Just ten days ago, Sanne Cant was celebrated for what was supposed to be her “final road race” at the GP Yvonne Reynders. However, the Fenix-Deceuninck rider shows no signs of stopping. Cant soloed to victory at the Schaal Sels Ladies in Merksem, a criterium spanning 66 kilometres.
At the Grand Prix Yvonne Reynders, Cant had hinted that her road career was over, saying the “reins could be loosened”. Yet, it seems those reins have been tightened once again. The Belgian vice-champion was called up for the GP Lucien Van Impe last Thursday due to a shortage of riders. And once more, she took to the saddle for the Schaal Sels Ladies.
During the race, the Fenix-Deceuninck team, including Sanne Cant, Evy Kuijpers, Marthe Truyen, and Marion Norbert Riberolle, kept a firm grip on the proceedings. With nine laps to go, Cant, Norbert Riberolle, Truyen, Kelly Druyts, and Emily De Cuyper managed to create a small gap from the rest of the peloton. However, this breakaway was short-lived, and with four laps remaining, the group came back together.
Fenix-Deceuninck then took control of the race. With just two laps left, Cant, Truyen, and Norbert Riberolle launched a fierce attack. The hesitation from the chasing group allowed the leading trio to contest the win among themselves. The fifteen-time Belgian cyclocross champion, Cant, didn’t let it come down to a three-rider sprint, finishing alone and taking the victory. This win follows in the footsteps of world champion Lotte Kopecky, who was the previous winner of the Schaal Sels.
As Cant looks forward to another cyclocross season starting in two months, it’s a fitting end to her remarkable road career.
2024 Schaal Sels Ladies result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Belga
