Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado has come a long way but is now once again a prominent figure in women's cyclocross. The Fenix-Deceuninck rider was sidelined for a long time due to a persistent knee injury and shortly after her comeback, she also fell ill. However, in the recent sand races in Antwerp and Koksijde, she managed to reach the podium.
So it's no surprise that Alvarado shines once more for our camera, as usual, since the Dutch rider with Dominican roots has been going through a very tough period. "Three weeks ago, you start (in the Flamanville World Cup, ed.) hoping that after that knee injury you are back on track. But a week later, you get seriously sick," she says now with a broad smile.
"Even to this day, I still carry some effects of that illness on the bike. It’s already much better, but here and there you still notice it. But as long as it keeps improving, that’s good."
The fact that Alvarado, who is still not fully fit, is already able to take podiums and even make life difficult for this season’s nearly unbeatable Lucinda Brand bodes well for the busy upcoming weeks of cyclocross. "Yes, that’s of course what you hope for. I hope to get a bit better every week and build towards my top form."
Alvarado (right) on the podium in Koksijde - photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
Has Alvarado shifted her goals now? "The only goals that remain somewhat are the championships. I’m no longer competing for the overall classifications, but of course there are still the individual race wins. Towards the end of the season, when the World Championships come up, we’ll see how my form is."
In the Koksijde World Cup, Alvarado was never in contention for the win but managed to claw her way onto the podium (third) through sheer character. "I think it was very exciting for the viewers, but also for myself. The three of us were really exhausted," she refers to her compatriots Aniek van Alphen and Puck Pieterse. "It was truly a battle until the end," she said afterward to Sporza.
"I think I can be very satisfied with this third place. It’s only my first double race weekend of the season. First there was the knee, then I got sick. That all doesn’t help. Although I didn’t win, I’m very happy with how my form is developing. I was able to push really deep twice. Today was on the limit, but I managed it."
