Dublin 2023 CX World Cup: favorites, schedules and how to watch

The CX World Cup packs its bags for Dublin, scene of the fifth round of the season. The equality that reigns among the favorites leaves the door to victory open for whoever is more inspired. Lars Van der Haar has decided not to take the start. In the women's category, Alvarado will try to continue her fantastic form.

Where and when to watch the CX World Cup Dublin 2023

The Dublin CX World Cup will be held on Sunday, November 26, starting at 13:10. The time zone in Ireland has forced the organization to change slightly the usual race times. The broadcasts will be available on Eurosport, GCN -which will close in December- or Discovery+.

Schedule of the CX Dublin World Cup

• 13:10 Elite Women
• 14:40 Elite Men

How is the CX World Cup coming to Dublin?

The mud calendar moves relentlessly forward and this weekend there will be a new installment of the CX World Cup. After last season's race, Dublin is preparing to host for the second time an appointment of the top cyclocross competition. The weather forecast points to clouds covering the sky of the Irish capital, although in principle it will not rain.

Four different riders have stepped on the top step of the podium of the CX World Cup. Four riders in four races. In Waterloo Nys uncorked the season, Van der Haar followed him in Maasmechelen, Ronhaar won in Dendermonde and Iserbyt did it in Troyes.

Proof of this equality is the tightness of the overall classification, which Iserbyt leads by only one point ahead of Van der Haar. The negative note of the campaign is Sweeck who, despite defending the title and having a turbulent start, has so far signed correct but somewhat discreet performances.

Van der Haar, one of the names that have done the best at the beginning of the season, will be absent of his own free will. The Dutchman prefers not to saturate his calendar and to rest - he will be absent in Dublin and Val di Sole - to arrive fresher to the decisive stretch of the season.

The women's category will be marked by the absence of Van Empel and Pieterse, who are used to being the main contenders for the victory. Alvarado's reliability for the moment remains intact after achieving great results in every event.

The Dutch rider will try to put more points between herself and those who follow her in the standings, who currently lack an outstanding candidate who can fight her for the first place in the general classification.

Iserbyt, Ronhaar and Nys are the rivals to beat

The battle for the CX World Cup in Dublin will crown only one of the thirty riders who will appear next Sunday at the start. A fight that is expected to be competitive due to the obvious equality seen in the first races of the competition. In the absence of Van Aert, Van der Poel, Pidcock and Van der Haar, other riders assume the role of favorites.

Eli Iserbyt is still savoring the victory in Troyes. The Belgian arrives in Ireland without the pressure of having to win, which may make the competition easier for him and help him achieve another first podium place. To this must be added the good starts of the season that he usually performs.

Another of those who could repeat victory is Pim Ronhaar. The young rider did not have the best race in France, although he hopes to recover his sensations for Dublin. Thibau Nys is another of those who could grab the spotlight; although he dazzled at the start and has been fading little by little, he still has the potential to offer some of the brightest flashes.

For his part, Laurens Sweeck will be looking to redeem himself from some doubts. The reigning champion of the competition has given good results but has not yet exploited his full potential. If he finds the right key, he should be in the fight.

Finally, Joris Nieuwenhuis could make a splash in Dublin. The truth is that the Dutchman has been solid during all the days - with the exception of a small dip in Dendermonde - and is fourth in the general classification.

Alvarado emerges as the favorite and will try to win third in a row

Alvarado is the undisputed leader in the women's category. She has been the one who has taken the best advantage of the losses of Van Empel and Pieterse, although the victory in Troyes was achieved with Puck in the race. Thus, with both of them out of the mud again, Alvarado lands in Dublin with the hope of conquering the third victory of the season in the competition, which would also be the third in a row.

In front of her will be Zoe Backsted, who is enjoying a season in which she is achieving good results. Van der Heijden, Bentveld, Bakker or Brand are other referent riders who could fight for the victory.