Belgium is the first country to announce its selection for the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Hulst, just under three weeks away. National coach Angelo De Clercq puts forward the expected names in Zeeland. Thibau Nys, Joran Wyseure, Michael Vanthourenhout, Niels Vandeputte, and Toon Aerts are all 'simply' included.
Emiel Verstrynge, who still made things difficult for Nys at the Belgian Championships in Beringen on Sunday, will not be participating, as he had already indicated. The young Belgian explains that he needs to make choices if he wants to perform well on the road in the spring.
Jente Michels, Toon Vandebosch, and Gerben Kuypers complete the World Championships selection. There is still a slim chance for four riders: if a Belgian wins a World Cup race, a ninth rider can be added. Anton Ferdinande, Wout Janssen, Witse Meeussen, and Victor Van de Putte are currently nominated for this spot. However, this seems unlikely at the moment: Mathieu van der Poel is currently leading and is still racing several World Cup cyclo-cross events.
Norbert Riberolle and Brouwers with the women
There are no surprises among the women either. Marion Norbert Riberolle and Julie Brouwers have been selected by coach De Clercq to represent Belgium in Hulst. Fleur Moors, second at the Belgian Cyclo-cross Championships, will compete for the under-23 world title. Shanyl De Schoesitter is the second selected rider in the under-23 category.
