Inside Cyclocross #16

Dive inside cyclocross! Eli Iserbyt won the first round of the World Cup in Antwerp, where the discussion was about Peter Van den Abeele's interview. This and much more in Inside Cyclocross #16

In the 16th edition of Inside Cylocross we cover a big interview Peter Van den Abeele gave about the World Cup, and integrating cyclocross points into the road rankings. We also cover the turnaround at Pauwels Sauzen, the contract situation of Denise Betsema and Thijs Aerts as well as well as some B-level races.

UCI Balances Innovation and Tradition in CX

The UCI Cyclocross World Cup has long been a cornerstone of the sport, but recent years have seen significant changes and ongoing debates about its structure. With the 2024-2025 season starting later and featuring fewer races, the UCI hopes to strike a balance between tradition and the evolving demands of modern cycling. However, questions remain about participation, penalties for missed races, and the broader integration of cyclocross into the professional cycling ecosystem after Peter Van den Abeele gave a big interview.

By Noah van Putten

The first WorldCup in Antwerp - AcrowPhotography

In response to criticism, the UCI has reduced the number of World Cup races from 14 to 12 and pushed the season's start to late November, with the finale scheduled for late January. This compressed schedule is designed to make the competition more appealing to both riders and fans. UCI Sports Director Peter Van den Abeele called the updated format a "good puzzle" that brings clarity to the sport’s calendar. "The more compact structure gives more focus and builds anticipation," he noted to Sporza.

The later start of the world cup was designed to encourage road stars like Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Tom Pidcock to participate. As said last week, that thought was naive. The big superstars, on the mens side, have moved past caring about the World Cup.

Van den Abeele said he is proud of the newly introduced "protected" races. For these events, no other international cyclocross competitions can take place the day before. This rule primarily applies to World Cup races outside Belgium and the Netherlands, such as those in Sardinia, Dublin and Besançon. By limiting scheduling conflicts, the UCI aims to boost attendance and deliver star-studded lineups to fans in newer cyclocross markets.

Zoe Backstedt in Dendermonde - YefriFotos

While Van den Abeele wants the World Cup to be the most important classification, he emphasized that the UCI is not seeking to dominate the cyclocross calendar at the expense of other competitions. "We need to balance the opportunities within Belgium and the Netherlands with the sport's global expansion," he said. This broader outreach is crucial for the discipline’s growth but requires careful coordination with existing domestic series.

Financial incentives remain a concern. Unlike Belgian series like the Superprestige or X2O Trofee, which offer start fees, the World Cup races operate solely on prize money (unless your name is Wout van Aert or Mathieu van der Poel). This can make participation in overseas races less attractive for riders focused on maximizing earnings. "Travel costs to countries like Spain or Italy can be substantial," Van den Abeele admitted.

As we wrote last week, several riders have already announced they will skip the race in Cabras, Sardinia. Van den Abeele expressed his frustration with full-time cyclocross riders opting out, saying, "I find it hard to accept that they wouldn’t commit to the full schedule. As a full-time CX rider, I see no reason not to start."

The WorldCup in Maasmechelen now holds a prime date - YefriFotos

Currently, there are no individual penalties for missing races. However, non-professional cyclocross teams are now required to field at least one elite rider in five World Cup events, while professional teams must bring three riders to every race. Van den Abeele said the UCI is ready to implement measures if non-compliance becomes an issue.

The UCI is also exploring ways to integrate cyclocross more deeply into professional cycling by rewarding teams for participating across disciplines. Under a proposed system, points earned in cyclocross, mountain biking, gravel racing, or BMX could contribute to a team’s standing in the WorldTour rankings, which currently rely solely on road racing results.

"A team like Ineos, with a versatile rider like Filippo Ganna, gains no WorldTour points for achievements on the track. We want to change that," Van den Abeele said. This reform could benefit multidiscipline teams like Ridley or Alpecin-Deceuninck, where riders compete in various cycling formats.

WorldCup Beekse Bergen 2022 - YefriFotos

The system, still in its early stages, is targeted for implementation in the 2026 WorldTour cycle. If successful, it could incentivize greater participation in cyclocross by road-focused teams and riders.

