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BAAL, Belgium—Sanne Cant (Enertherm BKCP) started her year off with a bang as the top mudder today at the GP Sven Nys in Baal, navigating the thick mud to solo to victory after leapfrogging early leader Ellen Van Loy (Young Telenet Fidea).

Van Loy went out from the gun, taking over from Britain’s Helen Wyman (Kona Factory Team) who snagged the holeshot.

With a ten second advantage by the end of round, one spectators nearly brought an end to her effort as they crossed the course just ahead of the charging Belgian.

Cant, Wyman and Czech rider Pavla Havlikova (MRM-Avalon Pro Cycling) worked to reeled in Van Loy but Cant distanced her rivals as she fought to catch the leader.

Cant finally made contact by the latter half of the penultimate lap, only having a short time to recuperate before before making a move.

Once at the head of the race, a mistake on a short descent by Van Loy gave Cant the seconds she needed to hold onto the lead for the win.

The mud was thick and problematic, but Cant excelled in the conditions today:

Wyman fought off Havlikova and Sophie De Boer (Kalas-NNOF) to hold onto third place, finishing  47 seconds down on the leader.

The North Americans had a good day including two top ten finishes, with American Elle Anderson in 8th, with Canadian Mical Dyck in 10th.

Sisters Allison and Hanna Arensman finished in 17th and 18th. Canadian Anna Schappert was 21st.

Brit Nikki Harris did not start due to illness. Brit Claire Beaumont was 27th. Australian Lisa Jacobs did not finish.

2016 GP Sven Nys Bpost Bank Trofee Elite Women Video Highlights:

2016 Bpost Bank Trofee GP Sven Nys Results - Elite Women