{"id":1932,"date":"2022-01-28T10:30:47","date_gmt":"2022-01-28T09:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/?p=1932"},"modified":"2022-02-08T10:31:04","modified_gmt":"2022-02-08T09:31:04","slug":"what-to-look-out-for-at-the-2022-uci-cyclo-cross-world-championships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/2022\/01\/28\/what-to-look-out-for-at-the-2022-uci-cyclo-cross-world-championships\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Look Out For At The 2022 UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s been another blistering season of cyclo-cross. Across each race weekend, we have had drama and intrigue, unpredictability and excitement. But it\u2019s time to bring it all to a climax as the riders head across the pond for the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships in Fayetteville, North Carolina.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Here at We Love Cycling, we cannot wait for the start and we want to give you a few things to look out for during the best weekend of the year in the cyclo-cross calendar.<\/p>\n

\"2022<\/a>
The training sessions are already on. \u00a9 Profimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A new men\u2019s champion<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Of all the 72 editions of the World Championships, only one has happened outside of Europe before this one \u2013 and also in the United States. Another rarity is that since Zdenek Stybar won the race in 2014, only Mathieu Van Der Poel or Wout Van Aert<\/a> have been taking turns as winners and no one else. With both out either due to injury or a change of direction, a new champion is set to be crowned. The favourite is arguably Tom Pidcock. Although still slightly \u201cundercooked\u201d having started his season late, he has shown his qualities, winning two World Cup events along the way. He podiumed last year, and it could be time for him to go one up.<\/p>\n

But there are many other riders going for gold. Conditions will play a part in the purpose-built course in Fayetteville. If it is muddy, Toon Aerts could be the one to take advantage. He has been consistent throughout the season and is great in boggy conditions. At the World Cup event in October, held on the same course, Quinten Hermans was the race winner on a day the riders were barely recognisable due to mud but his form has been inconsistent since then.<\/p>\n

Others to look out for, especially on a dry day, which looks more likely according to long-range forecasts, are Eli Iserbyt, Lars van der Haar, and Michael Van Thournout \u2013 all of whom have won World Cup events this year. The men\u2019s race may seem to be down on star power but it should make for a cracking one.<\/p>\n

Back-to-back for brand?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dominant. That\u2019s the only word to describe Lucinda Brand\u2019s season on the cyclo-cross bike. The current World Champion has been blistering, winning 16 races and topping the World Cup standings. Realistically, she has to be a huge favourite for the women\u2019s elite race.<\/p>\n

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Happy to be here in good company \ud83d\udc2e\ud83d\udc24\ud83e\udd81 @lucinda_brand<\/a> @TrekRaceShop<\/a> @SRAMroad<\/a> #Fayetteville2022<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/r33KAPNvi6<\/a><\/p>\n

— Baloise Trek Lions (@Baloise_Trek) January 27, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n