The third round of the 2024 Women’s UCI Cyclocross World Cup delivered another thrilling chapter at Namur, as Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Fenix-Deceuninck) claimed her first World Cup victory of the season in a dramatic and challenging race. With Namur retaining its reputation as one of the most brutal courses on the cyclocross calendar, riders battled steep climbs, off-camber sections, and ever-present mud. Alvarado’s victory, a stunning repeat of her 2023 performance, further cemented her dominance on this unforgiving terrain.
A Race Unfolded with Drama
Luxembourg champion Marie Schreiber (SD Worx-ProTime) made an explosive start, immediately stretching the group as the riders tackled Namur’s sharp initial climbs. She was accompanied by her teammate Blanka Vas, but their breakaway wouldn’t last long. The demanding course began to determine the race’s ultimate contenders as the riders behind worked to close gaps.
The key players:
- Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado showcased her tactical and technical skills.
- 2023 winner Lucinda Brand (Baloise-Trek Lions) delivered a remarkable come-from-behind performance, clawing her way through the field.
- Cyclocross newcomer Puck Pieterse made a strong third-place debut for the season with Fenix-Deceuninck.
- World champion Fem van Empel (Visma-Lease a Bike) endured a difficult race, plagued by multiple crashes and mechanical issues, forcing her to settle for an uncharacteristic 7th place.
In the second lap, Vas briefly maintained her lead as Alvarado joined her at the front. Pieterse, along with key chasers, worked hard to keep pace as Brand methodically closed the gap from behind. The lead emerged in lap four when Alvarado decisively attacked, breaking away from Pieterse and Vas by a significant margin. Her technical skills shone, particularly on the off-camber sections, to stretch the lead to 22 seconds entering the final lap.
A Last-Lap Battle
Despite her robust performance, Alvarado faced a late challenge from Brand. The Dutch rider was in fiery form, overtaking her competitors to cut down Alvarado’s lead on the penultimate lap. As Alvarado briefly faltered with a crash in the final lap, Brand’s clean navigation of the technical sections brought her within just 10 seconds of the leader. However, Alvarado had managed her effort wisely, holding strong to cross the finish line first and secure a hard-fought victory.
Speaking after the race, Alvarado reflected on her performance:
“In the first part I felt very good, but fatigue set in towards the end. The mud made visibility difficult with my glasses, and I made a few mistakes. But I’m very happy I managed to keep Lucinda behind me.”
Alvarado also praised Brand’s effort, recognizing her rival’s determination and skill. Despite the late pressure, Alvarado’s mastery of Namur’s grueling terrain ultimately secured her second consecutive win on the Belgian circuit.
Top 5 Women’s Results at Namur Cyclocross UCI World Cup
- Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Fenix-Deceuninck)
- Lucinda Brand (Baloise-Trek Lions)
- Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck)
- Blanka Vas (SD Worx-ProTime)
- Marie Schreiber (SD Worx-ProTime)
Namur: A Test of Skill and Endurance
Namur’s reputation as one of the most technical and demanding courses in cyclocross was reinforced in this latest round of the World Cup. The steep, off-camber sections proved decisive, with Alvarado shining as one of the few riders able to handle the terrain with confidence. Meanwhile, Brand’s ability to ride portions that others were forced to run only solidified her status as a force to contend with in this year’s cyclocross season.
Looking Ahead
As the Women’s UCI Cyclocross World Cup progresses, Alvarado’s victory signifies a strong start in the elite field for Fenix-Deceuninck, with Pieterse also indicating her form as the season develops. Brand’s performance confirms her consistency and ability to challenge for the overall title, while Van Empel will aim to recover from her challenging day in Namur.
The next rounds are shaping up to be just as intense, with surging rivalries and the promise of more drama unfolding on cyclocross’s iconic terrains.
