Alvarado Prioritizes january Races, Skipping Gavere World cup
Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, teh Fenix-Deceuninck rider, has made the strategic decision too skip the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Gavere on December 26th. This move aims to prevent burnout and ensure she’s in peak condition for the crucial races in January.
Alvarado has been on a tear recently, securing victories in both the Zonhoven and Mol World Cup races after a slight setback due to illness in Hulst. While a third win in five days seemed within reach,Alvarado and her team have opted for a more measured approach.
Her next scheduled appearance will be at the Besançon World Cup this Sunday, followed by a string of prestigious events: the superprestige races in Diegem and Gullegem, and the Dendermonde World Cup.
Currently sitting in third place in the World Cup standings, Alvarado trails leader Lucinda Brand by 36 points. Her absence from Gavere could possibly widen this gap. Though, with a strong performance in the upcoming races, Alvarado remains a serious contender for the overall title.
Calculated Risk: Is Alvarado’s Gavere Snub the Right Move?
Welcome back sports fans! Today we have a true legend of the sport joining us, two-time Cyclo-cross world Champion and five-time Belgian National Champion, Sven Nys! Welcome, Sven!
Sven: Thanks for having me! Always happy to talk cyclocross.
Moderator: Sven, we all saw Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado’s astounding performance with back-to-back wins in Zonhoven and Mol. But then came the surprising news – she’s skipping the Gavere World Cup. What are your thoughts on this decision, especially with the overall World Cup title still within reach?
Sven: It’s a bold move, no doubt about it. Ceylin is clearly in top form, but the cyclocross season is grueling. These back-to-back races can take their toll, both physically and mentally. I think her team is making a smart calculation. They’re prioritizing her long-term success and aiming to peak for the crucial January races, including the World Championships.
Moderator: I agree, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. But with Lucinda Brand holding a 36 point lead, doesn’t skipping Gavere risk widening that gap even further?
Sven: Absolutely, there’s a risk involved.Every race counts in the world cup standings. But I believe Ceylin and her team have weighed the pros and cons carefully. They might be banking on picking up vital points in the upcoming Superprestige races, which are highly competitive and held in prestigious venues like Diegem and Gullegem.
moderator: You mentioned the World Championships. Do you think Alvarado’s strategy is ultimately geared towards peaking for that event in Hoogerheide?
Sven: That’s certainly a possibility. The World Championships are the pinnacle of cyclocross, and winning that rainbow jersey is every rider’s dream. Ceylin has the talent to do it, but she needs to be fresh and at her absolute best come February.
Moderator: This is a topic that’s sure to spark debate among fans.
Do you think alvarado’s decision is a smart tactical move, or is she taking a gamble that could backfire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Sven: It’s going to be an exciting race to watch unfold.
Moderator: Thank you so much for your insights, Sven. Always a pleasure having you on the show!
Sven: My pleasure!
