Preview European Cyclocross Championships Women 2023 | Who or what does Van Empel do in Pontchâteau?

The Koppenbergcross has just finished, but the European cyclocross championships are already around the corner. On Saturday, November 4, the women are preparing for their championship in Pontchâteau. What (or who, considering storm Ciaran) will Fem van Empel be up to in France? IDLProCycling.com will take a look ahead.

If you take a look at the recent history of the women's European cyclocross championships, you'll notice a common thread: The Netherlands. Since 2018, the Dutch have won the last five editions of the European title race, with five different women. Successively, Annemarie Worst, Yara Kastelijn, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, Lucinda Brand, and, last year, Van Empel have all donned the blue and white jersey.

Last year, the championship was held at the Citadel of Namur, where Van Empel managed to stay ahead of Alvarado and Hungary's Blanka Kata Vas on a tough course. Furthermore, the 2016 edition is another interesting one, where Dutch rider Thalita de Jong emerged victorious, followed by Brand.

Latest women's European Championship winners

2022 Fem van Empel
2021 Lucinda Brand
2020 Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado
2019 Yara Kastelijn
2018 Annemarie Worst
2017 Sanne Cant
2016 Thalita de Jong
2015 Sanne Cant
2014 Sanne Cant
2013 Helen Wyman

Highlights European cyclocross championships 2022 (last year) and 2016 (also in Pontchateau)

Course, weather and times European cyclocross championship women Pontchâteau 2023

Pontchateau is a well-known location in cyclocross, having hosted several major events in the past, including World Cups, European Championships (most recently in 2016), and even World Cups. Typically, the course is fast and allows riders to stay together for extended periods, but the organizers have made some adjustments to add complexity to the course.

In interviews with the Dutch national coach, Gerben De Knegt, and the Belgian national coach, Sven Vanthourenhout, they shared their expectations as experienced experts. De Knegt mentioned that the weather could play a significant role, as heavy rain is forecasted for the coming week. In such conditions, the race could turn into a muddy affair, providing a level playing field where the best rider will come out on top.

Vanthourenhout also considered the potential impact of the weather conditions. He admitted that he hadn't been to Pontchateau under these circumstances before, so it would be challenging to predict the exact effects on the course. He mentioned that in a slower cross, like the Koppenberg, there might be less room for tactical maneuvers. However, if conditions resemble the 2016 European Championship in Pontchateau, where the race stayed together for an extended period, it could become a more tactical event.

Weather
Weather is the key concern leading up to the European Championship, with storm Ciaran in the forecast. On Saturday afternoon, a strong southwest wind, reaching force 7 on the Beaufort scale, is expected in Pontchâteau. Additionally, the rain gauge is predicted to record 40-50 millimeters of rainfall during the day. Let's hope for the best...

Times
Start women: 3 p.m.
Finish women: 3:50 p.m.

Favorites women's European cyclocross championship Pontchâteau 2023

Fem van Empel demonstrates exceptional dominance in the women's race. The young rider from Jumbo-Visma consistently delivers impressive performances, winning almost every race with remarkable consistency. She appears unfazed by the condition of the course, whether it's muddy or dry. With Puck Pieterse and Shirin van Anrooij absent, she emerges as the clear favorite for both fast and challenging courses, firmly positioned at the top of the list of favorites.

However, in cyclocross, unexpected outcomes are always possible, adding to the sport's excitement. Factors such as an off day, a steering mistake, a flat tire, or equipment failure can disrupt a rider's performance, especially in adverse weather conditions. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado is another strong contender, considering her consistent results this year, although she suffered a severe crash in Maasmechelen last Sunday.

Inge van der Heijden has maintained a consistent level throughout this year, making a podium finish at the European Championships a well-deserved reward. Annemarie Worst and Aniek van Alphen displayed impressive performances in Ruddervoorde and Maasmechelen last weekend, although they faced challenges during the Koppenberg race on Wednesday. Manon Bakker, the runner-up in the Night of Woerden, is also expected to compete, while Denise Betsema, despite her second-place finish at the Koppenberg, decided to withdraw. The participation of Blanka Kata Vas, who is on the provisional start list, remains uncertain due to her recent collarbone injury.

Britain's Anna Kay, the third-place finisher at the Koppenberg, will also be present in western France. Among the French riders, Perrine and Helene Clauzel and Evita Muzic are set to compete. However, similar to the Belgian riders (Sanne Cant, Marion Norbert Riberolle, Alicia Franck, and Laura Verdonschot), Italy's Sara Casasola, and representatives from other countries, achieving a place of honor appears to be the most realistic goal for them.

Favorites women's European cyclocross championship Pontchâteau 2023, according to IDLProCycling.com

Top favorite: Fem van Empel (Netherlands)
Outsiders: Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Netherlands) and Inge van der Heijden (Netherlands)
Longshots: Annemarie Worst, Aniek van Alphen (Netherlands) and Anna Kay (Great Britain).

TV European Cyclocross Championships Pontchâteau women 2023

The women's European cyclocross championship can be followed on both Sporza (VRT1) and Eurosport (Eurosport 1 and the online channels). The women's race starts at 3 p.m. and lasts about fifty minutes.