Alvarado Head of the Class at Azencross Loenhout – Report, Results

Little hills, mud, deep ruts, ditches, barriers, the best of Belgian cyclocross was what awaited the riders today in the Belgian city of Loenhout. Annemarie Worst (777) was leading in the DVV-classification with a 56-second lead on Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Corendon-Circus).

A big tumble at the start already created chaos. European champion Yara Kastelijn (777) went down entering the first bridge on the track. Dutch national champion Lucinda Brand (Telenet Baloise Lions) tumbled over Kastelijn and left the race being in pain a little later.

Worst was the rider with the best start today. Fifteen-time American champion Katie Compton (KFC Racing p/b Trek Knight) had a good start too and led the pack for a while until she was passed by Alvarado. Alvarado then quickly opened a gap.

Worst realized the danger and passed Compton. Alvarado passed the finish line for the first time with a 9-second advantage on Worst and a 19-second advantage on Compton. World Champion Sanne Cant (IKO – Crelan) was 27 seconds behind. Canadian and Pan-American champion Maghalie Rochette was chasing with Ellen Van Loy on 34 seconds.

Katie Compton and Sanne Cant gave chase to Alvarado. 2019 Azencross, Loenhout. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

In the second lap, Alvarado extended her lead, as Worst had a 37 seconds arrear by the end of the lap. Cant joined Compton, but the two long-time rivals lost ground too, as they passed the line with a 58-second deficit.

Ceylin Alvarado got out to a fast start at Azencross. 2019 Azencross, Loenhout. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Worst’s run at second was upended midway through the third of five laps when her front wheel dug into the mud too much and she got thrown over her handlebar. Cant and Compton soon caught up with the Dutch rider to make it a group of three.

Annemarie Worst was riding a strong second until an endo set her back. 2019 Azencross, Loenhout. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

The win of the day, however, was already secured for quite some time. Alvarado left everybody behind in the first lap and kept extending her lead all race long. It was deserved win for Alvarado, who also took over the lead in the DVV-classification from Worst.

My plan was to ride for the classification today, to give everything,” Alvarado said (translated). “I thought we would stay together with a little group, but everybody finished alone. Nobody expected that I think. I think I’m leading in all classifications now, that’s unbelievable.”

Ceylin Alvarado was the head of the class in Loenhout. 2019 Azencross, Loenhout. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Cant opened up a gap on Compton and Worst at the end of Lap 4 and help them off to take second. Worst beat Compton in a sprint to take third.

Katie Compton had a strong ride, finishing fourth. 2019 Azencross, Loenhout. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Ruby West (Pivot Maxxis P/B Stans NoTubes) finished 8th, Rebecca Fahringer (Kona Maxxis Shimano) 10th, Maghalie Rochette (Specialized / Feedback Sports) 17th, Hannah Arensman (JA King Cyclocross) 28th, Emily Werner (Amy D. Foundation) 30th, Raylyn Nuss (MAAP | MINI U S Cyclocross Pro) 36^th, Samantha Runnels (Squid x Eliel) 41st, Corey Coogan Cisek (Triple C Racing) 48th and Rebecca Gross (Zero D Racing) 50th.

Full results are below.

Elite Women Results: 2019 Azencross Loenhout