THE CONTENDERS
MATHIEU VAN DER POEL
NED, 29
The Dutch doyen has been so good this winter it feels like he could cruise to victory riding at 80% this weekend, especially without Wout van Aert or Tom Pidcock on the start line. His near two-minute win ahead of van Aert on New Year’s Day was his most emphatic this winter.
CW rating ★★★★★
CAMERON MASON
GBR, 23
Ninth in last year’s elite Worlds, Mason has had a solid season so far and targets a top 10 at Tábor. He won the elite British Nationals and has ridden eight World Cup races, his best finish being eighth place at Maasmechelen back in October.
CW rating ★★★
ANNA KAY
GBR, 24
New British elite champion Kay will be one of GB’S top women for this year’s elite Worlds, alongside Zoe Bäckstedt, who will be riding up from the U23 ranks. Gateshead rider Kay managed 12th place at the notoriously tough Namur World Cup round. A top 15 at Tábor would be a great ride for her.
CW rating ★★★
PUCK PIETERSE
NED, 21
Thirteen races and 13 podium finishes this winter – including four on the top step – make the 21-year-old second favourite to her compatriot van Empel. The battle between Pieterse and Ceylin Alvarado could be the most entertaining this weekend.
CW rating ★★★★
FEM VAN EMPEL
NED, 21
Last year’s world champion will be the rider to beat, having won 14 of the 16 races she has started so far this season, including three World Cup rounds. However, she is likely to be pushed hard by others including Bäckstedt and compatriot Pieterse, who has prevailed in their last two World Cup meetings.
CW rating ★★★★★