“I can’t believe I rode almost an entire cross on my own…” - Aniek van Alpen in disbelief at her own dominance during World Cup Flamanville

Aniek van Alphen claimed the most significant victory of her cyclocross career in Flamanville, powering to her first ever World Cup win after riding clear almost from the opening lap.

The Dutch rider delivered a complete performance on the heavy Normandy course, then admitted afterwards that even she struggled to comprehend the scale of her dominance.

“I can’t believe I rode almost an entire cross on my own…” Van Alphen said, describing the solo effort that shaped the afternoon.

“I just rode my own pace," added the 26-year-old. "It was wonderful with all the spectators along the course. I really enjoyed it this way.”

French champion Amandine Fouquenet animated the start with the holeshot, but Van Alphen quickly tightened her grip on the race. A clean hop over the planks on lap one created the first meaningful split, she forced the gap that became the backbone of her victory.

Once alone, she built her advantage steadily while chaos unfolded behind her. Belgian champion Norbert Riberolle recovered from an early crash, Annemarie Worst abandoned after a strong opening, and the chasing order reshuffled repeatedly as the pace increased.

The most convincing pursuit came from Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, making her season debut. She surged through the field from the second row and looked the biggest threat to Van Alphen before being locked into a tense fight with Fouquenet for the remaining podium places. The French rider eventually broke clear in the final half lap, securing second place ahead of Alvarado.

Throughout, Van Alphen remained in control despite briefly questioning the wisdom of committing to an early solo. “In the first lap I did think that,” she said. “I still felt strong and knew that if the riders behind me made mistakes and I didn’t, I could keep extending my lead.”

The win marked Van Alphen’s first televised triumph in three years, following her 2022 successes in Boom and Essen. It also capped an already consistent season in which she had collected eight podium finishes before finally converting form into a World Cup victory.

“I’m super happy that I now have that win, and that it’s also in a World Cup… That’s really beautiful and a reward for all the hard work,” she said. “For everyone around me and everyone who helps me, it’s also a victory.”