World Cup Terralba: Startlist, Favorites and how to watch in the USA and UK

Round 3 of the cyclocross World Cup will take place this Sunday, the 7th of December, in the Italian island of Sardegna. In the small town of Terralba, many of the sport's best will battle for key points in the discipline's most important competition. We take a look at its course, the startlists, favourites, how and when to watch it - including information on the United States and United Kingdom.

This could even be nicknamed the 'Mediterranean cross', as the race takes place right by the sea - certainly a purposeful decision. Hence the route is almost completely flat with no climbs to make the difference, instead this should be made in the sand sections that the riders will face. These will be the most meaningful obstacles, although the route recon also reveals some very wet sections where technique and power will be necessary against some tough conditions.

In the beginning of the afternoon, the women's elite race will start at 13:40CET and should end at approximately 14:30CET. The men's race begins at 15:10CET and should end at around 16:15CET. 

The race will be broadcast on Eurosport and HBO Max/Discover+ as is usual, as well as the UCI's Youtube channel live. Furthermore this race will be broadcast in:

Belgium - Telenet PlaySports & Pickx+ Sports
United States & Canada - FloBikes
France - L'ÉquipeTV
Netherlands - NOS
Czech Republic - Ceská Televise
Italy - RaiPlay
Denmark - TV2 Danmark
Slovakia - RTV: Sport Slovakia

In the United Kingdom, the race can either be seen in Discovery+ or the Youtube channel - which may be georestricted.

A lot of men are missing from this race. Despite the World Cup status, the trip to Italy is not worth it to some, specially with weeks until the Christmas block, in which many will instead choose this period for some mental rest and for some consistent training ahead of the key period of the season.

Hence we have a small field heading into Terralba. Last year a storm cancelled the race last-minute, further enhancing the doubts. No Thibau Nys at the startlist, the cup leader will focus on other races; whilst the likes of Cameron Mason, Lars van der Haar and Jenthe Michels all absent too - four of the Top6 riders. That means we should see changes in the standings, and we could see a change in the lead if either Laurens Sweeck or Joris Nieuwenhuis take the win. The first is a sand specialist and this race should work in his favour, whils the latter has great form but has suffered from crashes over the past few weeks.

There are going to be some under-23 riders at the start too, due to the absence of U23 events in this race. David Haverdings is a great example of someone who can make a surprise, whilst more regular names like Pim Ronhaar, Ryan Kamp, Toon Aerts, Niels Vandeputte, Joran Wyseure and Toon Vandebosch are also expected to be present. On the Italian side, it is important to pay attention to the motivated Giele Bertolini and Filippo Agostinacchio.

In the women's race we will have an interesting battle on our hands. Lucinda Brand and Sara Casasola were the strongest in Tabor, and both skipped Flamanville, losing several positions as a result. They are now both back and are the main favourites. Brand of course if the undisputed woman to beat, but in her home country, Casasola could surprise...

The two should also be going up the standings, which are now led by Flamanville winner Aniek van Alphen who really surprised there. Second place Amandine Fouquenet is absent as is European Champion Inge van der Heijden, and so Leonie Bentveld comes next in the standings.

Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado who has returned to racing is also going to be interesting to follow, as is Shirin van Anroooij, outsiders for this race who can benefit from a smaller startlist of only 32 riders - almost half Italian. Marion Norbert Riberolle and Marie Schreiber are also outsiders for this race.