Sweeck wins thrilling cyclo-cross race in Essen, Norbert-Riberolle dominates in the women's race

Norbert-Riberolle set the tone for the race right from the start. The Crelan-Corendon rider was highly active from the beginning, personally reeling in her teammate Sara Casasola and Alicia Franck (De Ceuster - Bouwpunt), before launching three blistering attacks. The final acceleration proved too much for her competitors, as she created a gap in the penultimate lap. With support from her team, she was able to extend her lead. In the final lap, she no longer had to push full throttle, ultimately crossing the line with an eight-second lead. Casasola finished second, ahead of Laura Verdonschot (De Ceuster - Bouwpunt).

The fast course did not favor solo riders looking to break away early, so the peloton stayed together for much of the race. However, Ryan Kamp and Thomas Mein dropped out. The British rider crashed hard after hitting the rear wheel of the Dutchman and could not continue. Kamp had to make his way to the pit zone with a flat tire. Riders such as Laurens Sweeck (Crelan-Corendon), Corne van Kessel (Deschacht-Hens-FSP), and Lander Loockx (TDT-Unibet) stayed active at the front. A group of eight riders stuck together, and it became clear in the final lap that the race would be decided in a sprint. Sweeck proved to be the strongest, taking advantage of a mistake by Vandeputte in the final corner. Jens Adams finished third.