She might just be the biggest surprise of the current cyclocross season: Amandine Fouquenet. The French champion has made regular appearances at the highest level in recent weeks, but on Tuesday in Heusden-Zolder, she also claimed her first overall cyclocross victory. It's all the more remarkable considering she is still in the dark about her future.
Fouquenet has experienced a rapid development in cyclocross this winter, but the French rider certainly has concerns. She still doesn't have a contract for 2026, following the collapse of her current team Arkéa-B&B Hotels Women.
The team decided in October to stop searching for a new sponsor, meaning many riders – including Fouquenet – have to look elsewhere.
Combination
Her victory in the Superprestige race at Heusden-Zolder could very well be the final push toward a new contract. "This is the best win of my career," Fouquenet said afterwards in an interview with Telenet Play Sports.
"Of course, I had already been French cyclocross champion twice, but winning in Belgium is something else. Hopefully this victory will help me land a new contract. Preferably with a team where I can continue to combine road and cyclocross."
Telenet Superprestige Heusden-Zolder| Rank | Rider | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 51:03 | |
| 2 | + 08 | |
| 3 | + 09 | |
| 4 | + 14 | |
| 5 | + 32 | |
| 6 | + 45 | |
| 7 | + 01:12 | |
| 8 | + 01:46 | |
| 9 | + 01:50 | |
| 10 | + 01:51 |
