When the starter’s gun goes off at the 25th edition of the Tiszaujvaros World Cup this weekend, there will be one obvious way to give the event the magical ending it deserves. A home gold medal would be perfect for the hosts and, based on recent history, it is certainly within reach in the men’s event. At the same time, a range of tough opponents will be lying in wait with plans to spoil Hungary’s day.

The home favourite

Csongor Lehmann (HUN) wears number 1 and is the standout name in the first semi-final. The former World U23 champion comes into the race on the back of claiming a maiden WTCS medal in his last outing in Cagliari. As such, he is in some of the best form of his life. Moreover, he is the defending champion at the Tiszaujvaros World Cup having also won the European Cups in his home town in the seasons prior.

This weekend he will be cast in the unfamiliar role of elder statesman in the Hungarian team; Lehmann is the oldest man due to start for his country and the only member of the squad born in the 20th century. Nevertheless, his form and history in Tiszaujvaros means he should take the pressure in his stride.

The World Cup winners

Lehmann is not the only World Cup winner due to start. Takumi Hojo (JPN) is the top seed in the third semi-final after winning the Yeongdo World Cup last August. Hojo is a terrific all-rounder and arrives with something of a point to prove as he nurses his non-selection for the Japanese Olympic team.

Genis Grau (ESP), a World Cup winner in Huatulco, goes in the second semi-final in which Chase McQueen stands as the top seed. Not to be forgotten is Callum McClusky (AUS). The Australian won the Napier World Cup back in February and will face off against Lehmann in the first semi-final for a spot in Sunday’s thirty-man final.

New kids on the block

There are two budding stars will need to be watched closely in Tiszaujvaros. Mathis Beaulieu (CAN) races after winning a maiden World Cup medal in Huatulco back in May. Should he emerge from the first semi-final against the likes of Lehmann, Barclay Izzard (GBR) and McClusky, he could be a real threat in the final. Similarly, Bradley Course (AUS), the 2023 Oceania champion at both the junior and senior levels, will look to impress in the second semi-final.

Beaulieu and Course are in their first seasons out of the junior ranks. Despite their youth, they have already shown that they can mix it at the senior level and should be able to ruffle some feathers.

The class of 2022

One feature of the men’s racing this weekend is that the entire World U23 Championships podium from 2022 will be starting. Connor Bentley (GBR), Gergely Kiss (HUN) and Hamish Reilly (GBR) will renew their rivalries and will look to match Bentley’s recent World Cup win in Samarkand. While Reilly will start in the second semi-final, Bentley and Kiss will clash in the third semi-final.

Eric Diener (GER), the 4th place finisher from the 2022 World U23 Championships, will also be present. Indeed, only three of top-10 from that day are missing and all are looking to make a splash. From this group, Paul Georgenthum (FRA) is part of a large French team containing multiple threats while Saxon Morgan (NZL) could be one to watch. In addition, John Reed (USA) will be racing after claiming a first World Cup medal in Huatulco (like Beaulieu) and could end up as the pick of the 2022 bunch.