The Cyclocross season has picked up steam and it is heading to the European Championships with full speed. One of the most important races of the weekend, the Europeans will take place in the 5th and 6th of November in the tough Belgian circuit of Namur - or Namen.
There won't be too much rain, however in the days leading up to the weekend there has been some precipitation in the area and the course is not a particularly exposed one. Due to the very large amount of riders riding recons with several days in advance, it is likely that there will be some deep ruts, and I would also expect a little bit of mud on course. The track is characterized by it's heavy climbing nature, with the roughest ascent perhaps right at the star of the race.
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It transitions into a gravel-like surface, and another tough ascent quickly after, and a short descent leading into the grassy section. There will be a rather steep descent - including a bridge - which can be technical if muddy, with a paved ascent following which will be very tough following several laps. Differences can easily be made there, and the large off-camber section right after can see riders make mistakes taking into consideration how they will enter it on their limit.
The final minutes of the lap will see a steep section where the riders will be forced to run, followed by a long straight descent and a very steep pitch before jumping onto the pavement where the finish will be. The start and finish area will be in very different position, there will be a stairs section that will be ridden for the first time after completing the first lap, and so on. It's a slow track, unlike most so far, with a lot of climbing and pavement changes.
It will be a race decided on the climbs, mostly, unless the off-camber section of punctures see dramatic moments which can change the race. The list of favourites extends relatively wide, specially as there haven't been many tracks so far this season in this style, which may lead to some surprising results. The Koppenbergcross is a good race to guide through, Victor van de Putte will not be present but Joran Wyseure will and is a dangerous rider. The race lacked many of the big figures however, Jente Michels was present and finished third but he may not like Namur judging by his result, he and David Haverdings will be the youngsters to watch out for.
Some of the others have saved themselves however. In the under-23 World Cups in Tabor and Maasmechelen Thibau Nys emerged victorious, and his stint in the USA showed the same form. He is having the consistency so far this year and may be the man to beat. His teammate (on the road) Pim Ronhaar has not been too distant and will likely be a major contender this time around. Emiel Verstrynge and Witse Meeussen have both shown strong performances aswell this year and will very likely be up there alongside the best.
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The race (Saturday the 5th) will start at 13:15 local time (13:15CET) and is estimated to finish at 14:00 local time (14:00CET).
You can watch the broadcast of the race at the UCI website; GCN+/Eurosport Player internationally. The channels which will broadcast the race will be Sporza and RTBF Tipik (Belgium) and NOS (Netherlands). (More information may come).
PREDICTIONS:
Men U23:
*** Joran Wyseure
** Thibau Nys, Pim Ronhaar
* Emiel Verstrynge, Witse Meeussen, David Haverdings
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