Van Alphen Secures First World Cup Victory in Flamanville, Takes Series Lead
Flamanville, France – Aniek Van Alphen delivered a breakthrough performance Sunday, winning the Cyclocross World Cup in Flamanville and seizing the overall series lead. The victory marks a career highlight for Van Alphen, who powered away from a strong field including Amandine Fouquenet and Ceylin Alvarado.
The race unfolded wiht Fouquenet initially setting a fast pace, followed by a strong move from Van Alphen that quickly distanced early challenger Leonie Bentveld. A chase group formed behind, including Fouquenet, Alvarado, and Inge van der Heijden, but Van Alphen proved relentless, establishing a lead she wouldn’t relinquish. Fouquenet secured second place, while Alvarado, making her season debut after recovering from a knee injury, finished third.
“It was hard,” Fouquenet said after the race, describing the battle for the podium. “I think I am strong in the hard part, but on the technical part I am not the best. I lost some wheels on the technical part and then after I try to push with the gap. So yes, it was a hard battle. Aniek was strong today,so I just battled for the second place.”
Alvarado expressed satisfaction with her result, given her recent injury and limited preparation. “I think I can be very happy with today.I suffered a lot and it was a hard race for me,so I think for today a third place was the maximum,” she stated.She also reported positive signs regarding her knee, adding, “I think it is indeed gone now and it is okay. Maybe sometimes I will feel something, but I think it will be fine.”
Van alphen now leads the World Cup standings with 61 points,12 ahead of Fouquenet. Her win was aided by the absence of round one winner Lucinda Brand and runner-up Sara Casasola. The series continues next weekend in Terralba, Sardinia.
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