Results Belgian National Cyclocross Championships | Marion Norbert Riberolle turns early trouble into dominant title defence

Marion Norbert Riberolle defended her Belgian women’s elite cyclocross title with a controlled and ultimately dominant ride, turning an awkward start into a clear victory over Fleur Moors, with Kiona Crabbe completing the podium.

Norbert Riberolle did not have things her own way early on. As in several recent races, she made a slow start and was forced to work her way forward from around tenth position. Fleur Moors, by contrast, was immediately near the front and began to press on, while a tangle of bikes on a slanted section briefly delayed several riders, including Nette Coppens.

After two minutes, a front group of seven had formed with Moors, Norbert Riberolle, Julie Brouwers, Kiona Crabbe, Sterre Vervloet, Alicia Franck and Jinse Peeters all together.

Moors then lifted the pace and, by the end of the first full lap, had opened an eight-second advantage over the defending champion, with Brouwers and Crabbe already close to 20 seconds back.

Norbert Riberolle gradually brought Moors back into range, especially on the longer climbs. Just as she made contact, the race swung dramatically. Moors went half over her handlebars in a corner, forcing both riders to dismount. Norbert Riberolle recovered first and rode away with a small but decisive gap.

With three laps to go she led by four seconds, but Moors then lost further time after a bike change and suddenly found herself around 13 seconds down. Although she briefly reduced the gap, repeated mistakes in the same technical corner cost her heavily. Each time she hesitated, Norbert Riberolle rode through cleanly and extended her advantage.

By the time the race entered its final lap, the situation had stabilised. Norbert Riberolle held roughly 15 seconds over Moors and showed no sign of cracking. On the final climb, she extended that margin again, riding smoothly to the finish to secure her second consecutive Belgian title.

Behind them, the battle for third also took shape in the closing laps. Kiona Crabbe rode away from Julie Brouwers and built a cushion of around 18 seconds, comfortably claiming the bronze medal.

There was also disappointment for Laura Verdonschot, who abandoned earlier in the race while riding outside the top ten. After a long spell troubled by injury, this was set to be her final Belgian championship.

Norbert Riberolle’s win was all the more impressive given her slow start. Once she hit the front, however, she was a class apart, taking full advantage of Moors’ errors to seal another national title.