Third in Maasmechelen Aniek van Alphen takes the result a "small victory": "We know that Fem is the best at the moment"

Aniek van Alphen was on the podium of a World Cup cross on Sunday: in Maasmechelen the Cyclocross Reds rider finished third which, according to the rider herself, feels like a small victory.

"We know that Fem is the best at the moment, but I am happy to fight for a podium spot," Van Alphen explained. "It was a very tough race. With yesterday's race in legs it might have become a bit tougher. But I think the lap was better than last year. There were some technical parts, so I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed it."

Van Alphen still had a prospect of second place for a long time, but in the end Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado proved to be the best behind Van Empel. "I know Ceylin is very strong, but she had a broken shoe. I know what that's like, it's not nice. Of course you want second place, but I knew it was going to be difficult. And I am very happy with third place."

The gap between Van Empel and the two pursuers was large, but Alvarado and Van Alphen in turn rode quite far ahead of the riders who were fighting for fourth place. Big difference, in short. "Maybe today. But I think everyone who finished after us is also strong. When everyone is having a good day, everything is close together. I'm happy that I was able to take third place, because it gives me confidence."

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken

Een bericht gedeeld door Aniek van Alphen (@aniek_van_alphen)