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Cyclecross European Championship: Favorite wins, excitement and advertising for the sport

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Cycle cross EM Namur

Cycling: The cycling championships in Namur have started. And the spectators were treated to the finest cyclocross. Promotion of the sport, although as expected the pros from the Netherlands and Belgium were unbeatable.

A puncture doesn't stop Fem van Empel either

As expected, Fem van Empel secured the European title. The Dutchwoman was unstoppable in Namur and can celebrate her eighth win of the season in the ninth race. Even a puncture at the start couldn't stop them. Despite being behind at the beginning, the 20-year-old drove her race confidently and won clearly in the end with a lead of 22 seconds over her compatriot Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado. Another 14 seconds behind was Blanka Vas from Hungary to bronze. The German Stefanie Paul finished the race in 21st place.

In the end, Molengraaf wins confidently

The first title at the European Championships in Namur also went to the Netherlands. After her two victories in the World Cup, Lauren Molengraaf also won the European Juniors' race with ease, partly because her opponent – ​​Fleur Moors from Belgium – was unable to start. However, it was not a clear matter until the final round. Only then did Molengraaf take the lead and never relinquish it. Silver went to Italy's Valentina Corvi ahead of Belgium's Xaydee van Sinaey.

Verstrynge cheers, Ronhaar collapses

We saw what was probably the most exciting race on day #1 of the European Cross Country Championships in the U23 class. Because the Dutchman Pim Ronhaar already looked like the sure winner, but actually went away empty-handed in the end. After a furious second half of the race, the Belgians occupy the entire podium. Somewhat surprisingly, Emiel Verstrynge was able to prevail in front of Thibau Nys and Witse Meeusen with six and eleven seconds respectively. Fabian Eder was the best German in 22nd place.

Tags:Cyclo Cross NewsCyclocross EMEMEmile VerstryngeEuropean ChampionshipFem van EmpelLauren MolengraafNamurNewscyclingCyclecross European Championship

More than Michael Behringer

Cycling with all its tactics, stage analyses, placements and forecasts are Michael Behringer's great passion. In 1996 he tracked his first Tour de France. Since then he has observed almost every race. His passion for cycling has been with him for over two decades. There is no end in sight.