Inge van der Heijden claimed victory in the Kleeberg Cross, the first Dutch cyclocross race of the 2024-2025 season, held in Mechelen, Limburg. The 25-year-old from Schaijk fended off fellow Dutchwoman Aniek van Alphen to cross the line first after several fierce attacks. Van Alphen finished just four seconds behind, with Leonie Bentveld rounding out the podium.
The race, hosted on the grounds of the local football club RKMVC, featured a 2.6-kilometre lap, most of it off-road. Riders faced 1.8 kilometres of grassy fields and 650 metres of forest paths, along with a notorious sand section. However, the most challenging feature was the “wet zone”, a water section where competitors sometimes found themselves knee-deep in mud.
Van der Heijden’s solo attack proved decisive, although Van Alphen battled hard to close the gap. “I knew the course would suit me well with the heavy conditions, but Aniek made it tough all the way,” Van der Heijden said after her win.
Photo Credit: Ger HermansIn the men’s race, Belgian rider Jens Adams emerged victorious after launching an attack in the fourth of nine laps. Adams, who started as the favourite, held off a strong challenge from last year’s winner, Ward Huybs, who finished just three seconds behind. Danny van Lierop completed the podium, crossing the line in third, nearly a minute down on Adams.
Adams’ attack came just after David Haverdings suffered mechanical problems, leaving him and Van Lierop in pursuit of the Belgian. Despite a spirited ride from Huybs, Adams managed to hold firm. “It was all about timing my move. I knew I had to go early,” Adams remarked after securing his win.
Meanwhile, the local crowd cheered home rider Rémon Delnoije, who finished in a respectable 11th place.
2024 Women’s Kleeberg Cross result
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2024 Men’s Kleeberg Cross result
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Main photo credit: Sportfoto
