The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup comes to the Sport Ireland Campus for a third consecutive year this weekend and once again the international event has attracted some of the world’s best Cyclo-cross riders.
There will be domestic racing on Saturday including events for kids before the World Cup events take centre stage on Sunday.
Riders from 16 nations will compete across the World Cup races on Sunday.
Belgium is set to be the most well represented nation with 33 riders entered, The Netherlands and France have both entered 23 riders. The United States of America have also added significantly to the entry list with 20 riders.
Women’s Elite
In the Women’s Elite reigning World Champion Fem van Empel will be hoping to add to her victory from the opening round of the World Cup in Antwerpen last Sunday.
Last year’s Dublin winner, Lucinda Brand finished second in Antwerp and will looking to defend her 2023 title.
Former World Champion Ceylin Alvarado came second in last year’s round in Dublin, and the Alpecin–Deceuninck rider will be looking to come out on top this year.
One of the most exciting names in cycling in Zoe Bäckstedt will be making a return to Dublin this year. With multiple Junior and Under 23 World and European Championships to her name across Cyclo-cross, Road and Track disciplines, the current Under 23 Cyclo-cross British National, World and European champion will look to take the win in the senior race on Sunday.
Current British National Champion Anna Kay will also be among the large British contingent in the women’s elite race on Sunday afternoon.
Team Visma Lease a Bike rider Imogen Wolff has had a strong year on the track with two Junior World Championship titles to her name and will hope to carry that form into the Cyclo-cross season and the senior race in Dublin on Sunday.
Men’s Elite
Former European Champion, and one of the most decorated male cyclo-cross riders on the circuit Lars Van Der Haar returns to Dublin having missed last year’s round.
Winner of the 2023 Dublin round Pim Ronhaar riding with Baloise Trek Lions will be looking to add to his long list of honours again this weekend.
Last year’s overall World Cup series winner Eli Iserbyt has hit the ground running already this season with a podium last week in Antwerpen and will look to carry that form into this year’s Dublin round. He has had success previously in Dublin, finishing in third place last year.
Laurens Sweeck has also shown form in Dublin, having taken the runner up spot in both 2022 and 2023. The Crelan-Fristads and Alpecin-Deceuninck Development rider will look to carry his early season good form into the second round in the series, having already made the podium in the first round in Antwerpen last weekend.
One of the most recognisable names on this year’s start list is Thibau Nys. Riding with Baloise Trek Lions for the Cyclo-cross season and Lidl Trek on the road, the current European Champion will be tough to beat.
Back-to-back British National Champion Cameron Mason will make his return to Dublin and will also take part in a skills session and meet and greet Saturday prior to the Elite riders practice.
Irish Riders:
24 Irish riders will be racing on Sunday across each of the World Cup races.
Junior Men’s Irish National Team:
James Armstrong, Ryan Daly, Cameron Henry, Curtis McKee, Conor Murphy, Hugh Og Mulhearne
Junior Women’s Irish National Team, Greta Lawles
Aoife O’Donovan
Under 23 Women’s Irish National Team (Racing in the Elite Women’s Race)
Doireann Killeen, Caoimhe May, Hannah McClorey, Elena Wallace, Esther Wong
Under 23 Men’s Irish National Team
Michael Collins, Travis Harkness, Dean Harvey, Tadhg Killeen
In addition to the Irish national teams competing in the World Cup Roisín Lally and Stephanie Roche, who are both under 23, will both race in the Elite Women’s race as individual riders.
In the Elite Men’s race Richard Barry, Darnell Moore, Ronan O’Flynn, Tim O’Regan and Paul O’Reilly will ride as individuals.
Fanzone
The World Cup promises fun for all the family. Cycling Ireland will host a participation and a skills zone for youth riders to take part and enjoy the cyclo-cross experience in a safe and enjoyable environment.
The fanzone will include excellent viewing of the course, including big screens so you won’t miss any of the action. It will also include a range of food and drink venders. For anyone looking to get some Christmas shopping done and just looking to pick up a treat for themselves there will be plenty of exhibitors to choose from, including Cycleways, Big Bobble Hats, Decathlon and Scott.
Tickets
Tickets are €20 per person when purchased online in advance of Sunday or €25 on the gate on Sunday. Children go free.
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