Shirin van Anrooij wins night race for elite women at C1 Jingle Cross

Shirin van Anrooij (Baloise Trek Lions) dominated the opening elite women's event at Jingle Cross weekend in Iowa City, Iowa solo across the line and win the C1 race, Musco Friday Night Frights – River Products Company Chris Lillig. 

The 19-year-old set off at the front of the race halfway through the second lap and crossed in the line 40 seconds clear of Hélene Clauzel (A.S. Bike Crossteam), who finished second. Caroline Mani (Pactimo Fierce Team) powered her way past Marion Norbert Riberolle (StarCasino CX Team) with three laps to go and secured third place.

The Elite women hit the course in warm weather and mostly dry conditions for racing under the lights at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in south Iowa City, but the course had developed a few slick corners, deep ruts in the sand, and tricky off-camber sections following a full day of amateur events.

“I really like this course, and the atmosphere is amazing,” said Van Anrooij. “I always love racing in the dark, so it makes for a fun evening. I like the sand races in Belgium, so I knew that was the place I should attack, so I just went full gas there.”

It was the first cyclo-cross victory for Van Anrooij riding for Baloise Trek Lions. She was 16th at the opening World Cup round in Waterloo and 11th at World Cup Fayetteville.

The C1 and C2 races at Jingle Cross are the third of four rounds for the USCX Series. With her third-place finish Friday, Mani moves into the top position of standings for elite women, 26 points ahead of Clara Honsinger (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld), and 28 points ahead of Maghalie Rochette.

Following the C2 race on Saturday, Iowa City will host the third round of UCI World Cup racing on Sunday afternoon. at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in south Iowa City, Iowa.