Probably the number one thing Spanish people say to me at the Benidorm CX is, “It’s not Belgium, eh?” And they’re not wrong. Though in some portions of downtown Benidorm, if you close your eyes, you could imagine that you are back in Flanders. Some are in town for the race, but the vast majority are retirees already here for the sun and the sea air.
Benidorm is an odd place. It’s too much to get into here. And while I might prefer a Spanish World Cup in one of the hotbeds of Spanish CX, like Catalonia or the Basque Country, nobody asked me. On the upside, the crowds are big, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. The fields are strong, and the racing is truly great. I suspect we have at least three more years of this venue as a World Cup, and then World 2029?
Fem van Empel gets her call-up
Marie Schreiber at the head of the race on lap one.
Top American finisher Katie Clouse crests the stairs.
American Lizzy Gunsalus on one of the many fast sections.
American rider Anna Megale
Top Canadian finisher Sidney McGill
World Cup leader Lucinda Brand had a strong ride, finishing second and keeping her comfortable overall lead.
The pack tackles the planks.
Fem is three for three in Benidorm.
Mama Alvarado provides some post-race comfort.
Fem appears to be winking at the crowd.
I suppose Benidorm is as good a venue as you’ll get for the all-white skinsuit.
Wout in the wheels.
Michael Vanthourenhout and Lars Van Der Haar
Top American finisher Eric Brunner.
Lars Van Der Haar in the sand. Note the stick stuck on his pedal/shoe.
Jules Van Kempen preparing to remount at the top of the stairs.
Thibau Nys takes the all-white-skinsuit win in Benidorm.
Local hero Felipe Orts in a rare moment where he is not absolutely mobbed by fans or media.
Wout reacts to the first question he is asked. I am guessing it was something along the lines of “Why didn’t you win?”
