Benidorm is set to host the second edition of the Costa Blanca World Cup, continuing a tradition that began last year with a standout cyclocross event. Scheduled for January 21, the race will bring a strong field of international competitors to the seaside city. Among those confirmed are Dutch star Mathieu van der Poel and British rider Tom Pidcock, with spectators eagerly awaiting the possible addition of Belgian champion Wout van Aert to the lineup.
Following a notable surge in participation last season, organizers anticipate another record turnout. Early indicators show 20,000 fans are expected, and about 15% have already secured their tickets. The team behind the event recently presented the project in Madrid, with key figures including the mayor of Benidorm and the event director, along with officials from the national cycling federation present to share the ambitions for the race and the region’s growing profile as a cycling destination.
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In a press digest, officials highlighted the unexpected popularity of this year’s World Cup, which exceeded expectations with a capacity far beyond the early estimates. The mayor of Benidorm emphasized the event’s global reach, noting that it drew attention from spectators across many countries. The festival atmosphere extends beyond sport, reinforcing Benidorm’s role as a city committed to tourism, culture, and sport.
Expectations are high for a thrilling three-way contest on the track, with Van der Poel defending his title against Pidcock and the eagerly awaited Van Aert. Spanish rider Felipe Orts also features as a strong threat, while the women’s event shines with French Olympic and world champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot among the contenders.
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A standout feature of this edition is a redesigned climb that tests racers more intensely. In addition to new zones approved by the organizing team, new sections will give fans more vantage points and a closer look at the action. The race director explained that the tougher gradient was intended to disrupt large groups and favor individual breakaways, creating room for dramatic escapes. The mayor linked sport to the city’s broader philosophy of active living and tourism, underscoring cycling as a foundational pillar of Benidorm’s civic project. The World Cup organizers echoed that sentiment, viewing cycling as a core element of the city’s future growth and identity.