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Marion Norbert Riberolle (Crelan-Corendon) fought back from an important early crash to clinch the Belgian National Cyclocross Championships with a fine solo win.
A bronze medallist last year, the top favourite battled through snow and thick mud to overtake all her rivals and finish nearly a minute clear of Laura Verdonschot (De Ceuster-Bouwpunt).
After a prolonged duel with Verdonschot, Julie Brouwers (Charles Liégeois Roastery CX) completed the podium.
Sterre Vervloet celebrated after crossing the line as the winner of the women’s U23 title.
Norbert Riberolle’s lone triumph ends a 15-year run of victories in the Championships for Sanne Cant, soon to retire and who did not take part in the race.
“It was a boxing match at the start. My front wheel was broken, but I thought: I’ll stay calm,” Norbert Riberolle said about her crash. “But it was right at the start and it’s like this every weekend. So I didn’t get that stressed.”
Asked about how it felt to take over as Belgian champion from her trade teammate Cant, she said, “When I see Sanne with a different jersey, it feels very strange. But to become champion after Sanne is super nice and I am also super happy for the team.”
How it unfolded
Racing was delayed by one hour because of the intensely cold weather currently affecting so much of northern Europe. But even so…
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