Marion Norbert Riberolle claimed the opening round of the Superprestige. The Belgian champion won in Ruddervoorde, securing her first overall cyclocross victory by breaking away two laps from the finish and staying solo ahead. Fem van Empel, making her return, could only manage sixth place.
The Superprestige Ruddervoorde was marked by the return of Fem van Empel to the cyclocross scene. The world champion faced off in her first race of the season against riders including Inge van der Heijden, Marion Norbert Riberolle, Aniek van Alphen, Leonie Bentveld, and Sara Casasola.
However, the best start went to Amandine Fouquenet. The French champion led the field into the opening section, with Bentveld on her tail. A congestion early on caused Van Empel—around sixth place—to fall behind slightly. After one lap, the Visma | Lease a Bike rider was in fourth position, six seconds behind Fouquenet, who was still in front. Bentveld and Bakker held second and third places respectively.
Eight contenders
In the second of seven laps, Bakker literally dropped off, leaving Fouquenet and Bentveld at the front. Van Empel then closed the gap and brought along Van Alphen, Van der Heijden, and Hélène Clauzel. Norbert Riberolle and Casasola were also nearby. Since they rejoined shortly after, the lead group consisted of eight. This situation held for a long time.
photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
In the fifth lap, there was some separation again. Van Empel pressed the gas and broke away with Bentveld and Casasola. However, the chase behind them didn’t stop, and before entering the penultimate lap, there was a regrouping. Norbert Riberolle then launched an attack from behind. The group fragmented, and Van Empel—who had dropped back—found herself under pressure. A counter acceleration brought her back to the second group of riders, but Norbert Riberolle was still riding solo at the front.
Will Norbert Riberolle hold on?
At the bell, the Belgian champion had a twelve-second lead over the chasers. That proved enough to take the victory. None of the pursuers had the power left to close the gap—not even Van Empel.
Telenet Superprestige Ruddervoorde| Rank | Rider | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 51:25 | |
| 2 | + 05 | |
| 3 | " | |
| 4 | " | |
| 5 | + 09 | |
| 6 | + 10 | |
| 7 | + 13 | |
| 8 | + 21 | |
| 9 | + 01:11 | |
| 10 | + 01:35 |
