Schreiber wins in Maldegem, emotions escalate resulting in disqualification

Marie Schreiber won the first cyclo-cross race in Maldegem after the World Championships in Liévin. Without world champion Fem van Empel, Lucinda Brand, and Puck Pieterse, the number two of the World Championships for U23s took the victory. Inge van der Heijden was second, followed by Sara Casasola in third place.

Schreiber, Casasola, and Van der Heijden immediately attacked right after the start. A leading group of five soon formed, including Larissa Hartog and Lauren Molengraaf. The high pace ensured that the first division was not far away. Meanwhile, Sanne Cant and Marion Norbert Riberolle tried to chase from the background.

On the second lap, the leading group was reduced to four when Larissa Hartog had to drop out. The Dutchwoman fought courageously but could no longer follow the pace of her competitors. Behind the leading group followed Denise Betsema at 23 seconds.

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Emotions run high in the back, resulting in disqualification

As the battle for the podium unfolded at the front, emotions ran high in the back. On a small hill, Jinse Peeters and Manon Bakker got into a fight. Bakker obstructed Peeters, after which the Belgian grabbed her Dutch competitor by the hair. The jury examined the footage and decided to disqualify both riders.

Meanwhile, Inge van der Heijden took the lead and tried to outrun Schreiber. Casasola did her part to keep the pace high. The Luxembourg champion kept going and stayed on track.

At the front, the three top favorites kept a close eye on each other. Van der Heijden and Casasola were joined by two Corelan-Corendon teammates who tried to take turns attacking toward the end of the race. However, Schreiber put up an intense fight and decided to go solo with a lap and a half to go. She pulled through the sandbox and created a gap.

With a comfortable lead, Marie Schreiber began the final lap. The 20-year-old SD Worx rider had timed her attack perfectly and crossed the finish line solo. The podium was no longer at risk for Van der Heijden and Casasola.

Results Exact Cross Maldegem 2025

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