Results Superprestige Heusden-Zolder | Vive la France! Amandine Fouquenet delivers a historic win in the tricolor

Amandine Fouquenet took a breakthrough win at Superprestige Heusden-Zolder on a spectacular day of cyclo-cross in Belgium. After her runner-up spot in Flamanville, the double French champion claimed what is undoubtedly the first major victory of her promising career. Stunning from the Arkéa rider. A beautiful race rounded out on the podium by Blanka Kata Vas and Aniek van Alphen. Results befitting a superb event.

Blanka Kata Vas blasted off the line, eager to show she remains among the discipline’s elite, and split the race in the opening two laps with Inge van der Heijden, Aniek van Alphen, and Amandine Fouquenet well placed. Marie Schreiber tried to join, but she clearly lacked the early pace of her rivals.

By lap three, the race settled with a clear lead group. Up front, the first group featured Inge van der Heijden, Aniek van Alphen, Amandine Fouquenet, and Blanka Kata Vas, holding a slim advantage of zero seconds over their immediate chasers.

Five seconds behind sat Marie Schreiber, followed at ten seconds by Fleur Moors and Marion Norbert Riberolle, and at 22 seconds by Julie Brouwers. Further back, at 39 seconds, came Rafaelle Carrier and Line Burquier, while at 51 seconds were Jolanda Neff, Lizzy Gunsalus, Jinse Peeters, and Carlotta Borello, completing the picture of the main groups at this point in the race.

At the start of lap four, Luxembourg’s Marie Schreiber clawed back to the leaders as Norbert and Moors slipped out of contention. Neff, Brouwers, Burquier, and Carrier fought for the top 10. Vas set a fierce tempo but couldn’t dislodge a vigilant Van der Heijden. Two laps to go and everything to play for.

Midway through the penultimate lap, Fouquenet attacked, with only Van der Heijden, Van Alphen, and Vas able to follow. The win would be decided among the four. The French rider then slipped clear on her own at the end of the lap, crossing the line for the bell with a 10-second lead over her pursuers. She went on to seal the victory with authority. An impressive first Superprestige triumph. Blanka Kata Vas and Aniek van Alphen completed the podium. Fourth place for Van der Heijden.