Setback for cyclo-cross fans: Pieterse has stomach issues and skips Superprestige Diegem

Cyclo-cross fans in Diegem are facing a significant setback tonight. The Superprestige race in Belgium was supposed to be the scene of a fierce battle between Lucinda Brand, Ceylin Alvarado, and Puck Pieterse, but the latter canceled her race at the last minute. She has stomach issues and will skip the Belgian cyclocross.

Her team, Fenix-Deceuninck, announced this on social media. "Unfortunately, we will not see Puck at today's Superprestige of Diegem," it reads on Instagram. "Puck wasn't feeling 100% in Gavere on Thursday, already experiencing some stomach issues before the start. Despite two days of rest, her condition worsened. After consulting with the medical team, the decision was made to skip Diegem. We wish Puck a swift recovery and hope to see her back in action soon!"

This means the Dutch cyclo-cross rider will be absent just two weeks after her return to the field. She returned to cyclo-cross on December 15 at the World Cup in Namur. There she immediately finished third, but a victory still awaits her. Plenty of chances will surely come her way: Pieterse had outlined a program of thirteen races in seven weeks, now reduced to twelve rides. Due to her absence in Diegem, the X2O cross in Baal on New Year's Day should usually be her next appointment. The main target is the world championships in Liévin on February 1.

Read more below the post!

Turbo Cross in Diegem big crowd pleaser

The cyclo-cross in Diegem hosts another popular event, like last year. Namely, the Belgian city will be the scene of the Turbo Cross. Belgian influencer Average Rob organized the spectacle for the first time in 2023: Famous Belgians (and Dutch) compete there for victory in the amateur race. This year, it's bigger than ever, with names like de Tietema men Bas Tietema, Josse Wester, Devin van der Wiel, and YouTubers Enzo Knol and ACID. Athlete Jonathan Borlee and former cyclist Lawrence Naesen are also competing. Puck Moonen, Senne Knaven, Suzanne Verhoeven, and Ine Beyen are among the women participating.

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