The signs were ther, but perhaps not so evident as to make one think of the great feat accomplished yesterday by Sara Casasola. The Friulian (top, photo Cor Vos) enters her name in the roll of honor of the classic Overijse, tappa del Superprestige. The blue of Crelan-Corendon she is the second Italian capable of winning a stage in the prestigious challenge after Arzuffi but it had never happened in what is considered one of the temples of world cyclocross.

First victory for Casasola in the Superprestige, with 28″ over brand and 37″ over the other Dutch Van Alphen (Facebook photo)

First victory for Casasola in the Superprestige, with 28″ over Brand and 37″ over the other Dutch Van Alphen (Facebook photo)

Silvia Persico: Building Power for Cyclocross Success at Overijse

For Silvia Persico, the benefits gained from a focused road season are becoming evident as she transitions to cyclocross. Following her first victory at the Tour of the Regions, Persico reflected on her planning and the importance of building a strong foundation.

“Last year I arrived with a good race pace on the first weekend of October and was already going very well.This year I voluntarily started slower, working on my weak points. I built a good base, I did a lot of strength, gym, cross country, as in the past what I lacked was pure power, real rhythm. In fact, in recent weeks I have started to work a little more on intensity. last week I did well, but they were fast routes, less suitable for me. I suffered a lot, but everything is a little more leveled out there, so if you’re smarter you can get to the bottom of it.”

The upcoming race at Overijse holds notable weight in the cyclocross calendar, frequently enough likened to a classic road monument. Persico explains its importance: “It’s a historic race, it was also a World Cup in the past. It involves a challenging course, so I think that to win one must have good legs, good technique. It’s a very complete track and many people like it, everyone shows up here at their best and aims for victory, so I think this is also the reason why it is so renowned.”

Persico’s strategy of building power and technique through dedicated training appears to be paying off as she aims for success in this demanding discipline. She had previously achieved a second-place finish in Ruddenvoorde, behind Norbert Riberolle, demonstrating her growing competitiveness.

Vanthourenhout and Van Empel Reign Supreme at Overijse Cyclocross

The Superprestige Overijse cyclocross race, held on October 27, 2025, delivered thrilling performances from Michael Vanthourenhout in the men’s race and Fem van Empel in the women’s. Both riders showcased their dominance, securing convincing victories in challenging conditions.

Men’s Race: Vanthourenhout’s Commanding Performance

Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen – Bingoal) took a decisive win in the men’s competition. He consistently built his lead throughout the race, ultimately finishing with a 7-second advantage over Dutch rider lars van der Haar. The course, known for its technical sections and demanding climbs, suited Vanthourenhout’s powerful riding style.

Van der Haar put up a strong fight, but couldn’t match Vanthourenhout’s pace. Third place went to Eli Iserbyt, further solidifying the strength of the Belgian cyclocross contingent. The race saw intense battles for position throughout the field, with riders navigating muddy conditions and challenging obstacles.

Key Moments in the Men’s Race

• early Attacks: Vanthourenhout established a strong tempo from the start, instantly putting pressure on his rivals.
• Technical Sections: The demanding technical sections of the course proved crucial, favoring riders with precise bike handling skills.
• Final Laps: Vanthourenhout extended his lead in the final laps, demonstrating his superior fitness and control.

women’s Race: Van Empel Continues Her Winning Streak

Fem van Empel (Visma | Lease a Bike) continued her impressive form with a dominant victory in the women’s race. She controlled the race from start to finish, displaying her remarkable skill and power. Van Empel finished well ahead of her competitors, showcasing her status as a top contender in the cyclocross world.

Second place went to Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, while Annemarie Worst rounded out the podium in third. The women’s race was characterized by Van Empel’s relentless pace and her ability to handle the challenging course conditions with ease.

Van Empel’s Strategy

“I felt good from the beginning and tried to maintain a consistent pace. The course was tough, but I enjoyed it. I focused on my lines and tried to avoid any mistakes.” – Fem van Empel (Visma | lease a Bike)

Looking Ahead

These results at Overijse further highlight the strength of Belgian and Dutch cyclocross riders. As the season progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, with riders battling for valuable UCI points and preparing for the World Championships. Vanthourenhout and Van Empel will undoubtedly be key contenders for future victories.

Key Takeaways

• Michael Vanthourenhout and fem van Empel secured impressive wins at the Superprestige Overijse cyclocross race.
• The course presented a challenging test for riders, with technical sections and demanding climbs.
• Both winners demonstrated superior skill, power, and control throughout their respective races.
• The results reinforce the dominance of Belgian and Dutch cyclocross riders.

Publication Date: 2025/10/28 11:56:08