Tuesday is once again time for the most fun cyclocross race in the Netherlands in Woerden. Yes, we’re talking about the Kiremko Nacht van Woerden. Or should we say: the GP Lars van der Haar? WielerFlits looks ahead.
The Kiremko Nacht van Woerden takes place - as the name might already suggest - in the evening hours. Under the artificial lights of Woerden, some of the world’s best cyclocross riders battle annually for victory in this C2 race. Last year, we saw Lars van der Haar win for the 8th (!) consecutive year in Woerden. The rider from Utrecht edged out Michael Vanthourenhout and David Haverdings to claim the win.
On the women’s side, Lucinda Brand took the victory. She stayed ahead of Marie Schreiber and world champion Fem van Empel. Van Empel did win the Nacht van Woerden in 2023, while in 2022 the crowd saw Kata Blanka Vas finish in front of Marianne Vos.
Every year, tens of thousands of Dutch fans come out for the Nacht van Woerden. This is also because it’s a big celebration week in the city of Utrecht. There’s the Koeiemart, and a large fair is also organized.
photo: Nacht van Woerden
Race schedule 25th Kiremko Nacht Van Woerden
6:00 PM GP Rabobank Juniors
7:15 PM Team Relay, Youth with Professionals (by invitation)
7:40 PM GP BluePrint UCI Women / Junior Women
8:40 PM GP Kiremko UCI Men Elite & Under 23
10:10 PM Class 1
Men
Can anyone stop Lars van der Haar from a ninth victory in the Kiremko Nacht van Woerden? It might be possible this year! Van der Haar hasn’t shown his best form yet this season – he placed sixth in Meulebeke and fourteenth this weekend in Ruddervoorde – while his biggest rival just scored a major win this past weekend. That is Michael Vanthourenhout. He won on Saturday in Ruddervoorde, having already stood on the podium in Meulebeke and Ardooie.
The starting field at the Nacht van Woerden looks strong across the board, with many riders who, on a good day, should be able to challenge Van der Haar and Vanthourenhout. The biggest name is of course Felipe Orts, but other notable riders include Jente Michels, Ryan Kamp, Pim Ronhaar, Mees Hendrikx, and Guus van den Eijnden. What do you think?
Women
All eyes in the women's race are on world champion Fem van Empel. After her season debut in Ruddervoorde, she mentioned not yet feeling in top shape, but she still finished sixth there. She has also won this race in the past.
Van Empel’s biggest rival appears to be Inge van der Heijden. Van der Heijden showed early strong legs in Ruddervoorde, finishing just off the podium in fourth place. From a Dutch perspective, it’s also worth watching the performances of Lauren Molengraaf and Aniek van Alphen, while Anna Kay is the biggest name from abroad at the start.
The weather in Woerden on Tuesday could be better. Especially in the morning, heavy precipitation is expected. It will clear up in the evening, although rain is forecast again around ten o’clock. Temperatures will be around 13 degrees Celsius. The Kiremko Nacht van Woerden will be broadcast online on sites including WielerFlits and YouTube. Commentary will be by Niels van Ekeren, Sophie de Boer, and Ellen van Dijk.
Kiremko Nacht Van Woerden
