Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado experienced a highly successful cyclocross weekend, with a dominant performance at both the Superprestige in Niel on Saturday and the World Cup in Dendermonde on Sunday. Representing Alpecin-Deceuninck, Alvarado showcased her superior form, particularly in Dendermonde, where she quickly established a lead over Lucinda Brand, who made an impressive return to the field.
The World Cup event in Dendermonde, returning after a year’s absence, was eagerly anticipated by cyclocross fans for the challenging, muddy conditions. Alvarado, already in fine form from her recent victory in Niel, didn’t have the strongest start, with Lucinda Brand of Baloise Trek Lions initially taking the lead. However, Alvarado quickly took control, building a significant gap over Brand.
Alvarado’s performance was nothing short of a one-woman show, as she powered through the technical sections with remarkable strength. Despite a slower start, Brand managed to stabilise her pace but couldn’t close the gap on Alvarado, who maintained a substantial lead throughout the race. Zoe Bäckstedt, the 19-year-old British talent, secured the third spot after an intense battle with Marion Norbert Riberolle, marking her first podium finish in a World Cup elite event.
Alvarado, after crossing the finish line, expressed her delight at achieving her first World Cup victory since January 2021. She reflected on the significance of winning consecutively, emphasising the boost in confidence from her current form. Brand, returning after a hiatus due to injury, was content with her second-place finish, acknowledging the challenge she faced in regaining her rhythm during the race.
Bäckstedt, despite feeling under the weather, was thrilled with her podium finish. Looking ahead, she aims for further success in both elite and U23 categories, highlighting the upcoming World Championships for U23 as a major goal.
Overall, Alvarado’s back-to-back victories in Niel and Dendermonde marked a triumphant return to form, while Brand and Bäckstedt’s performances indicated strong potential for the remainder of the cyclocross season.
2023 Dendermonde Women result
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