Snow and icy weather are set to disrupt the cyclo-cross National Championships taking place in Belgium and the Netherlands this weekend, March 16-17, 2024. As winter conditions intensify, organizers are making adjustments to schedules and conducting additional course checks in response to the severe weather.
Cyclo-cross, a sport known for its challenging winter races, has seen significant snowfall that has already impacted travel. Flights in and out of Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport have been affected for several days due to adverse conditions. Although competitors are accustomed to racing in harsh weather, the current forecast poses a risk to events scheduled for this weekend.
In Belgium, the inclement weather has prompted changes to Saturday’s race schedule. The junior and under-17 races have been postponed to later in the day to allow conditions to improve. The women’s elite race is still expected to commence at 15:00 local time. Event organizers Golazo have stated that the championships are not at risk of cancellation, although temperatures in Beringen are projected to reach a frigid high of only -2 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with lows of -7 degrees Celsius forecast for Sunday.
Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, heavy snow has led to travel disruptions and the cancellation of football matches. The cyclo-cross course in Huijbergen is currently covered in snow and ice. However, the organizers have informed Wielerflits that the races will proceed unless the Dutch meteorological institute, the KNMI, issues a red weather warning. At present, the alert for Huijbergen stands at yellow, indicating less severe weather. Race reconnaissance took place smoothly on Friday afternoon, and there are no alterations to the planned schedule. Elite racing is set for Sunday, with temperatures predicted to range between 0 and -8 degrees Celsius.
In Great Britain, where snow has also fallen this week, a yellow warning is in effect for snow and ice in South Shields, where the National Championships are being held. However, conditions in northeast England appear milder, with temperatures expected to remain above zero on Sunday.
Racing through snow is a familiar challenge for cyclo-cross athletes, who recently competed in the Val di Sole World Cup round, which was predominantly held in snowy conditions. The recent Exact Cross Mol event was defined by a snowstorm, showcasing the sport’s resilience. Nevertheless, excessive ice, high winds, or official weather warnings could still disrupt this winter sport’s events.
As the championships approach, competitors and fans alike remain hopeful that the races can proceed as scheduled, despite the challenging weather conditions.
