On Sunday, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado showcased her resilience and skill by triumphing at the Zonhoven Cyclo-cross World Cup race, marking her second World Cup win this season after Namur. The Dutch rider faced fierce competition on the challenging sandy course, particularly from Zoe Bäckstedt and Lucinda Brand.
The race began with notable intensity as Marie Schreiber grabbed the holeshot, but it wasn't long before Bäckstedt seized control, opening up significant gaps over the rest of the field. She managed to establish a lead of over 20 seconds early on, but the grueling six-lap course tested the riders' endurance. By lap four, the stamina of the two leaders began to waver as Brand reeled Bäckstedt back within reach.
Alvarado, following closely behind, made her move strategically on lap five, launching herself past both rivals and confidently entering the final lap with an impressive 11-second lead. Despite some shaky moments during the descent on sandy terrain, she maintained her lead until crossing the finish line, finishing strong with Bäckstedt and Brand trailing closely behind.
Finishing with only five seconds separating her from Bäckstedt who took second place and Brand securing third, Alvarado's strategic late attack proved pivotal. This victory was particularly sweet for Alvarado, who had to overcome illness just one day prior. "I was feeling very cold during the first two laps today, then I picked up the pace and naturally warmed up. Today is not yesterday, I vomited out everything in me twenty minutes before the race in Hulst," she stated, reflecting on the severe challenges she faced leading up to the event.
The conditions on Sunday were brutal, with hail and wind, adding to the classical challenges this race presents. The sand of Zonhoven tested all competitors as bike changes were frequent and each lap introduced new challenges and fierce competition among the leading women.
Brand capitalized on her experience, riding patiently after briefly taking the lead but later faltering against the stalwart attack from Alvarado. Commenting on Bäckstedt's early run at the front of the pack, Alvarado said, "No, not in the first part. She was far away fast. I was sitting in the wheel of Lucinda at one point, and then we got close again. Both of us are riders who will keep going to the end anyway, so that's when I knew we could do it again."
Bäckstedt's early strategy of distancing the competition nearly paid off; she showed impressive grit throughout the race but became fatigued as Alvarado and Brand surged forward. The dramatic rollercoaster of events made for high stakes and palpable excitement among spectators, who witnessed the determined cyclists battle through fierce elements.
Alvarado’s victory on this challenging terrain solidifies her status as one of the elite riders of the cyclo-cross scene, especially with the notable absence of top competitor Fem van Empel. The strategic race execution she displayed, combined with her ability to rebound from health setbacks, speaks volumes to her perseverance and tenacity.
With this victory, Alvarado not only secured personal glory but also gained points toward the overall World Cup standing, where Lucinda Brand now commands with extended lead above her competitors Schreiber and van Empel. Alvarado's success adds another layer to the competitive narrative of women’s cyclo-cross, encouraging fans and young athletes alike.
Fade to black, the finale of this world event was filled with emotion as Alvarado, visibly shaken but elated, celebrated her hard-fought win, undoubtedly boosting her confidence for upcoming races this season. "So I wasn't expecting much yesterday; I knew it wouldn't amount to anything. Today, I already felt much besser," Alvarado shared, concluding her astounding performance with optimism for future challenges.
