Kristýna Zemanová had a successful pre-Christmas World Cup race in Antwerp. On a difficult course with sandy sections, she finished fifth, which is the second best result of her career. Lucinda Brand celebrated the victory before Ceylin Alvarado. The men’s race was Mathieu van der Poel’s first clash with Wout van Aert, with the Dutchman clearly on top as he repeated his week-old Namur triumph. Van Aert finished seventh, Michael Boroš finished in 20th place.
Twenty-two-year-old Zemanová confirmed her belonging to the elite at her third start of the year, after sixth place in Tábor and seventh place from last week in Namur, she claimed the best result of the season. She was already fifth last January in Zonhoven, her best career result is a two-year-old fourth place from the snow race in Val di Sole.
The champion of the Republic and the winner of the domestic cup overtook Shirin van Anrooij in the finish line and broke the block of Dutch cyclocross racers who would have otherwise occupied the first five places.
Thirty-six-year-old Brandová defeated Ceylin Alvarado in a thrilling battle on a track with long sandy sections, and after the twenty-fourth victory in her career, she replaced Aniek van Alphen at the head of the running order in the race. Zemanová reached the finish line with a distance of 24 seconds and is twelfth overall.
Mathieu van der Poel’s first fight with Wout van Aert was clearly won by the Dutchman. The seven-time world champion took the lead in the first lap in Antwerp and repeated his triumph from Namur a week ago. Van Aert finished seventh, Michael Boroš finished in 20th place. Laurens Sweeck, second in the race, moved to the top of the series standings thanks to the points gained.
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