With Van Empel, Pieterse & Alvarado absent, can Belgian champion take advantage and claim European title? "I’m ready, I’ve got good legs, and I’m full of confidence”

The stage is set for a fascinating women’s elite Cyclocross European Championship this afternoon in Lombardsijde — and for once, the Dutch stranglehold on the event looks vulnerable. With champion riders Fem van Empel, Puck Pieterse and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado all missing from the start list, opportunity knocks for Belgian champion Marion Norbert Riberolle, who arrives brimming with confidence.

“I’m ready,” Norbert Riberolle told Belgian media ahead of the weekend. “I’ve got good legs, I like the course, and I’m full of confidence.”

The 25-year-old, who was born in France but switched allegiance to Belgium in 2021, has been steadily building towards her best form. She was a podium regular in the recent World Cup rounds and believes the Lombardsijde course could suit her perfectly.

“I’ve got more stress speaking Dutch than I do for the European Championships,” she laughed. “That’s why any podium place on Saturday would already make me happy. I’m very proud to wear the Belgian champion’s jersey.”

Even without their leading trio, the Netherlands remain favourites to continue their run of success thanks to Lucinda Brand, who will carry the weight of expectation alone. Brand, the 2023 European silver medallist, has looked strong in recent weeks — but Belgium’s hopes rest firmly on Riberolle’s shoulders.

Belgian national coach Angelo De Clercq has named a five-rider line-up, with Julie Brouwers, Kiona Crabbe, Jinse Peeters and Laura Verdonschot joining Riberolle on the start line. Verdonschot, however, is still fighting her way back to fitness following surgery on two blocked pelvic arteries, so arrives with longer odds than would normally be expected.

“It’s still not easy,” Verdonschot admitted. “I continue to experience quite a lot of pain during intense efforts. Ruddervoorde went well, but I’ve also had plenty of bad days. So I’m just hoping for a good one.”

With the Dutch weakened and home support behind them, Belgium’s women sense that a golden opportunity awaits. And if Norbert Riberolle can translate her calm confidence into a flawless ride, the European crown could, for once, be heading away from the Netherlands.