After 15 years, Sanne Cant dons her Belgian Champion's jersey for the last time in Dendermonde
Cyclo-cross
Sanne Cant's era is slowly coming to an end. The Belgian cyclo-cross star is set to retire in less than two months. The 34-year-old national champion will not defend her title this weekend in Zolder. This made her race in Dendermonde the last time she donned the iconic Belgian tricolor, a jersey she has worn uninterrupted since 2010.
As a 20-year-old rookie, Cant won her first national title after securing silver in her debut in 2009. From that moment on, she remained unbeatable at the Belgian National Championships. Competitors such as Laura Verdonschot, Marion Norbert-Riberolle, and even Lotte Kopecky could not prevent her from adding another title to her record. For the first time in 15 years, Belgium will have a new national champion. Cant took a moment to reflect on this milestone, sharing a photo on Instagram of her mud-stained jersey after the "battle" in Dendermonde. The caption read, "It was an honor! For the love for this jersey! 15 years."
The Crelan-Corendon riders was long regarded as one of the best in cyclo-cross. She claimed the European Championship in 2014, 2015, and 2017 and won the rainbow jersey three consecutive times (2017, 2018, and 2019). During her peak, she was the main rival of eight-time world champion Marianne Vos. Her accomplishments earned her recognition, including the Flandrienne of the Year awards in 2017 and 2018, and the Cristal Bike in 2019—marking the first time either prize was awarded to a female cyclo-cross rider. Throughout her career, Cant witnessed the tremendous growth of women’s cyclo-cross, recalling the early difficult years when she earned as little as €27 in prize money for a victory.
Read more below the photo!
Cant slowly picking up momentum in the new cyclo-cross season
This year Cant got off to a rough start, with several top-20 finishes in October and November. However, she regained her form just before Christmas. At the Azencross in Loenhout, she came close to victory, ultimately finishing second to her compatriot and teammate Norbert-Riberolle. Since the World Cup in Zonhoven on December 22, she has consistently ranked in the top 10. Cant’s final race will be on February 23 at the Sluitingsprijs in Oostmalle, marking the end of a pioneering career in Belgian cyclo-cross.
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Latest Comments
- This was very informative! Luiz Antonio Duarte Ferreiraluizantonioduarteferreira02-01-2025
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024