The organizers of the Diegem Cross were disappointed to be the only Christmas cross that will not have either Mathieu van der Poel or Wout van Aert at the start line after their season debut. After the two big stars of the men's field, the women's race will have to take place without Puck Pieterse due to a last-minute decision.
"Unfortunately, no Puck Pieterse at Telenet Superprestige Diegem today. Puck wasn’t feeling 100% in Gavere on Thursday, already experiencing some stomach issues before the start," Fenix-Deceuninck wrote on their social media page. "Despite two days of rest, her condition worsened. After consulting with the medical team, the decision was made to skip Diegem. We wish Puck a swift recovery and hope to see her back in action soon!"
As the Dutchwoman is not competing for any cup this doesn't come as a dramatic misfortune. The final cross of 2024 will take place tonight. Until just a few days ago race organizer Francis Bosschaerts had told Wielerflits that "the only thing we then have to make sure of is that we have the money to pay them. But if Van Aert calls one of these days, he can definitely start".
Unfortunately, no Puck Pieterse at @SuperprestigeCX Diegem today.
— Fenix-Deceuninck Cycling Team (@FenixDeceuninck) December 30, 2024
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