The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup returns to Spain's Mediterranean coast on Sunday for Round 10 at Benidorm Costa Blanca, where the circuit has undergone some minor tweaks following its 2025 redesign. An unusually deep field creates an interesting stage for one of the final form tests before the World Championships.
Organisers have implemented minor changes to the Foietes Urban Park and El Moralet Forest Park layout. The finish line now sits midway up the circuit's main shallow tarmac climb, preceded by a flight of stairs. A longer 100-metre sandbank sits centrally on each lap, designed to serve as a decisive selection point each lap.
Men's Elite
Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Premier Tech) is still the obvious headline act in the Benidorm startlist, however his attendance is still in doubt with Dutch coach Gerben de Knegt claiming his spot be confirmed later this week.
Behind him, or in his absence, the most interesting challenger is Thibau Nys (Baloise Verzekeringen - Het Poetsbureau Lions). He arrives straight off retaining the Belgian elite title (ahead of Emiel Verstrynge, with Michael Vanthourenhout third) and he’s also second on the Benidorm startlist rankings. At third place in the overall World Cup standings, the result here carries a lot of weight for Vanthourenhout.
The next rung of favourites and podium contenders is led by Tibor del Grosso, the newly-crowned Dutch champion who has had a breakout season. Pim Ronhaar is also in the field and adds a second Dutch option if it turns into a fast, punchy race where positioning and late-race decisions matter.
Toon Aerts and Joris Nieuwenhuis give the race depth if the bigger names falter or if the course/race shape produces a larger front group than usual.
And for the home crowd angle: Felipe Orts is on the startlist in the Spanish champion’s jersey again, and he’s the clear local contender for a strong result if the race splinters behind the very top favourite.
Women's Elite
Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Fenix-Premier Tech) claimed the Dutch national title ahead of Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) and Lucinda Brand (Baloise Verzekeringen - Het Poetsbureau Lions), and arrives in strong form for Benidorm. Her technical proficiency in sand and ability to accelerate on short climbs match the renovated course profile.
Pieterse herself will be skipping the World Cup on account of a lingering injury from the dramatic bike-flipping sand crash in Zonhoven combined with a crash at the Dutch National Championships.
Brand will target the paved sections to apply sustained pressure,
but we'll be keeping our eyes on Amandine Fouquenet and Aniek van Alphen who have shown strong form in the World Cup series so far and could capitalise on any minor mistake in the technical or sand sections.
Previous editions often produced small group finishes in the women's race. The uphill finale is expected to reduce the likelihood of that outcome, placing greater emphasis on riders who can manage the sand efforts while preserving acceleration for the closing metres.
Conditions and Context
Local forecasts indicate approximately 50-70% probability of rain on race day, with temperatures around 15-18°C. Even light precipitation on Benidorm's sand will create sticky and technically challenging conditions.
As the 10th of 12 World Cup round, Benidorm carries points implications for the overall classification. Riders targeting the overall classification, particularly Nys and Vanthourenhout, view Spain as an important opportunity with only two rounds remaining.
The convergence of the sport's leading names with freshly crowned national champions means the start list resembles the projected World Championships field.
The women's elite race starts at 13:40 local time, with the men's elite following at 15:10.
Cover image credit: Zubiko/SWpix.com
