Month: December 2023

Two days after the great first victory of the season in the UCI Cyclo Cross World Cup (here the news), Puck Pietersen won the penultimate round of the Superprestige series in Diegem, Belgium.

“It went really well, and so I’m happy about that,” Pieterse said at the finish line.

The Dutch champion closed the race in 47:06, just 27 seconds ahead of the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado. Inge van der Heijden (Crelan-Corendon) finished in third position more than 34 seconds back. It was an authoritative performance by Pieterse who immediately separated from the other riders during the first lap, and didn’t have difficulties for the rest of the race. The Superprestige Diegem was held under the evening lights and many people came out to watch what was later called “the Puck Pieterse nighttime show.”

The FENIX-Deceuninck rider demonstrated to be in a magical moment. She has been consistent throughout the season, making it hard for other athletes to defeat her.

After seven consecutive podiums, Puck Pieterse took a great victory at the women’s elite Cyclo-Cross World Cup race in Gavere, Belgium.With a strong performance, the FENIX-Deceuninck rider crossed first the finish line in 55’ 09” ahead of Fem van Empel (Jumbo-Visma) and her former teammate Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Alpecin-Deceuninck). On the first two laps, the Dutch champion battled with Ceylin until she pushed ahead to go solo and build a gap over the rest of the group. A small but crucial advantage which led Puck to win the race. Alvarado was in second place for much of the race but was overtaken by Van Empel just on the final lap.

“It feels great to be back on top, especially on such a tough course,” said Pieterse immediately after the race. “Of course, I’m really happy, I really wanted to win and when it works out it’s the best.”

Her FENIX-Deceuninck teammates congratulated Puck who,for sure, deserved it after such a great accomplishment!