Sunday marks the end of an era in cyclocross as Sanne Cant takes to the start line for the final time at the Sluitingsprijs in Oostmalle. The Belgian rider, a three-time world champion, three-time European champion, and fifteen-time national champion, bids farewell to the sport in which she dominated for years. Speaking to Sporza, she reflects on her final race and points to the riders she believes could take up her mantle.
Cant has carefully planned her farewell. ‘I’m really looking forward to it,’ she says. ‘I’m not doing any real training this week, though I do want to check out the course on Wednesday.’ Then, on Sunday, the moment arrives. ‘I’ve organised my own farewell party, but beyond that, I have no idea what they have planned for me.’
Her farewell tour has taken her across Belgium’s cyclocross scene one last time, with a victory in Otegem and a second-place finish in Loenhout as highlights. ‘It’s quite special to have raced everywhere for the last time. I’m happy with my form and the performances I’ve delivered. I’ve shown that I’m not past it yet. I’ve been able to finish every race on a high.’
Once the final race is over, a new chapter begins—one where Cant finally has time for other things. ‘I’ll finally have time to work in the garden. It needs it,’ she laughs. She also plans to clear out her racing gear. ‘It needs to go so I can find some peace. Of course, I’ll keep exercising, but my home doesn’t need to revolve around my sporting life anymore.’
Who will follow in Cant’s footsteps?
Cant’s remarkable career leaves a significant gap in Belgian cyclocross. She sees two riders as potential successors. ‘In the short term, I think Marion Norbert-Riberolle has what it takes. She’s proven she has real talent, but she needs to be at her best in every race. That’s something she really has to work on. Right now, she often just picks the races she feels like doing, the ones that suit her.’
Cant is confident Norbert-Riberolle can step up, but consistency will be key. ‘She has to be competitive in every race, not just the ones that play to her strengths.’
She also highlights a younger talent. ‘In the longer term, I hope Fleur Moors can take the next steps. She hasn’t been on the bike for long, so we need to give her time to develop and grow. We shouldn’t put too much pressure on her.’
Sunday will be an emotional day in Oostmalle as Sanne Cant closes the book on a career that has helped shape Belgian cyclocross. Her legacy will not be forgotten anytime soon.
