Alvarado doubles up in Zonhoven

Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado claimed victory in the Zonhoven World Cup for the second year in a row. She finished ahead of her compatriots Lucinda Brand and Puck Pieterse.

Puck Pieterse (Fenix - Premier Tech) had indicated beforehand that she was really looking forward to this race, and that was clear from the start. Getting off the line fastest, followed by Lucinda Brand (Baloise Verzekeringen - Het Poetsbureau Lions) and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Fenix - Premier Tech), she was the first to dive into the Kuil. However, all three leaders made mistakes and literally bit the sand. Pieterse was quickest to get back up, took advantage of the troubles of Brand and Alvarado, and moved back into the lead. Aniek van Alphen (777 Racing) and Leonie Bentveld (Pauwels Sauzen - Altez Industriebouw CT) followed in fourth and fifth place.

At mid-race, it was Brand who capitalised perfectly on another crash by Pieterse. The leader of the World Cup standings opened up a gap on chasers Alvarado and Pieterse. In the background, we also saw Amandine Fouquenet (Pauwels Sauzen - Altez Industriebouw CT) making a strong comeback.

Brand did not remain error-free either. A heavy crash and a bike change once again caused a change at the front. Alvarado seized the opportunity and launched a decisive acceleration, quickly opening up a lead of around six seconds. Brand fought her way back but made another mistake. Alvarado proved to be the most consistent rider in the demanding sand of Zonhoven and raised her arms in victory for the second time this season. Lucinda Brand remains the leader of the World Cup standings.