Cyclocross fans are in for a treat on Saturday, as the UCI CX World Cup heads to Antwerp for one of the season’s most anticipated showdowns. Wout van Aert returns to the start line six days after Mathieu van der Poel, setting the stage for the first clash of the ‘cross season.
Van der Poel has a strong record in Antwerp, to say the least. The world champ has seven wins over the past ten years, though he skipped last season’s race. Van Aert, on the other hand, has shown he can challenge him anywhere. Way back when, at the Belgian port city, he beat Van der Poel in the 2015/16 season.
Expect fast, technical laps and a battle that could shape the early World Cup standings, with both riders in top form.
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It’s not just about the Euros though. Canada is sending a whole bunch of riders in various categories. National champion Maghalie Rochette is joined with Sidney McGill who has done all the World Cups thus far. Multiple world championship medallist Rafaelle Carrier will be racing the elite race. The Lac-Beauport, Que. rider is gearing up for her season, with a clear goal at the u-23 worlds in Hulst, the Netherlands. She’s an incredible athlete on the dirt or asphalt, so everyone at Canadian Cycling Magazine is hoping for news of a new contract. Carrier had support from Team Arkea-B&B Hotels. However, that deal seems done with the closure of the french squad.
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Either way, Saturday’s racing will be full of fun for us fans. You can watch the elite races on FloBikes.com, but Canadian Cycling Magazine will make sure to report all the other categories, as well. Because racing in europe is a great way to level up and learn the ropes. Saturday will be a great day of racing!
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