RACING AHEAD

Ghent Six (November 13-18)

The most prestigious and the most legendary of six-day events, this year sees a very strong field taking to the boards. Kenny de Ketele is set to defend his 2017 title alongside Robbe Ghys, while Iljo Keisse and Elia Viviani will combine to form one of the most potent duos in track racing. The women’s line-up is equally impressive, with Kirsten Wild, Jolien D’hoore and Lotte Kopecky among the riders to watch.

cyclo-cross world cup Tabor (November 17)

The fourth round of this season’s World Cup and the second to be raced on European soil will see riders head to familiar territory in the Czech Republic. Mathieu van der Poel is the master of this course, having won the World Championships there in 2015 in addition to the European Championships last year. Toon Aerts and Marianne Vos currently head the World Cup standings for the men’s and women’s competitions respectively.

Flandriencross (November 18)

The third in the DVV Verzekeringen Trofee series, the men’s race looks set to be another battle between the usual protagonists, though German Marcel Meisen is on a fine run of form and could be capable of springing a surprise. It will be the 17th running of this race, and once again British interest is sure to be focused on the U23 race, where Ben Turner will be hoping to make it two wins in as many weeks.