Mirre, Lore and Julia ready for cross worlds

Lore De Schepper from the AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step U19-team and Mirre Knaven and Julia Kopecky from the U23-team are ready for the UCI cyclocross World Championships that take place in Hoogerheide, the Netherlands on 4 and 5 February.

Lore De Schepper is the first rider to hit the muddy fields of Hoogerheide on Saturday. She will represent Belgium in the junior women’s race.

"This will be my last race of the season and I trained hard to be my best, even if I wasn’t 100% sure I would be selected for the national team," the 17-year-old says.

"When I heard I was selected I was so proud. It’s so special to wear that national jersey of Belgium. My family and friends like to see me in action and are great supporters. Having them there means a lot," Lore concludes.

For Mirre it’s not the first time she wears the orange jersey of the national team but it’s always a special moment. With the World Championships in Hoogerheide, only 40 minutes from home, it’s even more special.

"Riding the championship at home gives an extra boost, that’s for sure,» says Mirre. «To prepare I trained hard and rode the X20 trophy in Hamme on Saturday as my last race. These last days before the actual world championships are a bit quieter. For me this race will be the last cyclocross race of the season so I am going to give it my all. When the weather stays dry as it was the past days, it will be fast and that could suit me."

Julia Kopecky joins Mirre in the U23 women’s race on Sunday. Julia lives in the Netherlands so these world championships are also pretty special for her.

"I am very proud to be selected. I love to ride for the Czech cyclocross team because I’m always super motivated and really relaxed with this crew. Because it’s in the Netherlands a lot of friends and family will be there to cheer for me," says Julia.

She raced the Czech nationals where she won a silver medal but then focused on her Psychology university exams these past two weeks.

"I’m not 100% sure where I will stand exactly after my exams. The course suits me well. It’s a physically demanding course with quite a bit of climbing. If it’s a little bit wet and slippery I will be very happy. I decided not to ride the team relay on Friday so I can do some extra training before the race on Sunday. I am looking forward to it!"