"I was sure that I would win the sprint" - Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado surprised by Van Empel in dramatic European Championship finale

Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, the 26-year-old Dutch star riding for Alpecin–Deceuninck, gave a strong performance at the European Cyclocross Championships in Pontevedra. Alvarado was close to clinching the title, yet ultimately had to settle for silver, with victory going to the formidable Fem van Empel, the two-time world champion.

Reflecting on the race, Alvarado revealed the intensity of her effort to NOS. “To be completely honest, I never looked back. It was full throttle until the finish. I actually thought Lucinda was behind me and I was sure that I would possibly win the sprint, but it was Fem.” Her confidence was shaken when she realised Van Empel was her competitor in the final sprint.

Facing Van Empel in a sprint, Alvarado knew the odds were not in her favour. “And that was a more difficult story,” she explained. “I knew that whether it was a quiet match or a full-on match, that a sprint against Fem was going to be very difficult. Because she just has a very fast sprint. And for me it was also a bit over towards the end.”

Despite the disappointment of narrowly missing the title, Alvarado expressed satisfaction with her performance. “It went really well, I am very happy with my race. I tried to make it difficult for everyone. I think that I really succeeded towards the end, but in the end it is all about whether you have a sprint or not. And there was someone with a better sprint.”

For Alvarado, the silver medal marks a strong showing and a reminder of her prowess on the cyclocross circuit. While Van Empel’s sprint ultimately denied her the gold, Alvarado’s aggressive approach and determination showcased her strength and potential for future championships.