X²O Badkamers Trophy 2023 – 6 – HAMME [FULL RACE] (ladies)

January 28, 2023

X²O Badkamers Trofee 2023 WE – Flandriencross – Hamme

The X²O Badkamers Trofee is unique in the world of cyclocross, as unlike other series that award points after every race, the X²O Badkamers Trofee is effectively a season-long stage race, with the overall winner being the fastest over all of the eight races across the season. That’s not always been the case though, prior to switching over to this new system in the 2012/13 season the series ran on points, just like the other series. If a rider misses or does not finish at a round, it’s still technically possible for them to win as ‘non-finishers’. Lapped riders and non-starters are given the winner’s time, plus 5 minutes. Miss too many rounds, however, and these 5 minute-long deficits soon add up and create an insurmountable gap. For that reason, this is a series that riders often compete in throughout the season, rather than picking and choosing individual rounds.

Fem van Empel of Team Jumbo-Visma won the 6th round of the X2O Badkamers Trofee in Hamme, beating Shirin van Anrooij into second place and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado in third, making for Van Empel’s 13th victory of the season.

Van Empel attacked from the first lap, establishing a decisive gap which eventually saw her win by a margin of 1:15, making for an impressive double-victory for Jumbo-Visma as Wout van Aert seized victory in the men’s race too.

Van Empel’s main adversary Puck Pieterse (Alpecin-Deceuninck) wasn’t present, while Lucina Brand (Baloise Trek Lions) – previously overall series leader – finished off the podium in fourth place and so has given up her overall series lead to Van Empel.

“The feeling wasn’t great yet, I was still a bit tired from the internship in Spain. Fortunately, it was enough to win,” said in an interview with broadcasters after the race.

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