The evolving landscape of cyclocross raises questions about the sport’s future identity. Riders like Thibau Nys, who excel in both road and cyclocross, exemplify the growing overlap between disciplines. Nys plans to skip some World Cup races this season to prioritize commitments with his road team, Lidl-Trek. "His salary comes from his road team, and their goals take precedence," Van den Abeele explained, adding that Nys may follow the selective approach of stars like Van Aert and Van der Poel.

Despite these challenges, Van den Abeele remains optimistic. The streamlined calendar and protected races aim to preserve the World Cup’s prestige while accommodating the demands of modern cycling. "We believe the new structure is a solution everyone can embrace," he said.

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Eli Iserbyt and Pauwels Sauzen End Negative Spiral with Two Wins

Eli Iserbyt and his Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal team have turned a frustrating start to the cyclocross season into a triumphant resurgence. After weeks of subpar results, self-doubt, and crashes, Iserbyt reclaimed his winning form with back-to-back victories in Kortrijk and Antwerp this weekend, signaling a turning point in his season.

By Noah van Putten

Eli Iserbyt in Antwerp - AcrowPhotography

The early weeks of Iserbyt's cyclocross campaign were marred by challenges. His season began with a suspension following an incident involving Ryan Kamp, followed by a series of crashes—most due to his own mistakes. These setbacks left him caught in a downward spiral of poor performances. “Condition-wise, I was strong, but my results didn’t reflect it, and that was frustrating,” Iserbyt admitted this weekend. “I felt like I was stuck in a vicious negative cycle.”

The turning point came with deliberate efforts to address both physical and mental barriers. Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal’s management played a crucial role, offering a mix of encouragement and tough love. “The team gave us (Iserbyt and Vanthourenhout ed.) a necessary wake-up call,” Iserbyt revealed. “They reminded us that we were in good form, but we needed to push harder and believe in ourselves more to get better results.” This message, coupled with the guidance of his long-term mental coach, helped Iserbyt refocus his mindset. “I realized I was too passive in races. This weekend, I made the mental shift: ‘Here I am, try to follow me.’”

Iserbyt pushing in Antwerp - Acrowphotography

Another key factor was meticulous preparation. Despite not being a natural sand specialist, Iserbyt committed to intense training to tackle the challenging courses in Kortrijk and Antwerp. He spent hours in the sandpit he built in his backyard and completed rigorous sessions on the beach in Nieuwpoort. These efforts paid dividends as he executed near-flawless performances on both days, holding off strong competitors like Laurens Sweeck and showcasing newfound confidence.

Saturday’s win in Kortrijk, a semi-home race, provided a much-needed boost. It was his first victory in a month and a reassurance that his hard work was paying off. Sunday’s victory in Antwerp, the first round of the World Cup, solidified his return to form. “I feel relieved,” Iserbyt shared after his double triumph. “Winning is what makes me feel good. I needed these results to shake off the doubts.”

Team dynamics also played a pivotal role. Teammate Michael Vanthourenhout executed his support role to perfection, allowing Iserbyt to ride aggressively and claim victory. “We operate as a team, even in an individual sport like cyclocross,” Iserbyt explained. “Michael and I have a great understanding—what he did for me, I would do for him.”

Vanthourenhout took two thirds this weekend - Acrowphotography

With these victories, Iserbyt is shifting focus to the World Cup, declaring it his top priority for the season. His manager, Jurgen Mettepenningen, expressed confidence in his star rider. “Eli is a natural winner. These results will give him the mental boost he needs to dominate again.”

As Iserbyt rides a wave of renewed confidence, he hopes these wins mark the start of a strong series. “The storm in my head is gone,” he concluded. “Now, it’s time to prove myself again.”

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Denise Betsema and Thijs Aerts Face Uncertain Futures

The cyclocross season is never without its challenges, but for two experienced riders, the end of 2024 might mark pivotal career decisions. Denise Betsema and Thijs Aerts, both seasoned athletes with notable past successes, find themselves navigating uncertain futures as their contracts near expiration.

By Tom Dussek