Besançon is gearing up for the Cyclo-cross World Cup on December 29, 2024, with excitement reaching fever pitch as local volunteers and international competitors prepare for the event.
With over 350 participants hailing from 15 different nations, the race promises to be thrilling, especially with prominent names like reigning world champion Mathieu Van der Poel and cycling star Marianne Vos on the start list. This year marks the return of the Besançon race after successful editions over the past two seasons, captivating audiences with its challenging course crafted by former cyclist Francis Mourey.
"The presence of Van der Poel is the cherry on the cake, even though we were balancing the budget anyway," said Manuel Jeannier, treasurer of the Amicale cycliste bisontine, reflecting on the heightened interest following the athlete's announcement to participate.
On the day of the race, spectators can expect a demanding course filled with barriers, steep inclines, and unique obstacles like bridges and stairs—elements traditional to cyclo-cross racing.
Jean-Philippe, one of the dedicated volunteers, confidently shared, "There are two boards installed 4.5 meters apart where the riders will skillfully navigate on their bikes. It's a spectacular spot to enjoy the race!" The well-prepared track is indicative of the efforts put forth by more than 250 eager volunteers, ensuring everything is set for race day.
Start times for the races have been clearly scheduled, with the women’s event commencing at 1:40 PM local time and the men’s race starting at 3:10 PM. The weather forecast predicts chilly conditions, but thankfully, it will remain dry, creating ideal racing environments for competitors aiming to showcase their skills.
This year’s contenders are especially noteworthy, with 87 women expected to compete, including top favorites such as Fem van Empel, who recently demonstrated her form with strong performances. Lucinda Brand, the current World Cup leader, battles to defend her dominant position against rising stars like Zoe Backstedt and veteran endurance athletes like Vos, who makes her season debut.
On the men’s side, all eyes are on Van der Poel, whose recent schedule includes five races within eight days, showcasing his relentless dedication to the sport. Michael Vanthourenhout and Laurens Sweeck are seen as strong contenders who might challenge Van der Poel’s reign, but the latter’s presence adds significant anticipation to the event.
Yet the race is not just about the athletes; it's about the spectators too. More than 10,000 fans are expected to fill the stands, eager to witness the high-speed duel of some of the best cyclo-cross riders today. The outcome of this race could lead to pivotal changes in standings and reputations as athletes jostle not only for victory but for important points within the World Cup series.
Tristan Verrier, returning to his roots after the recent disappointment at the regional championships, is ready to seize this chance. "I was there to win, but today, it wasn't working; the mechanics weren't on my side," Verrier explained, underscoring the unpredictability of competitive cycling.
The upcoming Cyclo-cross World Cup not only encapsulates elite athleticism but also community spirit intertwined with local enthusiasm. With volunteers working diligently and the excitement surrounding Vall der Poel, Besançon is primed to host yet another memorable chapter in the cyclo-cross season.
