Pidcock and Felipe Orts meet Van der Poel and Van Aert

Beach, good weather, tourists, skyscrapers… Distinctive features Benidorm, to which the Cyclocross World Cup has already been added, a real cycling festival that took place last year for a long time. Numbers, like cotton, do not deceive: attendance 20,000 people, approximately 5000 more compared to the first edition. The claim is nothing more than to again count on Big Three: Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock. Guaranteed success.

Perhaps because of their enormous superiority, the same one that forced them to fight to the last meter in 2023 in a stunning sprint, both Van der Poel and Van Aert decided to arrive in Benidorm on race day. (15:10, TDP and Eurosport 1), so they were not there last Saturday. Yesterday Pidcock was indeed present in front of fans and press, somewhat serious and with visible bruises on his face (a swollen lip and a bandage on his nose), without showing the most encouraging feelings: “I’m not feeling very well, but last year’s race went very well for me. (was 5th). The track is something different, I like it.”

While the route (which will be in pristine condition despite last Friday’s storm) isn’t particularly technical for 3km, the tight turns, board area and sandbar make for better conditions. Felipe Orts, who is riding strong after his 9th place in 2023: “Physically I’m better than ever, but we have to prove it. It’s time to fight and enjoy the hobby. I’ll try to finish in the top ten, just like last year.. I think I have the level for this. What will mark the race are small mistakes that cause you to lose groups and waste more energy. Big three? Let’s see if we catch something in the wild river (laughs). I think that Van der Poel is the standard. This is several points higher than the rest. Van Aert and Pidcock are still getting fit but hopefully they can fight back and take advantage of the rest of us.”

The one from Villajoyosa, a prominent representative of the middle class, will try to confront not only the three tenors, but also the noble district general under the command of Eli Iserbit. The Belgian, albeit with distant options, could mathematically be crowned World Cup champion if he makes it onto the circuit’s most sought-after podium and Joris Nieuwenhuis and Pim Ronhaar They sign a disastrous performance. Of course, everyone starts with a common goal on the grid: to end Van der Poel’s tyranny. The Dutchman has ten victories this cyclocross season in many other participations. Will there be anyone who can stop him?