Wout van Aert confirmed for Benidorm World Cup, Sweeck and Vanthourenhout continue World Cup battle

The Belgian Elite men's team, in Benidorm, will be one of the strongest there. After missing the Belgium National Cyclocross Championships and losing his title due to that, Wout Van Aert will be present in Benidorm. He will be joined by the new Belgian and European cyclocross champion Michael Vanthourenhout, World Cup leader Laurens Sweeck and X20 Trofee leader Eli Iserbyt.

The Belgian squad will also count with Niels Vandeputte, Jens Adams, Toon Vandebosch and Vincent Baestaens who qualified due to their rankings. And for the four remaining places, the national coach Sven Vanthourenhout has appointed Thijs Aerts, Gerben Kuypers, Daan Soete and Timo Kielich.

Read also

Niels Albert believes van der Poel has room to improve but "don't know if Van Aert still has as much margin for progression"

In the Elite women's scene, the Belgium team will miss the national champion Sanne Cant who announced she will put a pause to her season after the Belgium Cyclocross National Championships. However, Marion Norbert Riberolle who finished 2nd behind Cant at the Nationals will be present, is a rider to watch out and Laura Verdonschot who is having a very regular and interesting cyclocross season will also be there. The other riders will be Julie Brouwers, Kiona Crabbé, Alicia Franck, Jinse Peeters, Loes Sels, and Suzanne Verhoven.

There is also going to take place the MenU23 race and the Belgium squad is well represented having Thibau Nys, Joran Wyseure, Emiel Verstrynge and Witse Meeussen has big favorites for the win. The other riders will be Arne Baers, Aaron Dockx, Jente Michels and Victor Vandeputte.

Read also

Michael Vanthourenhout on becoming the Belgian CX Champion - "I am very happy, It was a nice duel between Laurens and me"