No Puck Pieterse at World Cup in Benidorm, Dutch Cyclo-cross Champion absent due to illness

This weekend, the World Cup is in Benidorm, Spain, especially for the women. It was supposed to be a massive party because, for the first time this winter, all the big names were supposed to appear at the start. Unfortunately, illness interferes with things. At the very last moment, Puck Pieterse, the new Dutch champion, had to withdraw due to illness.

Benidorm is the place to be this weekend! "Originally, both our recent Dutch champion and Ceylin Alvarado were set to race. Unfortunately, Puck has not fully recovered from a cold she caught last weekend and has to withdraw at the last minute," her team Fenix-Deceunick announced on Instagram. "Wishing you a speedy recovery, Puck, and best of luck to Ceylin!" It is a loss for the race, as the Dutch rider was in top form in recent weeks.

Despite Pieterse's absence, there is still plenty to be excited about

Nevertheless, the cyclo-cross race in Benidorm still promises to be a great battle among the ladies. All the top riders will be at the start. Marianne Vos is riding her third race of the season, but Fem van Empel (Visma | Lease a Bike) is the top favorite, having won both editions in Benidorm. Lucinda Brand (Baloise - Glowi Lions) leads the World Cup, returning after a week's rest.

Among the men, Wout van Aert is also back at the start. The Belgian is staying with his team in nearby La Nucia, and from there, it was a logical option to add the cyclo-cross in Benidorm, his second-to-last race this winter. Mathieu van der Poel is not present. We do see Thibau Nys again for the first time after his Belgian triumph.

Joris Nieuwenhuis is also participating. During the Dutch Championships last week, he made his return to cyclo-cross. That promises for the coming weeks. "Nice to have him back," national coach Gerben de Knegt said earlier this week. And Vos is there, too. 'Marianne Vos is riding her second World Cup after a promising start in Besançon and also meets a course that suits her.

After his fabulous Dutch Championships, Tibor Del Grosso is competing again in the U23 category.

Read also

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