Shirin van Anrooij fends off Fem van Empel to take solo X2O Trofee Koksijde win

Dutch Shirin van Anrooij celebrates on the podium after winning the women elite race at the UCI Cyclocross World Cup cyclocross event in Beekse Bergen The Netherlands Sunday 13 November 2022 the fifth out of 14 stages in the World Cup trophy in the 20222023 season BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS Photo by DAVID PINTENS BELGA MAG Belga via AFP Photo by DAVID PINTENSBELGA MAGAFP via Getty Images
Shirin van Anrooij (Baloise Trek Lions) (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

In her first race of 2023, Shirin van Anrooij (Baloise Trek Lions) returned to the top step of the podium, storming to a solo victory in the fifth round of the X2O Trofee in Koksijde.

Van Anrooij fought off a race-long chase from another Dutch 20-year-old, Jumbo-Visma's Fem van Empel. The European champion was targeting her 12th win of the season but was forced to settle for second place, 14 seconds down after never quite getting in touch with her rival.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Dani Ostanek
Senior News Writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Prior to joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur.

 

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, World Championships, and the spring Classics. They have interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, Demi Vollering, and Anna van der Breggen.

 

As well as original reporting, news and feature writing, and production work, Dani also oversees How to Watch guides and works on The Leadout newsletter throughout the season. Their favourite races are Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix and their favourite published article is from the 2024 edition of the latter: 'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix

Latest on Cyclingnews