Lentel Huys Wins European Cyclo-Cross Championship Gold in Zeddam

Sixteen-year-old Lentel Huys became the first Belgian woman to win a European cyclo-cross championship gold medal in a youth category, riding to victory on November 8, 2026, in Zeddam, Netherlands.

Shana Huber finished second nine seconds back, while Nynke Jochems took third place, according to the same report. It was her first international championship ever, and she crossed the finish line entirely alone.

Huys described the tactical execution of her historic ride to Sporza. “It is great to grab the jersey straight away as a first-year junior,” Huys said. “I had a good start and I have calmly moved forward.” She added that she might have hoped for a medal beforehand, but a jersey is always difficult.

She extended her advantage in the middle phase of the race. “In the second or third lap I walked up at my own pace and saw that I had a gap,” Huys said. “If you take two stairs at a time every time, it is not simple to keep it up. I continued riding at my own pace and was able to hold my ground.”

The men’s junior race at the same Zeddam European Championship produced a separate victory for Belgium alongside a dramatic late-race crash. Lars Peers won the men’s junior European title after recovering from an early-race fall. His name had already been mentioned frequently before the start, though he stated that he had not really expected the victory himself.

Heeren maintained a solo lead until crashing near the stairs in the fifth of six laps, allowing Peers to overtake him for the gold medal. The race spanned a total of 6 rounds over a flat course running from Zeddam to Zeddam, with no online or television broadcast available this year.

Bas Vanden Eynde secured the bronze medal by dropping his chasing companions in the penultimate lap. Peers crossed the finish line ahead of silver medalist Heeren, who finished 15 seconds back, and bronze medalist Vanden Eynde, who finished 37 seconds behind. Loek Hovers finished fourth at 56 seconds, while Josh Tietjen took fifth place at 1 minute and 2 seconds, and Tommaso Cingolani also rounded out the broader chasing group earlier in the event.

Following his victory, Peers celebrated by executing Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature “Siuuu” goal celebration. Peers adopted the gesture after consulting compatriot Giel Lejeune, following a precedent set by Mathieu van der Poel. Lejeune is the junior European silver medalist.

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