FloBikes will stream the Soudal Classics GP Hasselt live, starting with the elite men’s race at 7:45 AM CST. Highlights of the elite women’s to follow. Here's what you need to know for Saturday.

Fast Grass And A Big Pile Of Dirt

Last year’s edition of GP Hasselt saw the addition of an imported mound of dirt used to add some elevation to the otherwise flat Kapermolen Park. While last year’s mound was ridable, the organizers have decided to capitalize on the feature this year, creating a certifiable tower of dirt which the riders must run up.

nieuwe steile helling op het parcours in Hasselt! #SoudalClassics #cyclocross #veldrijden pic.twitter.com/WW4E1mr3PB

— Soudal Classics (@SoudalClassics) November 30, 2017

The rest of the course remains unchanged with grassy speed sections broken up by tight twists, along with a brief off-camber section which threatens to pull riders towards a rather cold-looking pond.

Een spannend stuk langs het water op het parcours van GP Hasselt. Dat zou wel eens een zeer frisse duik kunnen worden! #Soudalclassics pic.twitter.com/UDVRF5tFzh

— Soudal Classics (@SoudalClassics) December 1, 2017

A Cold But Dry Day Expected In Belgium

Following last weekend’s muddy, mechanical-ridden races, the pit crews will be relieved to find a dry course in Belgium this Saturday. Apart from the aforementioned “big pile of dirt,” the course is tame compared to last Sunday’s Flandriencross.

The fast conditions in 2016 allowed a lead group of 10-15 riders to form at the front for the opening laps. Similar conditions and a lack of clear favorites promises another exciting and open race tomorrow.

Belgian Frost Or Spanish Sun?

Toon Aerts headlines the men’s field following his win in Niel, while Corne Van Kessel and Tom Meeusen will surely contest the victory. Spencer Petrov of Aspire Racing will be the sole American representative in Hasselt.

Meanwhile in the women’s field, Petrov’s teammate Ellen Noble looks to improve on her second-place finish in Hamme. She will likely face her biggest challenge from Belgian Ellen Van Loy. 

Notably absent from GP Hasselt will be headliners Mathieu Van der Poel, Wout Van Aert, and Lars Van Der Haar in the elite men’s field. In the elite women’s field, Sanne Cant, Katie Compton, and Helen Wyman have opted out as well.

Perhaps due in part to a lack of an overall series classification, many of the favorites have migrated to the south of Spain for a mid-season training camp.

By Michael Sheehan