Exact Cross Essen: Marion Norbert Riberolle scores solo victory

Marion Norbert Riberolle (Crelan-Corendon) scored her first win of the 2024-25 cyclocross season at the Exact Cross in Essen, soloing home just as she did in last year's edition of the race.

The Belgian got away from a select lead group on the sixth of seven laps in the race, having earlier tried to make a winning move on the fourth lap. She left behind Italian teammate Sara Casasola, among others, with Casasola coming through to take second at the line, eight seconds down.

Laura Verdonschot (De Ceuster-Bouwpunt) rounded out the podium at 11 seconds down. The Belgian had been the only rider to stick with Norbert Riberolle two laps earlier, while Casasola and another De Ceuster-Bouwpunt rider, Alicia Franck, also got back on terms.

"This win is very important to me because the last few days weren't easy. My grandmother is in hospital and she's not doing so well. I said yesterday 'I'll win for you'," Norbert Riberolle said after her win, according to WielerFlits.

"My mother usually comes to races but not this time. She's with my grandmother in hospital. They watched my win on TV so I'm very happy.

"Last year I only took my first win in December and now it's at the beginning of the season. That's super nice and also for the team. I'm here with Sara Casasola. She's a good teammate so yes it was super nice."

Lap five saw several Dutch riders make it across the gap to fill out the lead group. Aniek van Alphen (Cyclocross Reds) and Manon Bakker (Crelan-Corendon) were among the riders who linked up with the lead trio.

They could only hang on in the lead group, however, rather than making any attacking moves for themselves. Instead, it was up to Norbert Riberolle to make the decisive jump.

Casasola and Franck led the chase behind as the Italian looked to take the initiative. Franck took over the pacemaking, though, bringing the pair close to the sole leader.

Norbert Riberolle had too much in the tank for her chasing rivals, however. At the beginning of the final lap, she enjoyed a 21-second lead over the rest, enough for her to survive comfortably and score the victory.

Behind, Casasola proved the strongest of the rest, coming out from behind Franck to push on alone and take second place.

Results

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