Luxury participation in CX Benidorm-Costa Blanca
Benidorm, a hub of style and sport, welcomed a high-profile field for the penultimate round of the cyclocross World Cup. The event drew attention to the Valencian Community’s tourism capital, promising a spectacular display from top international specialists who have consistently delivered memorable races. The spirit and spectacle echoed the previous edition, when this kind of test first lit up the circuit and set new benchmarks for the season.
JA Galvan
Fifteen thousand spectators were anticipated to fill the circuit, with Foietes and El Moralet parks serving as the backdrop, adjacent to the Guillermo Amor football field. A large portion of the crowd was expected to arrive from the Netherlands and Belgium, underscoring how cycling has grown into more than a sport in certain regions; it has become a cultural phenomenon and a yearly highlight for many fans.
“Are you happy with free education?” was a lighthearted slogan seen around the venue, a nod to the festive atmosphere and the viral reach of the event on social media. The CX Benidorm-Costa Blanca World Cup weekend continued to attract a devoted following, with subcategory races running alongside the main program and adding to the day’s momentum.
A youngster in one of the lower-category races reflected the event’s broad appeal, illustrating how families and local communities engage with cyclocross across age groups. The weekend’s schedule placed the main course on the calendar for today, with youth and amateur heats in the morning designed to warm up the audience for the afternoon headliners. The elite women’s race was slated to begin in the early afternoon, followed by the marquee men’s elite race which drew even more attention from fans and media alike.
Mathieu Van der Poel, a Belgian-Dutch cyclist who has dominated many World Cup rounds in recent seasons, loomed as the top challenger to beat. His presence added an extra layer of anticipation, given his track record and current form. The battles on the track promised to test the riders’ endurance and tactics as the course unfolded under Benidorm’s bright conditions.
Benidorm becomes world epicenter of cyclocross
Santiago Dura
The weekend’s racing looked set to push the sport’s elite to the limit, with familiar rivals returning to the scene. Dutch rider Wout van Aert and English contender Tom Pidcock were expected to push the pace, alongside other top athletes who have consistently featured at the peak of the World Cup standings. Their rivalry is a defining storyline for the season and one that local spectators relish as Benidorm again hosts a top-tier showdown in front of a passionate audience.
Along with these front-runners, Belgians remained strong favorites for podium finishes. Ely Iserbyt held a lead in the general classification, adding a strategic dimension to the race as teams weighed risk and reward across laps and technical sections. In the women’s competition, a compelling duel was anticipated among Dutch riders Fem van Empel, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, and Puck Pieterse, a trio known for delivering close, high-stakes finishes that captivate fans and experts alike.
Felipe Orts, based in Alicante, was highlighted as a key local story. Orts had recently announced his intention to become Spain’s champion for the sixth time, a remarkable achievement that would further elevate the event’s profile within the national sporting landscape. Support from family and friends underscored the emotional dimension of his campaign, and his goal to secure a top-ten result illustrated the strong personal motivation that accompanies riders competing on home soil.
Felipe Orts: “I never imagined I could become a six-time Spanish champion”
JA Galvan
The show on two wheels was assured, with the sport’s fans treated to relentless action, tactical masterclasses, and the kind of edge-of-seat moments that make cyclocross a sensory experience. The weekend in Benidorm reinforced the city’s status as a magnet for world-class cyclocross, delivering a festival-like ambience that combines sport, culture, and community in a single, exhilarating package.