Preview World Cup Val di Sole 2023 | Excitement in World Cup fades away like snow in the sun
Cycling
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?
Latest cyclocross World Cup winners Val di Sole
2022 Michael Vanthourenhout / Puck Pieterse
2021 Wout van Aert / Fem van Empel
Course, weather and times Cyclocross World Cup Val di Sole 2023
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
Favorites women's cyclocross World Cup Val di Sole 2023
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.
Favorites women's cyclocross World Cup Val di Sole, according to IDLProCycling.com
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)
Favorites men's cyclocross World Cup Val di Sole 2023
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.
Favorites men's cyclocross World Cup Val di Sole, according to IDLProCycling.com
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)
TV Cyclocross World Cup Val di Sole 2023
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.
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Latest Comments
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024