Benidorm’s cyclocross ascent: Van der Poel triumphs as the party returned
Benidorm eagerly hosts major cycling events, with the UCI Cyclocross World Cup returning to the Costa Blanca in a bid to energize winter tourism and showcase the region to fans across North America and Europe. The international cycling community confirmed the calendar for the next edition, highlighting Benidorm as a premier stop once more. Local officials describe the move as a strong investment in year‑round sport and hospitality, designed to extend the city’s appeal beyond its traditional peak seasons.
The announcement arriving in mid‑week confirmed January dates that will bring the UCI Cyclocross World Cup back to Benidorm, following a successful previous edition. Municipal leaders emphasized early results were positive, noting how this event aligns with broader goals to boost tourism during the slower winter months and stimulate hotel and restaurant activity in the off‑season.
Benidorm’s cyclocross spectacle: Van der Poel tops Van Aert amid a street‑level festival
The UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Benidorm kicked off the Costa Blanca leg on the weekend of January 21–22, turning the city into a vibrant race site and a celebration for fans. Roughly 15,000 spectators from Spain and across Europe gathered to watch the elite races, with Dutch rider Fem Van Empel securing the women’s title and Mathieu Van der Poel taking the men’s crown.
Risers and ramps, sand stretches, stairs, and varied terrain transformed the Foietes and El Moralet parks into a dynamic playground for riders and a spectacle for onlookers. The event spilled into Benidorm’s streets, weaving sport into the city’s daily rhythm and giving fans a reason to linger through the first month of the year.
In the official aftermath, the numbers stood out: a large turnout and robust media coverage from major sports networks globally. The event’s broadcast amplified Benidorm’s profile in a competitive tourism market that prizes sports as a driver of destination appeal.
From the podium to the press room, participants and organizers expressed confidence that the 2024 edition would build on the momentum. A spokesperson for Momparler Cycling and the UCI Cyclocross World Cup noted that the partnership with Benidorm and the wider Costa Blanca region had yielded tangible benefits for the city’s services and the hospitality sector. The shared aim is to ease seasonal dips in tourism by creating high‑profile events that draw visitors in January and February, sustaining business for hotels, restaurants, and retailers.
Benidorm and Santa Pola projected onto the world through sport
In reflecting on the event, industry observers described the week of racing as a catalyst for international visibility. Local sports leaders highlighted the community’s warm reception for athletes and fans, which helped elevate the city’s standing as a premier venue for premier events. The organizers stressed teamwork and tireless effort from the staff who communicated with sponsors, volunteers, and media to stage a seamless competition.
One official emphasized the sense of opportunity the World Cup brings to Benidorm, noting that the experience already stands as a milestone in the region’s sports tourism strategy. The message is clear: Benidorm can host high‑level racing with the same reliability and excitement as any major European destination, reinforcing the area’s appeal to travelers who prioritize live sports experiences and a strong hospitality ecosystem.
A landmark for the city
The city’s leadership hailed the ongoing partnership with the UCI as a long‑term success and a signal that Benidorm is ready to welcome top-tier cycling events year after year. The mayor described the collaboration as a cornerstone of the city’s broader tourism plan, reinforcing the belief that the World Cup can anchor a reliable draw for visitors during the winter season. The sentiment from municipal officials echoed across the community: this is more than a race, it is a platform for sustained economic vitality and sport as a communal celebration.
As plans for the 2024 World Cup continue, organizers vow to replicate the energy of the inaugural events while refining the logistics and engagement with local businesses. The overarching objective is clear: ensure that everyone involved in the World Cup carries forward equally positive impressions and that Benidorm remains a trusted, welcoming host for elite cyclocross racing.