The women’s race at Exact Cross Loenhout unfolded under cold, misty skies, with Marion Norbert Riberolle securing her first win since October after a decisive error by teammate Sanne Cant. The race, part of the busy festive cyclocross calendar, lacked some of the season’s biggest names, including Fem van Empel, Puck Pieterse, and Lucinda Brand. With the Exact Cross series not having a classification, it was a race the biggest names could skip without damaging their general classification hopes. However, the contest between the remaining top riders ensured plenty of action.
The opening lap saw Sanne Cant leading an elite quartet alongside Lauren Molengraaf, Anna Kay, and Larissa Hartog. A mid-lap crash by Cant disrupted the group’s momentum, but the Belgian champion quickly regained her rhythm. By the third lap, the field reshuffled, with Cant and Riberolle forming a leading duo. Behind them, Imogen Wolff spearheaded the chase group, which now also included Julie Brouwers, as well as Kay & Hartog.
Cant appeared to have the race under control until a costly slip in a muddy section during the penultimate lap. Riberolle seized the opportunity, surging into the lead and gaining an eight-second advantage by the start of the final lap. From there, Riberolle maintained her lead to cross the line 23 seconds ahead of her teammate, with Wolff taking third, 40 seconds back, after a strong solo effort in the closing lap.
“I’m super happy,” Riberolle said post-race. “This race wasn’t originally on my schedule, but I’m glad we decided to include it. I didn’t feel great during the recon, but I found my rhythm and took my chances.”
Cant, who battled pain after the early crash, admitted it wasn’t her best day. “I’m just happy to have finished. I was racing with one leg after that fall, and I fear the pain might be worse tomorrow,” she said.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Photo Credit: GettyVan der Poel dominates men’s race with early solo attack
The men’s race at Exact Cross Loenhout belonged to Mathieu van der Poel, who extended his winning streak with a commanding solo victory. The world champion pulled away on the first lap and never looked back, finishing 32 seconds ahead of Thibau Nys, who edged Laurens Sweeck for second place.
The highly anticipated showdown between Van der Poel and Wout van Aert failed to materialise, as Van Aert’s return to cyclocross after a knee injury was marred by early mistakes and a late crash involving a spectator.
Van Aert showed promising form in the opening minutes, leading the charge into the first technical section. However, Van der Poel capitalised on a slight error from the Belgian, surging past him to take the lead. By the end of the first lap, Van der Poel had established a small gap, with Van Aert, Nys, and Sweeck in pursuit.
A second-lap crash by Van Aert widened the gap further, leaving Sweeck as the main chaser. Although Sweeck briefly closed the gap to Van der Poel, the Dutchman’s relentless pace eventually forced him to drop back. Nys, meanwhile, continued to pick up speed, joining Sweeck in the penultimate lap to fight for the podium positions.
On the final lap, Van der Poel maintained a steady lead while Van Aert’s hopes of a comeback ended after a crash involving a just barely overhanging hand of a spectator as his rivals passed on the inside. Nys outmanoeuvred Sweeck in the sprint for second place, leaving Van Aert to finish fourth.
“It wasn’t the day I had hoped for, but I’m happy with my condition,” Van Aert said after the race. “I had some good moments early on but wasn’t sharp enough technically.”
For Van der Poel, it was another masterclass in consistency and power. “I felt strong from the start and managed to stay focused through the technical sections. It’s great to win here again,” he commented.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Cor Vos
