World Cup course in Maasmechelen notes important changes ahead of its second edition

The brand new World Cup round of Maasmechelen was perhaps one of the most talked about races of the season last year. Not only because of the large public turnout and the appealing terrain, but unfortunately also because of the riders' criticism of the surface.

The former mine site in the Terhills nature reserve provided beautiful pictures, partly thanks to the two large shaft trestles, but these were subsequently overshadowed by a lot of criticism from the riders about the surface. Eli Iserbyt criticized the many stones. "I won't come back here next year if things are still like this. It is not World Cup worthy," said the Belgian. Lars van der Haar and winner Fem van Empel mainly complained about the poorly curved surface.

"Please note, that criticism was not unequivocal," organiser Chris Mannaerts warns in an interview with WielerFlits. "Most riders were satisfied and felt that there were bigger issues on other courses. But nevertheless, we have taken the comments into account when designing the route for this year." Mannaerts points out at least four important changes.

The most important change is that the equipment station will be moved to a more accessible part of the course. "I think Eli's criticism was mainly about the many sharp bends in the zone of the then post. That is why we have now moved the material station to the event meadow. That part of the trail has recently been completely rebuilt.¨"