Cyclo-cross returns to the Val di Sole snow: favourites, schedules and how to watch

The CX World Cup arrives in Val di Sole for one of the most special events of the year. The snow will once again cover the alpine circuit and will offer a unique spectacle that marks the halfway point of the competition. Iserbyt, Sweeck and Vanthourenhout will fight for victory in the absence of Ronhaar, Van der Haar and Nys. The return of Pieterse is the main attraction in the women's category.

Where and when to watch the Val di Sole CX World Cup 2023

The Val di Sole CX World Cup will be held on December 10. The broadcasts will be available on Eurosport, GCN -which will close in mid-December- or Discovery+.

Schedule of the CX World Cup Val di Sole

• 13:10 Women Elite
• 14:40 Men Elite

How is the CX World Cup coming to Val di Sole?

The CX World Cup reaches its halfway point with a visit to the Italian Alps. Snow and low temperatures will mark the end of the first part of the season. The riders have one last bullet before recharging and facing the classic Christmas carousel of races. Moreover, the Italian lands will be the last to suffer the orphanhood of the three stars of the discipline, as Pidcock returns next week in Namur.

The weather forecast points to sunny weather, but it will only warm up to eight degrees Celsius.

Iserbyt will enter the snow as the overall leader and the most outstanding rider at the moment, after his second World Cup victory last weekend in Flamanville. Ronhaar and Van der Haar are the other two highlights of the year; both Dutchmen have earned the right to dream big with consistency and strength, although this time they have decided not to start on Sunday.

The question marks hang over the names of Sweeck and Nys -who will be absent-. There are arguments to trust them, but there are also reasons to think otherwise. Although both riders are on a small roller coaster that prevents them from exploiting the full potential of their legs, Sweeck has a chance to end the drought of victories.

In the women's category, the numerous absences throughout the season have left the two main favourites far from the first position. Pieterse will return to competition, while Van Empel will not compete in Val di Sole either.

Alvarado will try to maintain her great form - she has been on the podium in every CX World Cup race she has competed in - while Brand will not ride on the Italian snow either.

Vanthourenhout joins Iserbyt-Sweeck battle

The fight for victory moves to the snowy Val di Sole circuit. The equality shown in previous races will flourish again among the snowflakes, despite the fact that Ronhaar, Van der Haar -who already announced it a few weeks ago- and Nys will be absent. The last race of the season will be without Pidcock - who will be back in Namur - and Van der Poel and Van Aert - who will be back in Antwerp-.

Thus, the list of favourites is essentially reduced to two riders. Laurens Sweeck will be looking to finally step on the top step of the podium, something that has eluded him this season. The Belgian has every reason to believe after winning three podiums and occupying the fourth position in the overall, despite not competing in the Waterloo race.

Eli Iserbyt appears on the scene as the rival to beat. The feeling is that he is in fantastic form, that he is holding up well at the start of the season and that he is close to a great first half of the season.

However, Michael Vanthourenhout is claiming a place on the top of the scene. The current European champion is also the rider who won last year's race in Val di Sole. The Belgian took some risks and showed superior snow skills than the rest of his rivals, so he is called to try to repeat the feat.

The snow conditions could favour Swiss Kevin Khun, while Kamp and Nieuwenhuis could also play an important role.

Pieterse is looking to spoil Alvarado's party

Val di Sole will see the return of Pieterse. The Dutchwoman is a candidate for everything and a really difficult rival to counter. In fact, she has only competed in two World Cup events this season -Waterloo and Troyes-, both of them with two second places.

Pieterse wants to spoil the party for Alvarado who, despite not taking the start in Flamanville due to illness, will be present this weekend with the aim of increasing her advantage in the overall. In her favour is the victory she achieved in Troyes against Pieterse, who will be looking for her first victory of the season.

With the absences of Brand, Van Empel, Van Anrooij, Schreiber, Van der Heijden, Bentveld or Backstedt, the desire to get on the podium at home will be more accessible for Casasola and the other ten Italian riders; while Bakker also has a great chance.