"Cross-country skiing in the snow should suit me" - Van der Poel confirms he'll be at unique cyclocross venue

Mathieu van der Poel has recently revealed his full cyclocross calendar for the 2022-2023 season and it includes a debut presence at the Val di Sole cross. Taking place in the snow in the Italian Alps, it will be an unique races this season and the Dutchman will be in on the action.

"Should suit me. The race really thrilled me as a TV viewer last year," van der Poel said in a press release from the Italian organization. "I think that cross-country skiing in the snow should suit me. As soon as I saw that it was technically possible, I didn't hesitate to add the World Cup to my calendar. I have good memories of Val di Sole.”

Reactions to the race have been mixed, but last year it provided a lot of spectacle with Fem van Empel taking her first World Cup win in the women's race, and Wout van Aert dominated the men's race - which features an unique background, and altitude racing aswell. This year the race will take place in the 17th of December and will be the 10th round of the World Cup.

“In 2019 I won a world cup round in mountain biking and was already on the podium a year before," van der Poel shared. "I am happy that I can now also cross in Val di Sole. So last year I saw the race on television and I absolutely loved the course. It's been a long time since I've raced in the snow, but in principle it has to suit me. I'm really looking forward to it."