The rider from Quebec, after securing third in 2021 and fifth in 2022, sets her focus on the Val di Sole Cyclocross round on snow, on Sunday, December 10th: “It’s a unique race"
Maghalie Rochette grew up in Quebec honed her mental and physical strength through diverse sports including skateboarding, soccer, and ice hockey in Canada's harsh climate. These skills are crucial when tackling the most exacting UCI Cyclocross World Cup stages.
It was not by chance that, in 2021, Rochette came close to her first World Cup win right in Val di Sole, earning a commendable third place behind Van Empel and Vos, and continued with a solid 5th place in 2022. This year, she returns as a strong favorite for the women’s event on the snow at Vermiglio's San Leonardo Lakes on December 10th at 13:10 CET.
“I am really excited to come back to Val di Sole. It’s one of my favorite stages in the World Cup calendar,” Rochette states. "It stands out from the other rounds with its breathtaking Trentino’s alpine scenery, vibrant fans, and the distinctive challenge of racing in snow and extreme cold.”
Rochette, alongside Britain's Zoe Backstedt, the Czech Republic's Kristyna Zemanova, and Italy's Sara Casasola, is determined to disrupt the Belgian and Dutch winning streak in the women’s World Cup. During the 2023/24 cyclocross season, the Canadian achieved eight victories in prominent American cyclocross series and placed fourth at the Waterloo World Cup stage in the United States.
“Each week in Europe, I feel stronger, and I am focused on maintaining this momentum for Val di Sole and reaching the podium," Rochette adds.
The weekend’s festivities commence with open practice sessions on Saturday, December 9th, from 14:00 to 16:00 CET. Race Day unfolds on Sunday, December 10th, starting with the Women's race at 13:10 CET and the Men's race at 14:40 CET.
