TL;DR
At the fifth round of the 2024 UCI World Cup in Hulst, rising stars Niels Vandeputte and Marie Schreiber conquered the treacherous Dutch fortress circuit for their first World Cup victories. The technical course, transformed by rain and 9°C temperatures, proved decisive as World Cup leader Vanthourenhout crashed twice on the notorious descent, while both winners displayed superior race strategy and tactical line choices to secure their breakthrough wins.
Race Highlights
The ancient ramparts of Hulst set the stage for an electrifying fifth round of the 2024 UCI World Cup, where technical challenges and tactical line choices reshaped the elite cyclocross racing hierarchy. Rising stars Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Marie Schreiber (SD Worx) mastered the treacherous conditions to secure their breakthrough World Cup victories.
The demanding Dutch circuit proved unforgiving, with race-defining moments including:
- World Cup leader Michael Vanthourenhout's double crash on the notorious descent
- Eli Iserbyt's mechanical setback at the starting grid
- Challenging 9°C temperatures and persistent rain transformed the course
These dramatic developments around Hulst's fortress delivered an extraordinary display of athletic performance that transcended traditional race tactics.
Race Course Analysis
The UCI World Cup Hulst circuit masterfully weaves through historic fortifications, presenting elite cyclocross racers with a demanding 2.5-3.5km technical course. Racing conditions at 9°C (48°F) with persistent rain transformed the dirt single-track and sandy sections into a formidable test of tactical line choice and race strategy.
Image Credit: UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup
From the starting grid, competitors face a series of technical challenges before encountering the fortress ramparts, where muddy conditions and off-camber sections demand precise racing technique. The notorious downhill section near the first pit area emerged as a race-defining obstacle, forcing even championship contenders to dismount and run. This technical section proved decisive in the competition rankings, notably claiming World Cup leader Vanthourenhout.
Course Infrastructure
The Hulst World Cup venue features comprehensive support facilities designed to meet UCI technical regulations while enhancing rider safety. Two pit areas are strategically positioned along the course, allowing teams to provide quick mechanical assistance and bike changes in muddy conditions. The pit zones include pressure washers and technical support stations for immediate equipment maintenance.
Course Access Points
- Multiple bridge crossings connect different course sections
- Dedicated service roads for emergency vehicle access
- Strategic barriers and course tape defining racing lines
- Time tracking systems at key intermediate points
- Professional lighting for low-visibility conditions
The finishing straight, equipped with advanced timing systems, provides an ultimate test of race strategy before the finish line. Multiple camera positions capture every decisive moment, while the historic fortress backdrop creates an iconic setting for this premier World Cup venue. Support facilities include medical stations, technical assistance zones, and equipment storage areas, all positioned to maintain smooth race operations throughout the event.
Race Results
Men's Elite
|
Position |
Rider |
Country |
Team |
Time |
Gap |
|
1 |
Niels Vandeputte |
BEL |
Alpecin-Deceuninck |
57:55 |
- |
|
2 |
Felipe Orts Lloret |
ESP |
Ridley Racing Team |
58:04 |
+0:09 |
|
3 |
Pim Ronhaar |
NED |
Baloise Trek Lions |
58:15 |
+0:20 |
|
4 |
Eli Iserbyt |
BEL |
Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal |
58:31 |
+0:36 |
|
5 |
Cameron Mason |
GBR |
Cyclocross Reds |
58:53 |
+0:58 |
Elite cyclocross racer Niels Vandeputte delivered a tactical masterclass for Alpecin-Deceuninck, securing his breakthrough World Cup victory with flawless race pacing strategy and precise line choices throughout the technical course. The Belgian's winning time of 57:55 came under pressure from Felipe Orts Lloret (Ridley Racing Team), who mounted an impressive chase to finish just nine seconds behind. Baloise Trek Lions' Pim Ronhaar completed the elite men's podium, crossing the line 20 seconds off the winning pace after navigating the challenging race conditions.
Women's Elite
|
Position |
Rider |
Country |
Team |
Time |
Gap |
|
1 |
Marie Schreiber |
LUX |
SD Worx-Protime |
53:45 |
- |
|
2 |
Lucinda Brand |
NED |
Baloise Trek Lions |
54:05 |
+0:20 |
|
3 |
Puck Pieterse |
NED |
Fenix-Deceuninck |
54:13 |
+0:28 |
|
4 |
Annemarie Worst |
NED |
Cyclocross Reds |
54:25 |
+0:40 |
|
5 |
Inge van der Heijden |
NED |
Crelan - Corendon |
54:37 |
+0:52 |
Rising star Marie Schreiber (SD Worx-Protime) showcased masterful racing technique throughout the technical cyclocross circuit, securing her breakthrough World Cup victory in commanding fashion. The Luxembourg elite rider's tactical line choices and precise race pacing created insurmountable time gaps, while veteran Lucinda Brand (Baloise Trek Lions) demonstrated superior race strategy to break from the chase group in the penultimate lap for second position. Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) emerged victorious from an intense podium battle with Annemarie Worst and Inge van der Heijden, cementing her position in the competition rankings.
Conclusion
In the fifth round of the 2024 UCI World Cup, Hulst delivered breakthrough performances and technical mastery that will reshape the cyclocross landscape. The historic Dutch fortress witnessed rising stars Niels Vandeputte and Marie Schreiber claim their first World Cup victories through superior race strategy and tactical line choices. While challenging conditions and the demanding course claimed several favorites, including World Cup leader Vanthourenhout, the event showcased why Hulst remains a cornerstone of elite cyclocross racing. As the World Cup series continues, these emerging champions have proven that precision, determination, and adaptability are key to conquering the sport's most technical circuits. Let's cycle to Mars together.
