Belgian cyclo-cross star Michael Vanthourenhout has change into the newest rider to drag out of the Benidorm World Cup, additional weakening the already dwindling odds of a problem to Mathieu van der Poel’s anticipated domination on this afternoon’s race.
The winner of all his cyclo-cross races this 12 months, Van der Poel is extensively predicted to ship one other crushing efficiency this afternoon.
Vanthourenhout was one potential impediment for the Dutch star, however after falling sick, must watch from the sidelines.
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Fifth final 12 months and second in 2024 at Benidorm, Vanthourenhout has received one World Cup this season in Sardinia and was a bronze medallist final week within the Belgian Nationwide Championships. The 32-year-old is operating third total within the World Cup sequence, 13 factors behind Van der Poel and three adrift of Thibau Nys.
Nys will probably be collaborating in Benidorm, however Vanthourenhout is considered one of a number of essential absences, together with Wout van Aert , injured, Emiel Verstrynge and Laurens Sweeck. Within the ladies’s race, Puck Pieterse will probably be lacking, additionally due to damage.
For days it appeared as if Van der Poel himself was not going to participate, however a last-minute change of coronary heart on Saturday means he’ll, lastly, be on the startline.
The course itself is predicted to be a lot muddier than ordinary, after a downpour within the Benidorm space on Saturday left a number of giant puddles. Sunday, nevertheless, is forecast to be dry.
Lengthy-term, Vanthourenhout’s absence additionally signifies that Van der Poel’s victory within the World Cup sequence seems much more sure in every week’s time.
After Benidorm, there will probably be simply two extra rounds to go within the sequence, in Maasmechelen subsequent Saturday and Hoogerheide on Sunday January 25.
