Canceled last year because of the health crisis, the Dijon international cyclo-cross competition was held this Monday, November 1 in the Combe à la Serpent park. For the first time, it is included in the calendar of the International Cycling Union (UCI).
It is on muddy and bumpy terrain that the 200 runners returned to the Combe à la Serpent circuit, this Monday, November 1, 2021.
Canceled last year due to the health crisis, the traditional Dijon cyclo-cross competition has found its audience of enthusiasts and regulars.
A reunion with the course that the runners also share. “It’s a great course, very physical. It’s a good preparation to be in shape before the European Championships.”, explains Joris Delbove, licensed at SCO Dijon.
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Three races on the International Cycling Union calendar
This year the SCO Dijon, the organizing club, is moving up a gear. From now on, three races of the competition will integrate the classification, level 2 of the International Cycling Union (UCI): the junior race, the women’s race and the elite men’s race.
“The UCI is the highest level of cycling”, explains Régis Boucheseche, president of SCO Dijon. “This new standard allows us to distribute points to the riders who participate.”
These points will then enable them to obtain a better ranking in international UCI competitions. A major change for cyclist Joris Delbove: “I’m doing the European Championship next week, if I want to start from the second or third starting line, I have to score a lot of points”.
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Attract new runners
This integration into the international ranking will also allow the Dijon club to attract new and more numerous riders. “It will allow us to gradually have other riders that we do not usually have. The riders in the middle of the table will come more easily to seek points here because it is easier than in the heats of world cup where the level is higher “, admits Régis Boucheseche.
But the SCO Dijon does not intend to stop there: “It is already a great recognition but we hope to continue to evolve further, it is the new policy of the club”, says its president.
Valentin Guillaud takes first place
Valentin Guillaud, licensed rider in Laval, won the elite international cyclo-cross race in Dijon. He was ahead of Yan Gras (SCO Dijon) who finished in 2nd position.
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