2024 Cyclo-Cross Race #4 Recap: Namur, Belgium

TL;DR

At the 2024 Citadelcross Namur, Michael Vanthourenhout and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado conquered the revamped Belgian circuit to claim victory in their respective elite races. The historic venue featured new technical challenges, including a steeper off-camber section and additional climbs, while dramatic racing saw Toon Aerts lose the men's lead in the final lap and Lucinda Brand mount an impressive comeback in the women's race. The fourth round of the UCI World Cup showcased why the Cross of the Citadel remains cyclocross's ultimate test of skill and endurance.

The historic Namur Citadel roared to life on December 15, 2024, as the fourth round of the UCI World Cup Cyclo-cross transformed Belgium's iconic venue into an arena of elite cycling prowess. The Citadelcross unveiled its most challenging course yet, featuring a steeper off-camber section and strategic new climbs that tested riders' technical skills across the natural obstacles and wooded trails.

Racing unfolded under crisp winter conditions, with 8°C temperatures and persistent southwesterly winds adding another layer of complexity to the already demanding circuit. The elite women's field of 34 riders launched the day's action at 13:40, followed by an intense men's competition featuring over 30 competitors tackling the revamped course layout.

The day's drama intensified with World Champion Fem van Empel's early misfortunes and Puck Pieterse's anticipated season debut on the Belgian circuit. The absence of cyclo-cross stars Tom Pidcock, Mathieu van der Poel, and Wout van Aert from the men's field set the stage for emerging rivalries at one of the sport's most prestigious venues, promising an unforgettable showcase of winter racing at its finest.

Key Race Dynamics

Course Mastery Required

The Namur Citadel's natural obstacles created intense racing across its technical sections. Riders faced the legendary off-camber stretch, steep climbs, and cobblestone segments that demanded peak race performance. The mix of wooded trails and artificial barriers turned the historic venue into a true test of bike handling skills.

Men's Elite Battle

Michael Vanthourenhout claimed a thrilling victory in the final moments of racing. The drama unfolded when Toon Aerts launched an attack on the last climb, gaining a 5-second advantage. However, a crucial mistake in the technical off-camber section cost Aerts the lead, allowing Vanthourenhout to surge ahead for his second straight win at the Belgian circuit.

Women's Elite Showdown

Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado dominated the race despite challenging conditions on the racing surface. Early race dynamics saw World Champion Fem van Empel's hopes fade after multiple crashes in the opening laps. Meanwhile, Lucinda Brand mounted an impressive comeback through the field, creating an intense sprint finish as she chased down Alvarado's lead.

Course Overview

The 2024 Namur World Cup circuit showcases significant modifications that enhance its legendary status as cyclocross's most demanding venue. The 2.5-kilometer course combines natural terrain with strategic technical sections, creating a true test of both climbing ability and bike handling skills. The race begins near the Citadel entrance on the cobbled Route Merveilleuse, immediately challenging riders with a steep ascent. After reaching the summit, competitors navigate through a figure-8 pattern that maximizes the natural elevation changes of the historic venue.

Key Technical Sections:

• Modified off-camber section with increased steepness for 2024

• Two new climbs added near the finish line

• Traditional stairs section requiring dismounting skills

• Multiple running sections through varied terrain

Strategic Elements

The course features two pit zones strategically placed to maximize support opportunities. The first pit zone appears after the summit climb, while the second precedes the major technical descents. This placement allows teams to provide clean bikes before the most challenging sections.

Race-Critical Features:

• Long, draining climbs that favor endurance over explosive power

• Technical descent sections requiring precise handling

• Multiple transition points between surface types

• Roughest ascent positioned in the final third of the lap

Race Results

Women's Elite:

Men's Elite:

To explore the complete list of the most up-to-date rankings, please visit UCI's official website or Cyclocross24.

Conclusion

The 2024 Citadelcross at Namur proved why it remains a cornerstone of winter racing excellence. Michael Vanthourenhout and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado mastered the revamped course's technical demands to claim impressive victories, while the challenging conditions and course modifications created thrilling race dynamics throughout both elite fields. The event's success, marked by intense battles across the historic venue's natural obstacles and technical sections, sets a high standard for upcoming World Cup rounds. As the series continues, the Cross of the Citadel has once again demonstrated why it stands as cyclocross's ultimate test of skill, endurance, and tactical racing. Let's cycle to Mars together.

To learn more about what happened during Race #1, Antwerp, Belgium, click here.

To learn more about what happened during Race #2, Dublin, Ireland, click here.

To learn more about why Race #3, Sardinia, Italy, was canceled, click here.