Sanne Cant, in her final season as a professional cyclist, saw her hopes of an Olympic farewell dashed. The 33-year-old rider for Fenix-Deceuninck finished second at the Belgian National Championships on Sunday, a result that bolstered her Olympic aspirations. However, it was not to be.
Cant finished as the best of the rest in Zottegem, behind the imperious Lotte Kopecky. The world champion is also the focal point of the Belgian Olympic selection. After the race, Cant was visibly emotional, saying, “I can’t imagine a better way to end my career. I still hope I can go to the Games; then I will have experienced everything I could.”
Despite her hopes, Sanne Cant later revealed on Instagram that she would not be selected for the Olympics. “I’ve experienced a rollercoaster of emotions over the past few days. I am very happy with my performance on Sunday, but I received a call yesterday that I did not expect,” she posted. “All I can do right now is try to find a place for this disappointment.”
The 18-year-old Fleur Moors, who finished fourth at the Belgian National Championships, was quick to offer her support. “You deserved that selection so much!!” Moors commented, showing solidarity with her colleague.
The men’s national coach, Sven Vanthourenhout, announced his Olympic team yesterday. The women’s selection, led by coach Ludwig Willems, has yet to be finalised. It remains to be seen who will join Kopecky on the Olympic roster, with the decision expected in the coming days.
