"It was super exciting today" - Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado thrilled by performance despite narrow loss to Fem van Empel at Superprestige Heusden-Zolder

Continuing the cyclocross action over the festive period, Ceykin del Carmen Alvarado was very impressive at Superprestige Heusden-Zolder. Sadly though, Fem van Empel would narrowly prove even better.

"I think we were very evenly matched today," says Alvarado in her post-race interview. "When I rode away, she closed it again and when she rode away, I closed it again. It was super exciting today."

After a rollercoaster race, victory came down to a thrilling sprint finale. Sadly for Alvarado, despite her best efforts the win would go to the world champion. "I knew it would be very difficult in the sprint," she admits. "The last three hills were a chance to run her off. But that went a bit wrong. I also really have bruises from the fall there."

"With her in the wheel it was almost impossible to win today," concludes Alvarado.