Norbert Riberolle headlines day 1 of CX national champs weekend
After the intensity and drama of the Kerstperiode, the second weekend of January is always reserved for the cyclocross national championships. Though there are events spread across both days, Saturday was something of an appetiser as jerseys were awarded in Spain, Germany, France and Belgium, with only Czechia handing out all titles (junior and elite) on the opening day.
The biggest names competing on Saturday were at the icy waterlogged Belgian elite women's race. This was an event dominated for 15 years by Sanne Cant, whose reign was ended last season by Marion Norbert Riberolle – Cant stepped aside knowing she would retire at the end of the season and wanting to see the tricolore shown off for the entire 12 months. This year, Norbert Riberolle was able to defend her title, though it was touch and go after a self-proclaimed weak start. 21-year-old Fleur Moors was a brilliant second 17 seconds off the pace.
Other champions included Czech teenage sensation Krystof Bazant in the elite men's category alongside now-five-time defending champion Kristýna Zemanová.
