The women’s race in Zonhoven unfolded in dramatic fashion, with Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado claiming her second UCI Cyclocross World Cup victory of the season after a commanding performance in the latter stages. Rain-slicked sand and technical descents set the scene for a gruelling day of racing.
The race began with Luxembourg’s Marie Schreiber taking the holeshot and leading into the field. However, it was Britain’s Zoe Backstedt who took control on the infamous Kuil sand descent. Her technical skills allowed her to establish a solo lead of over 20 seconds by the end of the first lap. Behind her, a group of favourites, including Lucinda Brand, Inge van der Heijden, and Alvarado, began their chase.
Backstedt’s lead held steady until the fourth lap, when Brand surged forward, bridging the gap and briefly overtaking the young Briton. However, a costly mistake in a tight sand corner stalled Brand’s progress, allowing Backstedt to regain her position. Meanwhile, Alvarado, who had steadily moved through the field, joined the duo at the front.
Photo Credit: GettyIn the penultimate lap, Alvarado attacked decisively, using her superior power and precision in the technical sections to open a ten-second gap. Behind her, Brand and Backstedt duelled for second place, with Backstedt ultimately prevailing in the sprint to the line. Alvarado crossed the finish with a comfortable margin, securing her eighth win of the season. Brand settled for third, extending her lead in the overall World Cup standings.
Reflecting on her race, Alvarado said, “After yesterday, I didn’t expect this. I just wanted a better day, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out.” Backstedt, who claimed a career-best second place in the elite category, remarked, “I gave it my all today. It was tough, but I’m happy with the result.”
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Photo Credit: GettyVan der Poel dominates men’s race on cyclocross return
The men’s race at Zonhoven marked the return of World Champion Mathieu van der Poel, who delivered a masterclass in wet and sandy conditions to secure a record-breaking fifth win at this iconic World Cup venue.
Starting from the third row, Van der Poel wasted no time moving through the field. By the time the riders approached the first descent of the Kuil sand drop, he had surged into second place behind Toon Aerts. Van der Poel’s precision and speed through the sand saw him take the lead on the descent, and from there, he never looked back.
By the end of the first lap, Van der Poel had opened a 21-second gap on a chase group that included Thibau Nys, Joran Wyseure, Pim Ronhaar, and Eli Iserbyt. His relentless pace stretched the lead to over a minute by the halfway point, leaving the battle for second as the primary focus.
Nys, supported by his Baloise Trek Lions teammate Ronhaar, gradually distanced himself from the chasers. Wyseure joined Nys in the fight for the podium in the closing laps, while mistakes from Iserbyt and Aerts saw them fall out of contention.
Van der Poel’s dominance was unchallenged as he cruised to victory, crossing the line with a 1:30 lead. Nys secured second place, holding off a late charge from Wyseure, who claimed third in what he described as his best World Cup result.
“This was one of the best first races I’ve ever done,” Van der Poel said after the finish. “The heavy conditions suited me, and I felt strong from the start.” Nys, who bounced back after a disappointing 16th place in Hulst the previous day, was thrilled with his performance, stating, “It feels like a victory for me. Everything clicked today.”
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Main photo credit: Getty
