Our coverage of the 2018 Worlds is presented by Julbo Eyewear. Check out the glasses that 2018 National Champion Stephen Hyde wears.
The riders of Team USA got their first look at the course for this weekend's World Championships on Thursday. With mud covering the Cauberg hill, the off-cambers, descents, run-ups and climbs are expected to be challenging and Worlds-worthy come Saturday. For a first look at the course, join Kerry Werner, Sven Nys, Stacey Riedel and the Belgian team for the ups and downs of the muddy parcours.
Photographer Bart Hazen, who has been covering European racing for Cyclocross Magazine all season, lives near Valkenburg and was at the venue for Thursday's pre-ride. Hazen lives just a few kilometers from the venue, and hopped over to document the U.S. riders during their first practice session at the venue.
Eric Brunner smiles with amusement after taking a spill. 2018 Valkenburg Cyclocross World Championships - Thursday Practice. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
Stay tuned for more from Hazen on Friday and through the weekend of racing.
For more from Valkenburg-Limburg, see our dedicated 2018 World Championships page.
Don't forget to enter your Fantasy CX team to win one of three Easton Cycling components prize packages and try your luck to win one of four Feedback Sports prizes.
Photo Gallery: Team USA 2018 Worlds Course Inspection
Tobin Ortenblad takes a break from trying to ride the muddy course. 2018 Valkenburg Cyclocross World Championships – Thursday Practice. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
