Cyclo-cross rider Shirin van Anrooij (19) impresses in the absence of the greats | cycling

Many top drivers, including world champion Lucinda Brand, were not at the start in Gullegem. Hungarian Kata Blanka Vas, who won the cyclo-cross last year, was also missing.

Van Anrooij, the European U23 champion, took the lead at the start and did not relinquish it. She crossed the finish line solo with one minute ahead of Rochette. Inge van der Heijden finished fifth.

The men – without Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel – are currently working on their race.