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At the 2016 Soudal Classics stop at Jaamarktcross in Niel, Belgium, Sanne Cant (Enertherm-Beobank) followed Ellen van Loy (Telenet Fidea Lions) for two laps before setting off on a solo run to take the off-camber-filled race.

Ellen van Loy leads Sanne Cant at the 2016 Soudal Classics Jaarmarktcross in Niel. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Ellen van Loy leads Sanne Cant at the 2016 Soudal Classics Jaarmarktcross in Niel. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

The cyclocross “Spiral of Doom,” often seen at American cyclocross races, made its appearance in Niel as Belgium celebrated Armistice Day, creating a rare, flat surface on the hillside off-camber race.

The Spiral of Doom made its way to Europe for Jaarmarktcross.

The Spiral of Doom made its way to Europe for Jaarmarktcross.

Van Loy started off strong, stringing out the group with only Cant able to stay in touch. Van Loy rode conservatively, running most tricky sections, while Cant tried to pedal her way up hills, along off-cambers and through corners. Regardless of their approach and Cant’s brief tumble on the second lap, the two stayed together for until on the third lap, Cant opened up a gap that Van Loy couldn’t close.

Sanne Cant at the 2016 Soudal Classics Jaarmarktcross in Niel. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Sanne Cant at the 2016 Soudal Classics Jaarmarktcross in Niel. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Behind, Van Loy’s teammate Jolien Verschueren had a rough start, crashing at the barriers and hitting the deck on several off-cambers. Still, the diminutive school teacher was determined to pass the test, and with big strides, closed the gap on the running sections to catch Van Loy and leave her behind on the final lap.

Jaarmarktcross in Niel Women's Podium: Sanne Cant (first), Jolien Vershueren (second), Ellen van Loy (third) © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Jaarmarktcross in Niel Women’s Podium: Sanne Cant (first), Jolien Vershueren (second), Ellen van Loy (third) © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Loes Sels finished in fourth to make three Telenet-Fidea Lions in the top four. Stay tuned for photos and full results.

Sanne Cant takes the win for the Women's Race at the 2016 Jaarmarktcross in Niel. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Sanne Cant takes the win for the Women’s Race at the 2016 Jaarmarktcross in Niel. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

See below for the full results and photo gallery. See the Men’s 2016 Jaarmarktcross race report, photo gallery and results here.

2016 Soudal Classics Jaamarktcross Niel Results – Elite Women

PlaceRacerTeamTime
1Sanne CantIKO Enertherm-Beobank0:38:13
2Jolien VerschuerenTelenet Fidea Lions0:00:21
3Ellen Van LoyTelenet Fidea Lions0:00:56
4Loes SelsTelenet Fidea Lions0:01:12
5Joyce VanderbekenAA Drink-Kalas0:02:07
6Alice Maria Arzuffi0:02:50
7Githa Michiels0:02:57
8Karen VerhestraetenLares-WoawDeals0:03:38
9Shana MaesAA Drink-Kalas0:04:33
10Mascha Mulder0:05:00
11Jinse Peeters0:06:17
12Birgit Massage0:06:38
13Gertie Willems0:06:49
14Marthe Truyen0:07:24
15Julia Boschker0:07:40
16Meg De Bruyne0:08:16
17Caren Commissaris0:08:23
18Elise Van der Sande0:08:33
19Joyce Heyns0:08:42
20Tine Rombouts0:09:02

2016 Soudal Classics Jaarmarktcross in Niel Elite Women’s – Photo Gallery

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Sanne Cant takes the win for the Women's Race at the 2016 Jaarmarktcross in Niel. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Sanne Cant takes the win for the Women’s Race at the 2016 Jaarmarktcross in Niel. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

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