Cycling: Shirin van Anrooij will probably always remember the Cyclocross World Cup in Hilvarenbeek. The Dutchwoman won her first World Cup race in the SafariPark. The Belgian Laurens Sweeck won again in the men's category.
Surprise: Van Anrooij defeats Van Empel
"Finally!" Shirin van Anrooij must have thought in Hilvarenbeek. At the fifth World Cup of the season, the Dutchwoman celebrated her first ever victory in this competition. She attacked in the penultimate lap and shook off her last remaining competitors. She narrowly held on to a one-second lead across the finish line. The previously dominant Fem van Empel, after four consecutive World Cup victories and the European Championship title, had to settle for second place this time.
What a thrilling finale It's Van Anrooij who wins her first #CXWorldCup ever! Van Empel and Pieterse nearly got there on the line, but couldn't close the gap anymore. pic.twitter.com/UIztvZAuYe
— UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup (@UCIcyclocrossWC) November 13, 2022
Repeat Winner: Sweeck wins the 5 Sprint
A Belgian was able to cheer for the men in the SafariPark. Laurens Sweeck repeated his World Cup victory from a few weeks ago. This time, however, he had to prevail against his four companions in the sprint. He relegated Dutchman Lars van der Haar and Belgian Michael Vanthourenhout to second and third place. The World Cup race in Hilvarenbeek was characterized by tactical gimmicks. Because in the last few meters, there was not really unity among the leaders.
✌️ in a row for Sweeck in the UCI #CXWorldCup He takes the victory after a long sprint against Van der Haar en Vanthourenhout! pic.twitter.com/QSX2qFlZhz
— UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup (@UCIcyclocrossWC) November 13, 2022