Marion Norbert Riberolle overcomes slow start to defend Belgian title

Marion Norbert Riberolle became Belgian cyclocross champion for the second time in her career. The Belgian rider had a weak start but overcame it and then rode dominantly to victory. Fleur Moors and Kiona Crabbé joined Norbert Riberolle on the podium. 

Despite all the winter weather in recent days, the Belgian Cyclocross Championships in Beringen went ahead as scheduled on Saturday. Organizer Golazo removed some wet sections from the course at the last minute, making it safe for the riders to compete for the Belgian title.

All eyes were on top favorite Marion Norbert Riberolle on Saturday, the only Belgian cyclocrosser to have won a Belgian TV race this year. However, following the past few weeks, serious consideration was also given to Fleur Moors and Julie Brouwers.

The start already proved that a new Belgian title for Norbert Riberolle would not be a walk in the park. The Belgian from Crelan-Corendon had a weak start, dropping her back to twelfth position immediately. Moors had already broken away from the rest.

Belgian Championships feature expected duel between Moors and Norbert Riberolle
Thus, the Belgian Championships became a battle between Moors and Norbert Riberolle. Despite her slow start, Norbert Riberolle managed to move up to second place by the end of the first lap, closing the gap to Moors to ten seconds.

It was then a matter of waiting for the moment the two would come together. That happened at the end of the second lap when Moors made a small mistake and Norbert Riberolle caught up to her. The 27-year-old rider came out on top and immediately opened a gap on Moors.

The Belgian Championships were effectively decided after that – although Moors kept the gap at fifteen seconds until the final lap. In the closing lap, Norbert Riberolle didn’t face any more problems and went on to celebrate her second Belgian title. Moors held onto second place, while Kiona Crabbé earned a strong third spot.