2015 Soudal Classics – Women
With so many National Championship races almost upon us the 2015 Soudal Classics in Leuven, Belgium was not stacked, but the racing in mud made it another classic.
Dutch rider Sabrina Stultiens of Rabo Liv Women had a great day in Leuven and captured the win.
The folks in Belgium really know how to set up courses and order the prefect weather for cross races.
Belgian Ellen Van Loy of Young Telenet Fidea was the first aggressor together with Stultiens.
An early crash put Elle Anderson back in the field.
Ellen Van Loy was very strong and dropped Stultiens during the first lap.
Loes Sels of Young Telenet Fidea runs this muddy descent on the way to fourth place.
American Elle Anderson who races for the Belgian Kalas-NNOF team clawed her way back to 5th place.
The course in Leuven has many tricky sections and Gertie gets ready for a quick run-up to chase Meg De Bruyne.
Brit Nikki Harris struggled a bit and fell out of contention after being at the front of the affair early on.
Sabrina Stultiens caught back up to Ellen Van Loy and attacked her hard.
Anderson had to dig hard to maintain that 5th position.
American native but Belgium adopted Christine Vardaros pushes up one of the many muddy sections.
Sabrina Stultiens was flying and looked great.
Ellen Van Loy however did not give up and fought a valiant fight.
It was however not enough and Sabrina Stultiens grabbed the win at the 2014 Soudal Classics race.
Van Loy was rewarded for her efforts with a runner-up finish and the lead in the series.
Loes Sels had given it all and the effort showed. 4th place was her reward.
The happy women's podium at the 2015 Soudal Classics in Leuven.
All images © Tom Prenen
