Mathieu van der Poel, Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse lead Netherland's gold ambitions at Cyclocross World Championships

The Dutch federation has disclosed the line-up for the Cyclocross World Championships, with Mathieu van der Poel as the men's squad leader and Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse as the leaders of the women's squad.

Mathieu van der Poel has already won four World Championships and will be competing for his fifth title next week. Despite showing impressive form this season, recent back pain has been a concern, but it's uncertain how it will impact his performance at the World Championship.

Gerben de Knegt, the head coach of the national team, has unwavering confidence in Mathieu van der Poel."I especially hope for a fair fight without bad luck. If it becomes a tactical joust, there may be even more hijackers on the coast. Mathieu will go for nothing less than the win."

In the women's team, Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse will be competing for the title, both having had strong performances throughout the season. Lucinda Brand and Denise Betsema will also be joining them.

Dutch Elite Men for World Championship: Lars van der Haar, Mathieu van der Poel, Pim Ronhaar, Joris Nieuwenhuis, Ryan Kamp, Mees Hendrikx, and Corné van Kesse.

Dutch Elite Women for World Championship: Fem van Empel, Puck Pieterse, Lucinda Brand, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, Denise Betsema, Inge van der Heijden, Annemarie Worst, Aniek van Alphen, and Marianne Vos.

Dutch U23 Men for World Championship: David Haverdings, Tibor del Grosso, Luke Verburg, Danny van Lierop, Lucas Janssen, and Bailey Groenendaal.

Dutch U23 Women for World Championship: Shirin van Anrooij, Leonie Bentveld, Mirre Knaven, Iris Offerein, and Larissa Hartog.

Dutch Junior Men for World Championship:Guus van den Eijnden, Senna Remijn, Floris Haverdings, Jelte Jochems, Mika Vijfvinkel, and Keije Solen.

Dutch Junior Women for World Championship: Lauren Molengraaf, Puck Langenbarg, Sara Sonnemans, Roxanne Takken, and Bloeme Kalis.

Dutch Team Relay for World Championship: Tibor del Grosso Guus van den Eijnden , Lauren Molengraaf , Leonie Bentveld, Ryan Kamp and Fem van Empel.

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