Alvarado Secures Victory in Challenging Exact Cross Amidst Snowstorm
The Exact Cross in Mol delivered a thrilling race day, punctuated by challenging conditions as a snowstorm descended upon the course. Ceylin Alvarado (Alpecin-Deceuninck) emerged victorious, showcasing her strength and skill in the arduous weather.
The race presented unique obstacles for the riders.Visibility was reduced, and the accumulating snow obscured the course markings, making line choice particularly tricky. Despite these hurdles, the competition remained fierce throughout the event.
A Battle at the Front
Alvarado engaged in a captivating duel with Shirin van Anrooij (Cyclocross reds) for much of the race. They consistently pushed each other, establishing a clear lead over the rest of the field. Alvarado ultimately proved too strong, securing a well-deserved win.
julie Brouwers (Charles Liégeois-Deschacht) demonstrated impressive form, finishing in third place. She skillfully navigated the challenging conditions, maintaining a strong position throughout the race, finishing 26 seconds behind the leader.
Fleur Moors (baloise Verzekeringen-Het Poetsbureau Lions) and Kristyna Zemanová (VIF) also delivered strong performances. They finished fourth and fifth respectively, having been prominent members of the early leading group.
A Chance to Shine
The absence of Lucinda Brand, a dominant force in the women’s cyclocross season, created an prospect for other riders to contend for the top spots. Van Anrooij and Alvarado seized this chance, delivering a captivating head-to-head battle. Alvarado’s victory also marked a triumphant defense of her title from last year’s exact Cross in Mol.
Here’s a rapid recap of the top finishers:
* 1st: Ceylin Alvarado (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
* 2nd: Shirin van Anrooij (Cyclocross Reds)
* 3rd: Julie Brouwers (Charles Liégeois-Deschacht)
* 4th: Fleur Moors (Baloise Verzekeringen-Het Poetsbureau Lions)
* 5th: Kristyna Zemanová (VIF)
if you’re a cyclocross enthusiast, you understand the demands these conditions place on athletes. It requires not only physical prowess but also remarkable bike handling skills and mental fortitude. This race certainly delivered on all fronts, providing a memorable spectacle for fans.
