Cant, shown here in Koksijde, has a face that is becoming familiar at the top of the podium. © Bart Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine
The phrase “yet another win” doesn’t do Sanne Cant’s result enough justice. The 24-year-old has not only established herself as the rider to beat this year, but she has won races with such consistency and versatility, it leaves us wondering if we are watching something magical play out in Europe right now.
In Waasland on Wednesday, Cant crossed the line 13 seconds ahead of Sophie de Boer, adding yet another feather in her cap, which must look like a venerable peacock at this stage of the season. The Belgian rider has left many of us waiting for the eventual epic battle that should take place between her and Marianne Vos by the end of the season. Already, Cant and Katie Compton has given us a good rivalry showing at Milton Keynes, with Cant edging Compton at the line despite being second at the final turn for the sprint.
At the start of the race Cant, De Boer, Ellen Van Loy, and Loes Sels separated themselves from the pack. Cant and De Boer attacked several laps later, and created a gap so large that it looked to guarantee first and second places.
Meanwhile, American Elle Anderson quietly moved up through the other riders, even linking up to the original gap that was created early in the race. Her efforts would pay off as she was able to overtake Van Loy for third place.
Cant made her move with a half lap to go, and lead out as De Boer made one too many mistakes late in the race.
Other Americans also shined in Sint-Niklaas, including Christine Vardaros, who took a top-15 on the day. Our recent interviewee in Milton Keynes, Hannah Payton of Great Britain, was able to capture a top ten.
Mathieu van der Poel (BKCP-Powerplus) got the win in the Men’s Elite Race of Sint-Niklaas Waasland, with Kevin Pauwels (Sunweb Napoleon Games) second at 32 seconds behind, and Van der Poel’s teammate, Wietse Bosmans rounding out the podium.
The three riders all made a strong attack to separate themselves, much like in the Women’s Elite Race, only Van der Poel was able to emphatically take the win with time to spare.
Jonathan Page was the only competing American, taking a respectable 20th place in a 40 deep field.
Stay tuned for full results.
