Van der Poel surprises and will compete in Benidorm tomorrow

The list of registered participants for the Benidorm World Cup
has taken a significant turn in recent hours. Mathieu van der Poel has finally added the Spanish event to his competitive schedule, even though he had stated earlier this week that he would not be attending.

Mathieu van der Poel confirms at the last minute his presence at the Benidorm World Cup

Van der Poel had explained that the event did not quite fit into his initial planning. However, according to confirmations from his team, the current world champion has decided to include the Alicante race as part of his final competition block before the World Championship in Hulst.

Van der Poel's presence represents an immediate qualitative leap for the Spanish event, which has already established itself as one of the most unique fixtures on the international calendar due to its fast course, urban setting, and the great response from the public. With the Dutchman on the starting line, Benidorm now features the leading figure in current cyclocross, which enhances both the sporting and media appeal of the event. 

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For now, the exact reasons for the change of plans have not been detailed, nor whether this decision affects other aspects of his preparation. What is certain is that his participation automatically makes Van der Poel the main focus of attention for the race and the rival to beat.

With this last-minute confirmation, the Benidorm World Cup adds a new chapter to its already short but intense history within the UCI calendar. The Spanish fans will once again be able to see live the most decisive cyclist in the discipline, in a race that promises spectacle and maximum challenge.