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Today, arguably the second most important jersey in cyclocross was on the line at the 2021 Belgian Cyclocross National Championships in Meulebeke, Belgium.

The Meulebeke course featured its traditional dirt oval track start, BMX-style rollers and multiple flyovers, but added a newly-constructed massive run-up along with steep, climbs after hairpin turns.

Emerging from the mud at the end of the women’s race to take the tricolore jersey was the owner of the jersey in 2020, Sanne Cant.

Cant had to chase in the first lap, but quickly moved to the front and found Lotte Kopecky the only one to threaten her chances of repeating as Belgian National Champ for the 11th year in a row, for her 12th title.

Kopecky made things interesting briefly, closing in on Cant after the sandpit. “There was no unrest. I was in a good rhythm,” Cant said (translated). “After a slow pass through the sand she came back for a moment, but when I looked back, I never saw them.”

Cant was relieved to keep her race day wardrobe the same after more than a decade in the tricolore kit.

“Now I relaxed again for a year. It has been a long time since I had to put on the team jersey again, it took some getting used to. I am glad that it can be put back in the closet.”

Cant, at just 30 years old, could threaten Katie Compton’s 15 national championship titles in a row, if she keeps racing at this level.

It has been a long time since I had to put on the team jersey again, it took some getting used to. I am glad that it can be put back in the closet. -Sanne Cant

Full results from the 2021 Belgian Cyclocross National Championships Elite Women’s race are below.

2021 Belgian Cyclocross National Championships Results: Elite Women

RankBIBLast NameFirst NameTeamAgeResult
11CANTSanneIKO - CRELAN3100:48:39
212KOPECKYLotte2600:00:22
35FRANCKAliciaPROXIMUS - ALPHAMOTORHOMES - DOLTCINI CT2700:01:38
43VERDONSCHOTLauraPAUWELS SAUZEN - BINGOAL2500:02:17
52VAN LOYEllenBALOISE TREK LIONS4100:02:19
68TRUYENMartheBALOISE TREK LIONS2200:02:47
76SELSLoesIKO - CRELAN3600:02:49
87VERHOEVENSuzanne2500:03:10
99CRABBÉKiona2000:03:50
1010VERHESTRAETENKarenIKO - CRELAN3000:04:08
1113VAN DE STEENEKim3500:04:31
1211DE WILDEJulieIKO - CRELAN1900:04:47
1319PEETERSJinse2200:05:07
1415DOBBELAEREJana2500:05:23
154VANDERBEKENJoyce3700:06:34
1623ZWAENEPOELTessaPROXIMUS - ALPHAMOTORHOMES - DOLTCINI CT2000:07:10
1714BROUWERSJulie1900:07:18
1824MAESShanaTORMANS CYCLO CROSS TEAM2600:08:30
1916BASTIAENSSENFauve24LAP
2022ROMBOUTSTine21LAP
2118DE BRUYNEMeg25LAP
21VAN WUNSELLise21DNF