Puck Pieterse announces ‘cross-season debut
Four Canadians will also race at the UCI CX World Cup in Namur
Sirotti
Puck Pieterse will headline the Dutch roster this weekend as she launches her cyclocross season at the World Cup round in Namur. The multiple world champion returns to the mud on one of the discipline’s most demanding circuits. Her comeback comes as several riders, including Shirin van Anrooij, opt to extend their training blocks and delay their return to racing.
Dutch National coach Gerben de Knegt acknowledged the unusual number of absences but emphasized the opportunity it creates for developing riders. “There are a number of cancellations for this World Cup with the women,” he said. “On the one hand, it’s a shame, but that also means that other riders get a chance to ride a World Cup this weekend.”
While Pieterse leads the headlines, the men’s side also features a major name with Mathieu van der Poel making his seasonal cross debut in Namur. After a period of rest and targeted training, the world champion starts his winter build-up ahead of the the worlds next year in Hulst, The Netherlands.
The world champion decided to start his season earlier than expected. At the press conference announcing Canadian company Premier Tech coming onboard as a co-sponsor for his team manager Christoph Roodhooft said, “He’s in good shape. The restart was a bit harder than usual because he took a longer rest, but now everything is falling into place. He feels the training is paying off and knows he’s ready to race again.”
Tibor del Grosso will also rejoin the field, starting his own return to cyclocross. Canada has four riders lining up–Sidney McGill will ride her third World Cup of the year, and will be joined by national champion Maghalie Rochette after a quick trip home.
McGill was 15th in Italy, 32nd in France and 19th in Czech Republic. Rochette also raced in Tabor, finishing 17th.
In the men’s field, two Canadians will toe the line. Rhett Bates and Liam Sargent.
To watch the race, tune into FloBikes.com. As always, check back with Canadian Cycling Magazine for a full report.
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