Sanne Cant claims 15th Belgian cyclocross title

Sanne Cant (Crelan Corendon) closed out what could be the final cyclocross championship of her career with her 15th consecutive elite title in Meulebeke, having suggested she would retire before the start. “I only plan to enjoy today," Cant told Sporza at the start. "I'm probably at the start of my last Belgian Championship.

So I'm really going to enjoy it. “I will certainly take the time to think back on all the wonderful things, but I would like to win that 15th. That's the intention, otherwise I wouldn't have started today. I'm going to do everything I can." Cant followed through on her intentions, although she faced a strong challenge from Laura Verdonschot (De Ceuster Bonache).

Cant outsmarted her rival to take the victory after an exciting battle. Cant followed 18 year old Fleur Moors (Lidl Trek) off the line with Verdonschot close behind. Moors fell back and Marion Norbert Riberolle moved into the top three at the end of the opening lap. However, Cant stumbled on the barriers but fortunately Norbert Riberolle and Verdonschot also fell.

By the end of the second lap, Cant and Verdonschot were alone at the front and began trading blows. Cant opened up a lead of almost 15 seconds by lap four but then crashed, allowing Verdonschot to come back. On the final lap, it looked as if Cant had delivered another knock out blow but Verdonschot clawed her way back, leading to a scintillating finale.

The pair came onto the muddy running track together but Cant 'killer queen' held onto the lead and celebrated her record 15th title with a primal scream of emotion. Norbert Riberolle was third Results powered by FirstCycling.