The 2018 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships take place for the first time in Valkenburg on the classic Cauberg cross course which is sure to put the riders and their gear through the paces.
With heavy rains soaking the course in the week leading up to the races, the mud is thick, and with plenty of climbing and tricky sections, the course is going to be one for the strongest and most technically adept riders.
In the men's race, Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel, the dominant rider of the season, is the overwhelming favourite, with only Belgian Wout van Aert in the picture as a rival.
The women's race is just the opposite, with at least 10 riders with a strong chance of winning. Defending champion Sanne Cant has been the most consistent, sharing hard-fought races with Katie Compton, Katlin Antonneau, Helen Wyman, Nikki Brammeier and more recently, mountain bikers Eva Lechner, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot and Katerina Nash. Add in a strong Dutch team with former world champions Marianne Vos and Thalita de Jong, and it's guaranteed to be a race for the ages.
-
UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, Valkenburg3 February 2018 - 4 February 2018 | Valkenburg | CM
Latest Content on the Race
Cyclo-cross World Championships 2018 - Preview
Van der Poel the overwhelming men's favourite, but for the women it's anyone's game
Marianne Vos and Mathieu Van der Poel headline Hoogerheide World Cup
De Jong misses out in Dutch selection
Van der Poel heads to 'cross Worlds as overwhelming favourite
De Jong makes the cut for women's team
-
Ferrand-Prevot to ride cyclo-cross Worlds after nationals win
Frenchwoman also adds final World Cup rounds to her calendar -
Van Aert: It was one of the best days on the bike - World Championships shorts
Adrie van der Poel calls Van Aert's win 'not normal,' Van Aert next Boonen? -
Van der Poel: I wasn't good enough
Dutchman loses out on world title in Valkenburg
-
Security and Cant's team physically brawl after her world title win
Team manager left with black eye and cut lip, report Belgian press -
Cyclo-cross world title eludes Compton in Valkenburg
Three Americans inside the top 10 -
Wyman, Pidcock, and Richards lead Great Britain challenge at Cyclo-cross Worlds
13 riders named to compete in Valkenburg
-
Marianne Vos and Mathieu Van der Poel headline Hoogerheide World Cup
De Jong misses out in Dutch selection -
Van der Poel heads to 'cross Worlds as overwhelming favourite
De Jong makes the cut for women's team -
Mud wrestling: Training on the 'cross Worlds course in Valkeburg - Gallery
One of the heaviest, trickiest courses in years
