On December 29, 2024, the Besançon Cyclocross World Cup showcased thrilling performances by two outstanding cyclists, Tibor Del Grosso and Fem van Empel, as both surmounted their respective fields with remarkable skill and determination.
Tibor Del Grosso, the reigning world champion, continued his impressive season by clinching victory in the Under-23 race. The young Dutch rider from Alpecin-Deceuninck left no doubt as he breezed across the finish line with over fifteen seconds to spare. He outpaced Belgian Yordi Corsus and home favorite Aubin Sparfel, who finished second and third, respectively. Del Grosso's victory marked his third consecutive win of the season, adding him as the new leader of the World Cup standings.
"It feels great to win again, especially here in France where the spectators were so supportive," Del Grosso stated after the race. He expressed his goals for balancing his cyclocross and road racing seasons, underscoring the importance of this winter discipline even as he looks forward to road competitions.
Meanwhile, Fem van Empel claimed the top spot in the women's race, where she demonstrated complete control from the outset. The world champion dazzled the crowd as she set the pace early on, distancing herself from her challengers with each passing lap. By the time she crossed the finish line, van Empel had established a significant lead over her competitors, securing another impressive win for the season.
Lucinda Brand finished second for the Netherlands, followed closely by Hungary's Blanka Kata Vas, who rounded out the podium. The race also marked the anticipated return of former world champion Marianne Vos, who made her comeback after being sidelined for some time. Vos showed commendable stamina and skill, finishing fifth after starting from thirteenth place.
Reflecting on her performance, van Empel shared, "I was able to ride my own lines at the front. I made few mistakes, maximizing my advantage on the challenging course." Her success built upon her previous achievements this season, making this win her eighth of the year and reinforcing her position as the primary contender in the World Cup standings.
After her race, Vos commented on her return, stating, "It felt good to be back racing, even if it was tough. I put everything I had on this demanding course, and I’m satisfied with my performance." She was particularly optimistic about her upcoming competitions, hoping to secure spots at the World Championships in February.
The day's events highlighted the depth of talent within the sport, as fans witnessed not only extraordinary individual efforts but also the broader narratives of triumph and aspirations among these athletes. With each race, the dynamic shifts of the World Cup standings offer exciting prospects for both Del Grosso and van Empel as they look toward upcoming challenges.
Both athletes are set to feature prominently as the season progresses, with key dates on the calendar, including the National Championships and subsequent World Cup events. Their performances at Besançon have undoubtedly set the stage for more captivating races to come.
For cycling enthusiasts and aspiring athletes alike, the Besançon Cyclocross World Cup served not just as a competition, but as inspiration, showcasing the resilience, strategy, and sheer talent of the sport's elite athletes.