Here we go again, ‘cross fans! The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup returns to Koksijde on Sunday. On Saturday, riders rode in Antwerp, and hopefully they managed to get the sand out of their cleats. Because they are about to get even more! Deep dune sand and an exposed coastal layout promise a selective and physically demanding race. It’s a very tough course. There are very few spots to recover—that’s why Flemish dunes tend to favour the toughest of ‘crossers.

Men’s race: Wild guess as to whom is the favourite?

In the elite men’s race, Mathieu van der Poel lines up as the standout favourite. The reigning world champion has long excelled on sand-heavy circuits. Koksijde’s flowing dunes and repeated power sections suit his strengths. With Wout van Aert and Thibau Nys absent, the battle behind him becomes the main point of intrigue. He also totally Pogačar’ed everyone on Saturday, acing the sandy sections.

Laurens Sweeck and Tibor Del Grosso, Michael Vanthourenhout, Toon Aerts will be there…most likely racing for second at the Duinencross. Canada will have two riders: Tyler Clark and Cody Scott. Clark had a solid ride on Saturday, finishing 37th. Cody Scott came in 69, dude.

Women: Sand on brand for Brand?

The women’s race appears slightly more open, although Lucinda Brand has been more or less unbeatable. Puck Pieterse continues to build momentum this season–she just started racing last weekend. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado has shown she can match Brand, as she did on Saturday. Riders like Aniek van Alphen, Inge van der Heijden and Shirin van Anrooij should also figure in the mix.

Canadian CX riders head to Belgium for Christmas Cross

Canada has four riders: Sidney McGill, national champ Maghalie Rochette, Rafaelle Carrier and Katja Verkerk. Carrier was the top finisher in 25th.

To watch Sunday’s race, women’s coverage begins at 7:30 a.m. EST, on Flobikes.com, followed by the men’s. Canadian Cycling Magazine will have full reports and results—including the junior races that precede the elites.

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