Advertisement

After a brief hiatus from the top step of top-level cyclocross, 2016 World Champion Thalita de Jong (Rabo Liv) is back on top after a powerful ascent up the steep run-ups and long paved climb of the 2016 Hansgrohe Superprestige Spa Francorchamps cyclocross race today.

Christine Majerus (Boels Dolman) shot off the start line, drawing out typical fast starter Ellen Van Loy (Telenet Fidea Lions), with De Jong and Sanne Cant (Enertherm-Beobank) giving chase.

The run-ups required more than just legs to make it up. 2016 Hansgrohe Superprestige Spa-Francorchamps Women. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

The run-ups required more than just legs to make it up. 2016 Hansgrohe Superprestige Spa-Francorchamps Women. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

The lead four regrouped, and De Jong eventually hit the front with a strong surge. The World Champion looked to be on her way to a dominant win, but Majerus and Cant reconnected, making for a tactical battle as each rider looked to take advantage of her strengths out on the course. De Jong was not to be denied, however, and using the paved climb and soggy grass flats to her advantage, put in another attack that would stick.

Thalita de Jongs spritns up the paved finishing stretch, using her road racing power to her advantage. 2016 Hansgrohe Superprestige Spa-Francorchamps Women. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Thalita de Jongs spritns up the paved finishing stretch, using her road racing power to her advantage. 2016 Hansgrohe Superprestige Spa-Francorchamps Women. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Cant passed Majerus for second, while Van Loy finished in fourth and American Elle Anderson (Elle Anderson Racing) had a strong, steady ride to finish in fifth.

The World Champ De Jong back on top - 2016 Hansgrohe Superprestige Spa-Francorchamps Women. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

The World Champ De Jong back on top – 2016 Hansgrohe Superprestige Spa-Francorchamps Women. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Podium: Thalita de Jong: Sanne Cant: Christine Majerus © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Podium: Thalita de Jong: Sanne Cant: Christine Majerus © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Video highlights, full results and photo gallery below.

2016 Spa-Francorchamps Superprestige Results - Elite Women

RankNameNat.Age*ResultPts
1Thalita DE JONGNED2445:42:0080
2Sanne CANTBEL2745:55:0060
3Christine MAJERUSLUX3046:07:0040
4Ellen VAN LOYBEL3746:38:0030
5Elle ANDERSONUSA2947:16:0025
6Geerte HOEKENED2748:18:0020
7Karen VERHESTRAETENBEL2648:29:0017
8Alice Maria ARZUFFIITA2348:30:0015
9Githa MICHIELSBEL3448:58:0012
10Loes SELSBEL3249:09:0010
11Bianca HOEKNED4149:23:008
12Åsa-Maria ERLANDSSONSWE4349:26:006
13Eva Maria PALMBEL2049:29:004
14Julia BOSCHKERNED1849:57:002
15Pauline DELHAYEFRA2850:17:001
16Jolien VERSCHUERENBEL2750:17:00
17Irene GERRITSENNED2151:38:00
18Julie VAN DE VELDEBEL2452:45:00
19Axelle BELLAERTBEL2054:16:00
20Madeleine GAMMONSGBR18
21Marlies BECKERSBEL25

2016 Spa-Francorchamps Superprestige Photo Gallery:

Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse
The run-ups required more than just legs to make it up. 2016 Hansgrohe Superprestige Spa-Francorchamps Women. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

The run-ups required more than just legs to make it up. 2016 Hansgrohe Superprestige Spa-Francorchamps Women. © B. Hazen / Cyclocross Magazine

Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse