World Cup selection for triple World Cup week announced: 'Big Four' among the women and, of course, Van der Poel!

The Royal Dutch Cycling Union (called 'KNWU' in the Netherlands) has announced the selections for the World Cup races in Hulst (December 21), Zonhoven (December 22) and Gavere (December 26). This three-event World Cup week is highlighted by the return of Mathieu van der Poel, who will make his season debut in the last two races.

The selections were revealed in a press release. National coach Gerben de Knegt is thrilled to see world champion Van der Poel back in the field. "Not just as a national coach, but also as a fan, I’m really looking forward to it," he said. "It’s wonderful to see that Mathieu still has so much passion for cyclo-cross, and plans to compete in eleven races and aim for the world title at the World Championships. He has selected a great race program, and fans will have plenty of opportunities to see him in action this winter, starting in Zonhoven."

In addition to the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider, the usual suspects have been selected. Lars van der Haar, Pim Ronhaar and Ryan Kamp will participate in all three races. Tibor del Grosso, who finished fifth at the Citadel of Namur on Sunday, will compete in the U23 category in Hulst and Zonhoven before racing with the elites in Gavere. The same goes for David Haverdings. Additionally, young talents Remon Delnoije and Klaas Groenen will get their chance among the elite riders. "These are guys who are investing in their sport and, while their results currently fall short of the top level, they certainly deserve a chance to start in my view, especially since we now have the room for it," De Knegt explained.

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Pim Ronhaar was close to a podium finish in Namen

'Big Four' among the ladies are 'simply' racing everything

When it comes to the ladies' selection, there are few surprises: the ‘Big Four’ are all racing. Fem van Empel, Lucinda Brand, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, and Puck Pieterse will participate in all three races. Annemarie Worst, Manon Bakker, Leonie Bentveld, Aniek van Alphen, and Denise Betsema will also compete in every event. Jamie de Beer and Larissa Hartog will take turns being given opportunities by the national coach. "It’s definitely encouraging to see new names emerging in the field, even though we certainly can’t complain about the width of top talent in the Netherlands," De Knegt concluded.

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