Belgium lead by European Champion Thibau Nys aim for victory in front of home crowds in first World Cup race of this winter

The first World Cup round in Antwerp is just around the corner this weekend. While we've already informed about who will represent Netherlands in Belgium, now it's time we learn who'll carry the flag of home team.

Dutch ladies are the dominant force in field and likely favourites to pick up most of the medals. Belgium have some strong cards with Alicia Franck and Laura Verdonschot (6th and 7th at the European Championships respectively), but a miracle would have to happen in Antwerp to see Belgian flag on the women's podium this weekend.

Lotte BAELE
Julie BROUWERS
Sanne CANT
Nette COPPENS
Kiona CRABBÉ
Alexe DE RAEDEMAEKER
Shanyl DE SCHOESITTER
Alicia FRANCK
Fleur MOORS
Marion NORBERT RIBEROLLE
Jinse PEETERS
Ilken SEYNAVE
Xaydée VAN SINAEY
Laura VERDONSCHOT

Unlike women where the situation is rather bleak, supporters of male representation can look forward to a great showdown in first clash of the twelve rounds-long World Cup. Highlighting men's selection is of course the fresh European Champion Thibau Nys who will be challenged by Belgian champion Eli Iserbyt, Superprestige leader Niels Vandeputte, Michael Vanthourenhout or Laurens Sweeck... and that's before we even look outside of Belgium. Flying runner-up from European Championships, Spanish Felipe Orts and ever-dangerous Dutch men lead by Lars van der Haar shouldn't be underestimated. However a male Belgian winner is still to be expected this Sunday.

Jens ADAMS
Toon AERTS
Yordi CORSUS
Eli ISERBYT
Gerben KUYPERS
Witse MEEUSSEN
Jente MICHELS
Thibau NYS
Laurens SWEECK
Toon VANDEBOSCH
Niels VANDEPUTTE
Victor VAN DE PUTTE
Michael VANTHOURENHOUT
Joran WYSEURE