Crown Princes

World Champion Wout van Aert knows he will be the man to beat in the upcoming cyclocross season. His main rival, Belgian born Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel, was operated on both knees in July. Laurens Sweeck, one of three professional cycling brothers, is more and more the upcoming man. Eli Iserbyt finally won the rainbow jersey for the under-23 category in early 2016 and is looking to make the jump to the pros.

Three months after his double knee surgery, Mathieu is back at the start of a cyclocross race, hoping for a big win. The Sweeck family is expecting a first grand child. Not a week goes by without Wout having troubles with his gear. Eli, finally, hopes to shine in front of his own supporters on his favourite track, Ronse.

The Koppenbergcross with its hard climbs is perfect for Wout van Aert. With Mathieu van der Poel back in full form, winning it will not be easy. Eli's girlfriend, Puck, also hopes to start a cycling career. The three Sweeck brothers race the same race for the first time this year. Mathieu goes to Spain for a bit to rest and train for the next few races to come.