Sophie de Boer going solo to win Koppenbergcross 2014 ahead of Jolien Verschueren and Sanne Cant. © Bart Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
Dutch cyclocrosser Sophie de Boer (Kalas NNOF), teammate of American Elle Anderson, survived the tough climbs and tricky descents to take a solo victory over Belgians Jolien Verscheuren and Sanne Cant.
De Boer didn’t have the best start, and found herself chasing defending champion Helen Wyman (Kona) and Nikki Harris (Telenet – Fidea) after missing her pedal at the line. But on the first time up the climb, de Boer made contact with the leaders and went on to solo the last three laps, finishing with 15 seconds ahead of a chasing Verscheuren.
Helen Wyman led up the climb on the first lap, but would soon be overtaken by de Boer. © Bart Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
Belgian National Champion Sanne Cant crashed on a tricky off camber corner, but would chase back to finish third.
Sanne Cant took a spill on a tricky, slick corner. © Bart Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
“I have surprised myself today,” said De Boer at the finish. “I felt strong enough to just solo out. On the climb you will waste a lot of energy and it is important to be concentrated in the descent and not to fall. I am happy with this victory.”
“It is very nice that I know to win this particular cross,” de Boer said after the race, winning the first-ever European race to offer equal prize money for the women.
Nobody in sight: Sophie de Boer wins the Koppenbergcross 2014 going away from Jolien Verschueren and Sanne Cant. © Bart Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
“This was an initiative of Twenty20 Cycling’s Kris Auer and I think it’s a good step for women,” de Boer explained on her website. “I hope that more companies and competitions to follow this example so that we are always treated equally.”
Earlier this year, Twent20 Cycling offered a free trip to the Koppenbergcross as part of a raffle to support the equal prize money effort.
Ellen Anderson, finished 21st after suffering from sickness recently.
Stay tuned for full results and an expanded report. See also the 2014 Koppenbercross Men’s Report and Results, won by 20-year-old Wout van Aert over an upset Sven Nys.
2014 Koppenbergcross Photo Gallery – Elite Women:
2014 Koppenbergcross Elite Women Brief Results:
- Sophie de Boer
- Jolien Verscheuren
- Sanne Cant
