the World Cup in its afternoon broadcast. Unlike the cross Saturday, the Belgians will get more channel choice. For example, Telenet Play Sports, Proximus Pickx and Sporza will broadcast the World Cup live.