MADRID, 27 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Pontevedra will host the European Cyclocross Championship on November 2 and 3, 2024 at the Illa das Esculturas, and the organization, after overcoming all the bureaucratic procedures to be designated the venue for the event, continues to take steps to achieve a “successful celebration” of the test, according to a statement.
The race with the traditional white jersey with the flag and stars of the European Union at stake will bring together “all the stars of the discipline in a spectacular environment”, with some new features compared to other editions, to “technically and spectacularly enrich” the circuit of Cups and Championships of Spain. “The city of Pontevedra will focus on a unique competition,” the organization said.
“Once the bureaucratic procedures have been overcome, and with the approval of both the European Cycling Union (UEC) and the Pontevedra City Council, everything continues on track for the successful celebration of an event in which the new European cycling champions will be honored. cyclocross”, advanced the statement issued this Wednesday.
The continental event will be held on November 2 and 3, 2024, after the World Cup will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024 in Benidorm. Months later in Pontevedra, the Belgian Michael Vanthourenhout will defend his title in the men's heat, while the Dutch Fem Van Empel will do so in the women's heat. The Dutch Mathieu Van der Poel, current Cyclocross and Road World Champion, won three European titles between 2017 and 2019.
In addition, as a novelty, the 2024 European Championship will also include the master rounds, an “opportunity” for the categories over 30, 40, 50 and 60 years old to take part in the competition. The traditional elite, under-23 and junior competitions for both men and women are joined by the most veterans to “double the total number of participating athletes.”
The organization of the European Cyclocross Championship, promoted by the Galician Cycling Federation, will seek to “increase the spectacle with various obstacles on the circuit”, such as a sand terrace and some boards where the motto of this tournament can be read prominently 'Where the bikes be thrown or lombo'. Work is also being done to have a bridge in the vicinity of the Lérez River, “thus outlining a very attractive circuit design.”
To continue with all the previous work, a delegation from the organizing committee will travel to the Benidorm World Cup on January 21. It will be the last international cyclocross test in Spanish territory, before the European Championship.