The 21-year-old Dutchwoman is back in Trentino on the snow-covered Vermiglio route, after dominating the 2022 race, as well as the MTB XC World Cup in Val di Sole in 2023. And after the event, she will enjoy the Alpine slopes again
When it comes to a multidisciplinary approach to cycling, there are few better examples than Puck Pieterse. Despite her young age, the Dutchwoman is an incredibly versatile cyclist and has already shown excellence in both MTB (eyeing the 2024 Olympic Games) and Cyclocross (a discipline aimed at the Winter Olympics, based on the unique stage in Val di Sole). Additionally, Pieterse has made time to perform admirably on the road, finishing fifth at the Strade Bianche in March this year.
On Sunday, December 10, Pieterse will once again face one of the most unique challenges modern cycling has to offer: she will ride her bike on a treacherous, snow-covered circuit filled with turns and bumps. In Val di Sole, on the course beside the San Leonardo Lakes in Vermiglio, Pieterse aims to replicate her 2022 triumph, which she celebrated on the top step of an all-Dutch podium, alongside Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and Manon Bakker, who are also competing again this year.
Pieterse is well aware of the challenges the Vermiglio course presents, having finished ninth in 2021, nearly three minutes behind the winner.
"I remember that first time quite clearly," Pieterse recalls. "I had raced on courses with some snow a few times before, but never on one specifically designed for snow. It was challenging because the snow made it hard for me to pedal effectively; at times, it felt like sand, and I'm not the best sand-rider."
"In 2022, I knew what to expect, and the partially frozen surface made the course faster, though still treacherous. But the main rule is always the same: let the bike do its thing, don't force it, and above all, stay calm and alert."
In addition to reaffirming her title as the queen of Val di Sole, Pieterse is also excited to return to Italy for two other reasons: "Firstly, for the passionate spectators who bring such energy to the races – especially with the now-famous chainsaws; secondly, for the chance to go snowboarding in Trentino."
Like last year, the young rider from the Fenix-Deceuninck team plans to extend her stay in Val di Sole by a day to ski the local slopes, which are plentiful in the Italian Alps of Trentino.
Joining Pieterse, Bakker, and Alvarado in the hunt for top positions are Canada's Maghalie Rochette and Italy's Sara Casasola. Both Casasola and Rochette face the daunting task of breaking the Dutch women’s impressive winning streak in the World Cup, which has lasted over two years.
The race conditions are uncertain due to temperature fluctuations and recent rainfall, which has slightly altered the course during its construction. The total elevation gain remains mostly the same (+60 meters per lap), but two bumps have replaced the longest climb, emphasizing technical skills and speed – changes that should suit Pieterse, who is also recognized for her ability to bunny hop over obstacles effectively.
The Cyclocross World Cup in Vermiglio begins on Saturday, December 9, with free practice sessions from 14:00 to 16:00 CET. The races start on Sunday, December 10, with the Elite Women's race at 13:10 CET, followed by the Elite Men's race at 14:40 CET. On Sunday morning, from 11:00 to 13:00 CET, cyclocross enthusiasts can enjoy a performance by the All Aboard Band.
