IOWA CITY — Next weekend, millions of TV sets in Europe will be tuned to a live broadcast from Iowa City.

Why?

The city is hosting an international cyclocross World Cup event, one of just 10 across the globe in the 2016-17 racing season.

“This is a chance to see some of best racers in the world,” said John Meehan, the event’s race director.

The Telenet UCI Cyclocross World Cup is Saturday at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. The women’s race is at 3:30 p.m. and the men’s race at 5 p.m. The World Cup is the centerpiece of a four-day Jingle Cross World Cup weekend, which includes additional professional, amateur and kids races, off-site bike rides, 18 food stands, craft beer, bike vendors, music and fireworks to kick off festivities Thursday at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area.

In the pro ranks, points awarded at the race will contribute to totals that help determine the season’s champion. About 65 men and 50 women are expected to participate in the respective World Cup race, including last year’s champion, Wout Van Aert of Belgium, on the men’s side. Some 2,500 additional professional and amateur racers and 15,000 spectators are also expected to descend here.

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