Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado's Resilience Pays Off: First Win of the Season at Exact Cross Mol
After a challenging season marred by illness and a persistent knee injury, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Fenix-Premier Tech) emerged victorious at the Exact Cross Mol, claiming her first win of the 2025-26 cyclo-cross season. The race, held in snowy conditions, showcased Alvarado's determination and skill as she battled her way to the top.
Alvarado's Race Strategy
Alvarado's race strategy was a display of tactical prowess. She engaged in a fierce battle with Manon Bakker (Crelan-Corendon) for much of the race, showcasing her competitive spirit. As the race progressed, Alvarado made her move, breaking away from Bakker on the fourth lap. She maintained her lead, crossing the finish line after 46 minutes of intense racing, with heavy snow adding to the challenge.
Julie Brouwers' Impressive Performance
Julie Brouwers (Charles Liégeois-Deschacht), who led the opening lap, impressed once again with a third-place finish, 26 seconds behind Alvarado. Her ability to keep up with the front-runners, despite the yo-yo effect of the Alvarado-Bakker battle, demonstrated her strength and endurance.
Fleur Moors and Kristyna Zemanová's Strong Performances
Fleur Moors (Baloise Verzekeringen-Het Poetsbureau Lions) and Kristyna Zemanová (VIF) both finished in impressive fourth and fifth places, respectively. Their inclusion in the early leading group highlighted their competitive nature and ability to adapt to the changing race conditions.
Lucinda Brand's Absence and Impact
The absence of Lucinda Brand, a dominant force in women's CX, created an opportunity for Alvarado and Bakker to shine. Alvarado successfully defended her title from the previous year's Exact Cross Mol, showcasing her resilience and skill. Bakker, despite not securing a European win this season, demonstrated her competitive spirit and determination.
The race results, powered by FirstCycling, showcased the talent and determination of these athletes, leaving fans eager for more.
