Zaltbommel – 20-year-old Puck Pieterse of Alpecin-Deceuninck has become the new Dutch elite women’s cyclocross champion, soloing to victory in the muddy conditions of Zaltbommel on Sunday.

Pieterse took the title from 2022 winner Marianne Vos, crossing the finish line 26 seconds ahead of her teammate Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado.

Fem Van Empel of Jumbo-Visma placed third, 39 seconds behind Pieterse, and Denise Betsema of Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal came in fourth, 2:16 behind the leader.

The podium contenders were at the front of the race until midway through the third lap, when Pieterse made her move and accelerated.

Despite the efforts of Alvarado and Van Empel to keep pace, Pieterse’s attack proved too strong.

At the start of the final lap, her lead had grown to 28 seconds, and she confidently rode to the finish without any mistakes to secure her title.

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