The Benidorm World Cup is known as an atypical and above all fast cyclocross race, but due to recent rainfall, the course was especially tricky on Saturday.
In Benidorm, the sun often shines, but on Saturday the rain poured down in buckets. As a result, several corners of the course were heavily flooded. This is clearly visible in a preview video from the promising Italian cyclocrosser Filippo Agostinacchio, who will be racing on Sunday at the Costa Blanca.
According to the latest weather forecasts, it should stay dry today (Sunday), but riders will still have to contend with some muddy sections at times.
Changes
That’s not the only update compared to previous years. Today the riders will also compete on a partially redesigned course, following recommendations from the riders themselves. The core of the course in Foietes City Park and the El Moralet forest park remains intact, but the organizers wanted to make the route more challenging.
"There are two changes that will be crucial. One of them is the new straight stretch at the start and finish, which will be uphill and will also end with a pedal stroke," explains organizer Pascual Momparler. This concerns the section where Mathieu van der Poel impressively powered past everyone during the 2024 edition.
"The other change is a big surprise: the old finishing stretch is becoming a sandpit over 100 meters long and 6 meters wide, which will force riders to fight through an ‘extra’ challenge every lap. Altogether, the course will be much tougher and offer more spectacle."
