Jasper Stuyven knows who to mark for Gravel Worlds: "Van der Poel is the clear favourite for the world title"

This weekend will see quality racing in the form of the Giro dell'Emilia and Paris-Tours on the road; but off-road we will also have the traditional Beringen race in cyclocross and... The Gravel World Championships which will include the likes of Mathieu van der Poel and Lotte Kopecky as headliners. Reigning European Champion Jasper Stuyven knows van der Poel is the most important figure in the men's race in the current form he's in.

The Lidl-Trek rider will be racing at home in Leuven and with the European Champion's jersey which he conquered last season. A strong seasoned pro and classics specialist, he found in gravel a discipline where he thrives, and is aiming to add that rainbow jersey to his palmarès. He will have the advantage of knowing the course perfectly.

"The approach to Leuven is the most difficult. In that zone, the climbing can cause fatigue that you carry with you to the local circuit. There are enough technical passages there where the difference can be made', Stuyven told Het Laatste Nieuws.

However he will have a very strong field of competitors. Whilst not the kind of race where team tactics will be applied the most, he will team up with World Tour pros such as Tiesj Benoot, Florian and Gianni Vermeersch; whilst reigning World Champion Matej Mohoric will also look to defend his title. Mathieu van der Poel is likely the main favourite after putting in an impressive display of form over the past few weeks where he aimed for the road World Championships.

"Mathieu's presence is fantastic news for the organizers. But for me? That will have to be seen on Sunday. Van der Poel is the clear favourite for the world title," Stuyven argues. "No one can put their foot wrong. If you saw him last Sunday at the road World Championship in Zurich... He is in top form. Van der Poel also has the class and the technical baggage to easily put everyone under pressure and make the difference. Even though I do expect resistance from [Matej] Mohoric, Florian [Vermeersch] and Gianni Vermeersch, among others".