Netherlands has announced its selection for the Cyclo-cross World Championships: All eyes on Van der Poel, Vos remains uncertain

National coach Gerben de Knegt has announced the Dutch selections for the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Liévin, France. Among the men, all focus will be on Mathieu van der Poel, who is chasing his seventh world title. For the women, the team includes four (former) world champions: Lucinda Brand, Fem van Empel, Ceylin Alvarado, and Marianne Vos, though Vos remains a question mark due to injury.

De Knegt acknowledges that Van der Poel is the top favorite, even with Wout van Aert confirming his participation in France. "But it’s still sports. You need to stay healthy and avoid bad luck," he stated in a press release. "At the same time, I can’t deny that Mathieu was incredibly impressive again this weekend. In the men's category, we also have other podium contenders when you consider the potential of Lars van der Haar, Joris Nieuwenhuis, and Pim Ronhaar."

In the women's category, the Netherlands boasts a long list of strong contenders. "We have several candidates for victory, but I also rate Blanka Vas highly after her performance this weekend. The strongest will win in Liévin. The course is fair and tough enough for that. Of course, I hope to see another Dutch rider on the top step of the podium. We’re traveling with Marianne Vos in the lineup, but she’s dealing with a minor injury. This week will determine whether she can start."

Read more below the photo!

Marianne Vos withdrew early in Hoogerheide, casting doubt on her participation in the World Championships

Del Grosso aims for a second consecutive U23 title

The youth categories also offer plenty of opportunities for success. "In the U23 category, we have Tibor Del Grosso as the favorite for the title. Winning a second consecutive world title would be very impressive. For the U23 women, Leonie Bentveld is a medal contender, and Mae Cabaca has strong potential in the junior women’s category after her two consecutive podium finishes in the World Cup. Among the junior men, a possible medal could come from Michiel Mouris, provided he is back to his normal shape in time for the World Championships."

Dutch selection Cyclo-cross World Championship

Elite men

• Mathieu van der Poel
• Lars van der Haar
• Pim Ronhaar
• Joris Nieuwenhuis
• Mees Hendrikx
• Ryan Kamp
• Corné van Kessel

Elite women

• Lucinda Brand
• Fem van Empel
• Ceylin Alvarado
• Inge van der Heijden
• Puck Pieterse
• Manon Bakker
• Annemarie Worst
• Denise Betsema
• Marianne Vos

U23 men

• Tibor del Grosso
• Danny van Lierop
• Guus van den Einden
• David Haverdings
• Senna Remijn
• Keije Solen

U23 women

• Leonie Bentveld
• Lauren Molengraaf
• Puck Langenbarg
• Bloeme Kalis
• Sara Sonnemans

Juniors men

• Cas Timmermans
• Michiel Mouris
• Rick Versloot
• Noël Goijert

Juniors women

• Mae Cabaca
• Noï Moes
• Bente Jochems

Read also

Van der Poel’s victory gesture a coincidence? Definitely not, it was a birthday gift for Evenepoel: "Call received, bro!"

How tough Danny van Poppel turned Sam Welsford into a sprint beast during do-or-die winter

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