2023 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin Elite Men's Race Preview

Posted in: Cyclo Cross
By Cycling Ireland
Nov 22, 2023 - 10:09:19 AM

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The Elite Men's Race is sure to be an exciting prospect for fans at the 2023 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin.

After a thrilling day of racing, the final race of the day will see several of cyclo-cross' biggest names do battle along the purpose-built course.

And with the start list confirmed, excitement is building for what's sure to be a fast-and-furious race at the front. The Elite Men's race will kick off from 2:40pm.

Here's everything you need to know about the Elite Men's Race for the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup:

Course Information

Following a successful premiere of the World Cup in Dublin last year, there'll be few changes to the course in 2023.

A new fan zone beside the pit area has been planned while the sand pit has been moved to a different part of the course.

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The Elite Men Contenders

Eli Iserbyt The 26-year-old Belgian is a regular on the Cyclo-cross scene and is hoping to take his second World Cup stage of the season in Dublin and extend his lead at the top of the rankings.

Laurens Sweeck One of the stars of the 2022/23 season, Sweeck has been finding his feet in recent weeks. But as he continues to get race experience early in the season, Dublin could form an excellent benchmark for the Belgian to kickstart his winter.

Cameron Mason The Scottish rider has enjoyed a breakout Cyclo-cross season, boasting a silver medal at this month's European Championships to follow up his top ten performance at this year's World Championships.

Thibau Nys Another exciting young star, Nys caught the Cyclo-cross world's eye with an excellent win in the first round of the World Cup. He's another one to watch on the start line in Dublin.

The Elite Women Contenders

Ceylin Del Carmen Alvarado
The Dutch star bas been on another level this winter as she dominates the Cyclo-cross World Cup. Alvarado has won her last five races in a row and has finished on the podium in every race she's started this season.

Lucinda Brand Former World Champion and two-time World Cup winner Brand didn't take to the start line in Dublin last year. However, fans will be excited to see the 34-year-old veteran tear up the Sport Ireland Campus on Sunday.

Zoe Backstedt 19-year-old starlet Zoe Backstedt is sure to be one of the sport's top stars in the years to come, and fans can catch a glimpse of the U23 world champion in the Elite Women's race as she takes to the line in a stacked field.

Other Contenders

Tibor Del Grosso (U23 Men)
Del Grosso emerged victorious in Troyes last weekend and is the rider to beat in the capital on Sunday. But with big names such as Cross Clonmel winner Michels Jente and Emiel Verstrynge also set to start, Irish fans are in for a treat when thhis one sets off in the capital.

Stefano Viezzi (Junior Men) The Italian star picked up the win in Troyes in the first round of the UCI World Cup junior races in Troyes last weekend and will be among the riders to beat when the junior men's race kicks off a busy day of action.

Cat Ferguson (Junior Women) One of the most promising junior riders in the world on both the road and cyclo-cross, Ferguson is among the star names in the junior women's race that is sure to whet the appetite for U23 and elite action later in the day.

UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin Spectator Guide


The Cyclo-cross world descends on Dublin this week as the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup takes centre stage at the Sport Ireland Campus on Sunday, November 26th.

After a momentous first-ever staging of the Cyclo-cross World Cup in Ireland, the competition is back once again in 2023 as the capital hosts round five of this year's World Cup.

And with a full weekend of racing, a newly-improved event and course layout and an Ireland team of 17 riders set to feature, this weekend has everything for the whole family to enjoy the discipline of Cyclo-cross.

The fast-and-furious discipline will see riders take on several laps of a tough 3km long-circuit - featuring obstacles such as muddy hills and descents, technical turns, sand pits, steps, and barriers that often see riders carry their bike on their shoulders while racing.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin:

Ticket Information

Race Day - Tickets can be purchased offline at entry to the event on race day. Race day tickets will cost €20.

Schedule
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Ireland Team

Cycling Ireland are pleased to announce that 17 riders will represent Ireland at the 2023 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin.

A host of riders will fly the Irish flag across the junior men, junior women, U23 men and elite women races throughout the day's action.

Full team announcement - click here

Cycling Ireland Saturday Support Race Programme

The World Cup is back on Sunday, November 26th, but not before a Cycling Ireland programme of racing on Saturday, November 25th, as Ireland's domestic riders get the chance to tear up the purpose-built course before the professionals.

With an already successful start to the 2023/24 Cyclo-cross season in recent weeks, the fast and furious discipline will once again be in the spotlight as the world stops by for another big weekend in Irish cycling.

More information is available here.

TV Information

Fans in Ireland can watch the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup races on Eurosport or GCN+.

Course Map

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Fan Zones

Two Fan Zones will provide fans with an excellent opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of what is sure to be a great occasion.

Cross Country Track Fan & Expo Zone

Fans can enjoy various catering options, a bar with beer, wine and soft drinks, a big screen to follow the races and also performances by Vladsax between the races.

Rugby Hills Fan Zone

Fans can enjoy various catering options, a bar with beer, wine and soft drinks and a big screen to follow the races.

Cycling Ireland Skills Zone

A Cycling Ireland Skills Zone will be in place on both the Saturday Support Races Programme and Sunday's UCI World Cup schedule.

The zone will feature a mini-Cyclo-cross track complete with obstacles for children of all ages to try their hand at the exciting discipline. Children are encouraged to bring their own bikes to the Skills Zone on Saturday.

Spectator Parking

Parking for spectators will be available at the M3 Parkway - a Shuttle service to the course will be available from 8am.

There will be no public parking on the Sport Ireland Campus.

Parking for people with disabilities will be available at the Sport Ireland Campus, Snugborough Road, Blanchardstown.

Bike Parking

Fans are encouraged to cycle to the event. Bike parking facilities will be available at the Sport Ireland Campus.

Campervan Parking

Campervan parking facilities will be available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening and can be booked below for each individual night.

Friday, November 24th - From 6pm

Saturday, November 25th - From 9am

Sunday, November 26th - From 9am


Note: The campus gate is closed between 11pm & 5.30am. In the case of an emergency, security is present 24/7 on campus in the security building close to the National Aquatic Center.

Public Transport Options

By Bus
1. 38 or 38A - from O'Connell Street/ Hawkins Street in the City Centre to Snugborough Road in Blanchardstown.
2. N4 – from Point Village to Snugborough Road
3. 40D – to Rosemount Business Park

By Train
Maynooth service from Connolly to Maynooth stops at Castleknock train station.

35 minute walk to Sport Ireland Campus.

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Start List Start lists for the 2023 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin are available see download link.

More information about the 2023 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin can be found - click here