Van Alphen and Thibau Nys conquer the CX World Cup in Flamanville

The second round of the 2025/26 Cyclocross World Cup left two standout names in Flamanville. Aniek van Alphen achieved the biggest victory of her career to mark her debut in the competition, while Thibau Nys once again imposed his authority among the men to solidify his lead in the overall standings. A heavy, technical circuit filled with changes of pace once again determined a race marked by individual differences.

Aniek van Alphen claims her first victory in the World Cup

The Dutch rider Aniek van Alphen (Seven Racing) turned an aggressive start into a dominant performance from the first lap. After responding to French champion Amandine Fouquenet, Van Alphen delivered a decisive blow to the group's rhythm by overcoming the planks and chaining a series of accelerations that soon left her alone in the lead.

Her advantage grew lap by lap as the other favorites organized themselves as best they could on a demanding circuit, dry on the surface but with delicate traction areas. The chasing group, featuring Leonie Bentveld, Inge van der Heijden, and a returning Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado after injury, began to fragment as Van Alphen consolidated an already unreachable lead by the halfway point of the race.

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The battle for second place provided the most intense duel of the day. Fouquenet, supported by the local fans, and Alvarado, in a notable return, exchanged attacks until the Frenchwoman opened a gap in the last half lap to secure second place. Alvarado, in third, completed a very promising return for the remainder of the season.

Behind them, Bentveld and Van der Heijden rounded out a top 6 clearly dominated by the Dutch in a race where Van Alphen not only achieved her first victory in the World Cup but also ascended to the overall lead in the absence of Lucinda Brand.

Top 5 Elite Women World Cup CX Flamanville 2025

1. Aniek van Alphen (Seven Racing)
2. Amandine Fouquenet (Arkée-B&B Hotels)
3. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Fenix-Deceuninck)
4. Leonie Bentveld (Pauwels Sauzen – Altez Industriebouw)
5. Inge van der Heijden (Crelan-Corendon)

Thibau Nys wins decisively and strengthens his leadership

The Belgian Thibau Nys (Baloise–Glowi Lions) demonstrated once again why he is the strongest man at the start of the season. On a circuit ideal for his explosiveness, he read the race well to secure a hard-fought but convincing victory, allowing him to achieve two wins in the first two rounds of the World Cup.

The race started with Joris Nieuwenhuis very active and a very compact race during the first laps. Nys, Van der Haar, Mason, and Vandeputte remained alert to any splits, aware that any detail could open gaps on a course filled with short climbs.

The key moment came three laps from the end. Nys launched his attack, Nieuwenhuis tried to respond, but a problem with his pedal left him out of the podium fight. From there, the Belgian managed his lead with absolute confidence, even after a small mechanical setback that did not compromise his leadership.

Behind him, Lars van der Haar and Cameron Mason engaged in an intense battle for second place. The Dutchman managed to open the decisive meters in the final stretch, completing a double victory for Baloise–Glowi Lions. Mason secured the podium five seconds behind the winner.

Spanish rider Felipe Orts did not start, and Kevin Suárez was the best national representative in 23rd place.

Top 5 Elite Men World Cup CX Flamanville 2025

1. Thibau Nys — 1:03:01
2. Lars van der Haar — +03
3. Cameron Mason — +05
4. Niels Vandeputte — +23
5. Laurens Sweeck — +26

The next important event in the 2025-26 Cyclocross Calendar will take place on December 7 on the Italian island of Sardinia with the Cabras World Cup CX.