Fem van Empel began her 2024-25 Cyclocross World Cup campaign with a commanding solo victory in Antwerp, pulling clear on the second lap and leaving her rivals to battle for the remaining podium places. The world champion continued her imperious form, winning on the sand-laden Sint-Annastrand circuit, the day after triumphing in Kortrijk.
Marie Schreiber launched off the start line with a blistering pace, securing the holeshot and diving into the first sand section ahead of the pack. Fem van Empel, already well-positioned, followed closely behind. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, however, faltered at the start, her sluggish opening attributed to a recent illness that left her struggling to find rhythm. Meanwhile, Lucinda Brand also found herself slightly adrift, unable to match the early tempo.
By the second lap, Van Empel made her move. Riding with precision through the sandy sections and maintaining focus against the headwind, she surged ahead of Schreiber, opening a small but decisive gap. “The key today was staying steady and picking the right lines,” Van Empel explained afterward. “The wind was a big factor, but I just kept pushing.”
As the race progressed, Van Empel’s dominance became clear. Schreiber, despite her strong start, began to fade, eventually caught by Brand, who was making her way up the field. Brand’s experience showed as she powered through the third lap, reducing her deficit to Schreiber and securing second place. However, any hope of catching Van Empel had already slipped away.
By the halfway point, Van Empel held a commanding lead of over 30 seconds. Behind her, Brand was firmly in second, and Schreiber held onto third, managing her pace to maintain her podium position. The chasing group, including Sara Casasola and Alvarado, fought hard, but none could close the gap to the podium.
Van Empel entered the final lap with a significant cushion, navigating the sand with confidence and crossing the finish line solo to claim her fifth victory of the season. Brand followed in second, while Schreiber celebrated her third-place finish as the top U23 rider.
“I’m super happy with the win,” Van Empel said. “This course suited me, and I’m glad I could capitalise on my form.”
Belgium’s Laura Verdonschot, a sand specialist, finished ninth, while Marion Norbert-Riberolle, second in Kortrijk the day before, ended 13th. Alvarado’s struggles saw her finish outside the top five, a rare result for the in-form rider.
2024 Women’s Antwerp World Cup result
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Photo Credit: GettyIserbyt conquers the sand in Antwerp for back-to-back wins
The men’s Cyclocross World Cup opener delivered a tactical and hard-fought race, highlighted by shifting positions and a decisive solo attack from Eli Iserbyt. The Belgian champion, coming off a victory in Kortrijk, showed his strength once again on the sandy circuit in Antwerp.
The men’s race began with a fast but controlled pace, with riders jostling for position through the first lap. Michael Vanthourenhout led the pack early, setting a tempo that quickly split the field. A select group, including Laurens Sweeck, Iserbyt, Niels Vandeputte, and Thibau Nys, emerged at the front.
Sweeck made the first significant move, attacking through the sand section near the end of the lap. His effort created a small gap, but Iserbyt quickly bridged across on the following lap, dragging a reduced group with him. Riders like Nys and Vanthourenhout struggled to maintain contact, while others began to fall away.
On the fourth lap, Iserbyt launched his decisive attack on an uphill section. His move caught the others off-guard, and only Sweeck and Vanthourenhout managed to respond initially. However, Iserbyt’s pace proved too much, and he quickly opened a gap. Behind him, Sweeck worked to limit the damage, while Vanthourenhout faced mechanical issues, including a puncture that derailed his chase.
“I felt strong today,” Iserbyt said after the race. “The sand sections were tough, but I focused on maintaining my rhythm. The wind made it challenging, but I’m happy I could finish it off.”
As Iserbyt extended his lead, the battle for second and third intensified. Sweeck, known for his sand-cross abilities, held his position but admitted he couldn’t match Iserbyt’s pace. “I had no answer when Eli attacked,” Sweeck said. “His tempo was just too much, and I had to settle into my own rhythm.”
Vanthourenhout, despite his mechanical setback, managed to hold onto third, crossing the line ahead of a regrouped chase pack. Behind them, Nys faded in the latter stages, finishing outside the top ten, while Vandeputte and Lars van der Haar rounded out the top five.
Iserbyt crossed the finish line solo, securing his second win in as many days and taking the early lead in the World Cup standings. Sweeck finished 17 seconds behind in second, and Vanthourenhout completed the podium. “It’s been a great weekend for me,” Iserbyt said. “I wanted to turn things around after a difficult start to the season, and this is the perfect way to do it.”
The World Cup continues next weekend in Dublin, where riders will face a different kind of challenge on a fast, grassy course.
2024 Men’s Antwerp World Cup result
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Main photo credit: Getty
