It has of course been quiet about cyclo-cross for a while, and then it is logical that we also see Eli Iserbyt less in the picture. However, last week there was some news from cross-country, with the announcement of the new World Cup calendar. And Iserbyt has something to say about that.
More spread
The Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal rider was asked by Wielerflits for his opinion. “What immediately became clear is that it has become more compact. Personally, I think that is a shame, because a shorter World Cup also means that outside attention will shrink even more in periods when no World Cups are being held,” he is immediately critical.
“If I had been able to put together this calendar myself, I would have preferred to see the World Cup start a little earlier. But on the other hand, I think everyone knows why the UCI’s focus is so much on December and January,” he refers to the fact that there is a greater chance that names such as Van Aert, Van der Poel and Pidcock will be at the start. come.
But that means people are forgotten, Iserbyt thinks. “I don’t think we have been forgotten, but I do note that not enough attention has been paid to the real cross teams. For our sponsors, this World Cup calendar can almost be called a drama.”
Financial consequences
According to Iserbyt, these teams will once again suffer a financial blow in this way. “For the real 100% cross teams, such as Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal and Baloise Trek Lions, a large part of their exposure to international media disappears. Now that period is being shortened enormously and you are solely dependent on the Flemish media for a longer period of time.”
There are now two fewer heats, and they all ride in Belgium or the Netherlands. Good changes according to Iserbyt, who, however, still sees areas for improvement. “In my opinion, the cross should remain as it was. There used to be seven or eight World Cups. I think there could be twelve or fourteen, but I would have liked to see more spread.”
“Look at the Mountain Bike World Cup, which runs from March to August. Each time with one or two heats close together, this extends the season and keeps things interesting for a long time. Now you limit the mediagenic part of the season to barely two months.”
