Our country does not immediately lose sleep over the mixed relay, the number that will be on the World Cup program in Wollongong on Wednesday morning (6 am – 9 am). A medal is almost impossible, but other countries do put their top players forward.
Wout van Aert, Remco Evenepoel and Yves Lampaert: on paper, national coach Sven Vanthourenhout could have selected a very strong trio for the first half of the mixed country relay, but the trident has other plans: rest towards Sunday’s road race.
Pieter Serry, Quinten Hermans and Nathan Van Hooydonck jump in for Belgiumbut have little ambition in the pair time trial with Jesse Vandenbulcke, Julie De Wilde and Valerie Demey.
There was more interest in the other countries. The Netherlands has a reputation and the strong female block – Annemiek van Vleuten, Ellen van Dijk and Riejanne Markus – is complemented by Bauke Mollema, Daan Hoole and attraction Mathieu van der Poel.
Mollema and Hoole disappointed on Sunday, but will be extra stimulated. Van Dijk is of course cycling on a cloud after her world title and Van Vleuten will also love a great time after a disappointing time trial.
Are there any doubts in Annemiek van Vleuten after her meager time trial?
We also spot those mixed feelings at the Squadra. Italy sends Filippo Ganna, Edoardo Affini and Matteo Sobrero into the meadow, 3 great guys that need no introduction. The female train consists of Vittoria Guazzini – Sunday’s winner in the promise time trial -, Elisa Longo Borghini and Elena Cecchini.
An ensemble to lick your thumbs and fingers, but a world title is by no means a guarantee. Mainly Switzerland is lurking.
Stefan Küng wants to flush his blow with European champion Stefan Bissegger and Mauro Schmid. Their buddies are Marlen Reusser – Sunday’s bronze medal -, Elise Chabbey and Nicole Koller.
Will it be gold for Stefan Küng this time?
Bee France Rémi Cavagna or Bruno Armirail may have to give way to Benoît Cosnefroy in the road race next Sunday. The duo that is in the balance is supported by 19-year-old Eddy Le Huitoze. Juliette Labous, Aude Biannic and Coralie Demay are no softies either.
Defending champion Germany misses the retired Tony Martin and Lisa Brennauer and may fall short for the podium.
At the homeland Australia Michael Matthews, Luke Durbridge and Luke Plapp will certainly be inspiring, but the absence of Grace Brown – silver Sunday – is a disappointment.
DenmarkFinally, a candle is lit for Magnus Cort, Mikkel Bjerg, Mikkel Honoré and Emma Norsgaard, among others.
Tony Martin said goodbye to cycling with gold last year in Bruges.
Watch the World Mixed Relay World Championship livestream from 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning and on One from 7 a.m. The Belgians will start at 7.45 am, the Netherlands will start at 8.22 am.
| program and results 2022 World Cycling Championships | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday 18 September | time trial women elite | 34.2 km | 1.35 am – 4.30 am | Ellen van Dijk (Ned) | report |
| time trial men elite | 34.2 km | 5.40 am – 9.00 am | Tobias Foss (Noo) | report | |
| Monday 19 September | time trial men promises | 28.8 km | 5.20 am – 9.00 am | Soren Wærenskjold (Noo) | report |
| tuesday 20 september | time trial women juniors | 14.1 km | 1.30 am – 3 am | Zoe Backstedt (GBr) | report |
| time trial men juniors | 28.8 km | 5.20 am – 9.00 am | Joshua Tarling (GBr) | report | |
| Wednesday September 21 | mixed redemption | 28.2 km | 6.20 am – 9.00 am | ||
| Friday September 23 | road race men juniors | 135.6 km | 0.30 am – 4.00 am | ||
| road ride men promises | 169.8 km | 5.00 am – 9.15 am | |||
| Saturday September 24 | road race women juniors | 67.2 km | 0.00 am – 1.55 am | ||
| road race women elite | 164.3 km | 3.55 am – 9.00 am | |||
| Sunday 25 September | road race men elite | 266.9 km | 2.00 am – 8.50 am | ||
Source: Sporza
