UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin Elite Men’s Race Preview
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Excitement is building for the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin stage as the world’s best riders take on a special purpose-built course on the Sport Ireland Campus.
Round nine of the 2022-23 World Cup will be held in the capital, and in the first time the event has ever been hosted on Irish soil, a star-studded start list is sure to provide thrilling racing.
World champion Tom Pidcock and three-time former rainbow jersey Wout Van Aert front a competitive field as we focus on the contenders for the men’s elite race.
THE COURSE
A special purpose-built course around the Sport Ireland campus will see riders pushed to their limits, including ramp sections as well as tight corners to ensure exciting racing.
At 3 kilometers long, spectators will have multiple opportunities to see the best riders in the world up close and personal as they compete for the win.
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CONTENDERS
Tom Pidcock
The world champion is among the most high-profile riders on the start list in Dublin and excited fans as he confirmed his appearance weeks before the event.
The British rider has been in mixed form this season, his best finish in the Cyclo-cross World Cup being a second placed finish but he picked up an important win at Superprestige Boom on December 3rd.
Wout van Aert
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The three-time world champion is probably the most recognisable name in world cycling and is sure to be at the forefront of action on Sunday.
The Belgian champion came in second place in last week’s Antwerp round and is aiming to return to winning ways at the Sport Ireland Campus.
Eli Iserbyt
The 25-year-old Belgian is a regular on the Cyclo-cross scene and is hoping to take his fourth World Cup stage of the season in Dublin.
Iserbyt finished first overall in the 2021-22 World Cup and is just six points behind the lead in the hunt for the title this season, he’ll be hoping to score some crucial points this weekend.
Laurens Sweeck
The current leader in the World Cup rankings, Belgian rider Laurens Sweeck should be among the favourites in Dublin.
Sweeck has been consistently strong this season, finishing in the top four of all eight rounds so far, including three second place finishes and two stage wins.
Michael Vanthourenhout
Another rider whose World Cup consistency has seen him finish no lower than fourth place in seven of the eight rounds so far, the European champion will be hoping for another strong showing in Dublin.
The 28-year-old took the win on stage six at Overijse and will be targeting another win at the Sport Ireland Campus.
Dean Harvey
Dean Harvey is among a Team Ireland selection of three riders after recording victories in the first two rounds of the inaugural Cyclo-cross National Series.
The 19-year-old is one of Irish Cyclo-cross' brightest young stars and will measure himself against the best in the world this weekend.
Chris Dawson
Formerly Chris McGlinchey, the Irish national champion has been selected as part of the Irish national team on Sunday.
The Belfast rider competes across multiple disciplines, including road and mountain bike, and will be hoping for a strong performance this weekend.
Darnell Moore
Darnell Moore will also form part of Team Ireland at the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup, and comes into the stage off the back of a second place finish in the second round of the Cycling Ireland Cyclo-cross National Series last month.
A number of other Irish riders will compete in the race in their trade teams kit.
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin Provisional Startlists