Marie Schreiber wins HG Cross in Meulebeke as Fem van Empel returns

Luxembourg champion Marie Schreiber secured victory at the HG Cross in Meulebeke, navigating a slippery and treacherous course to win the women's race. Schreiber pulled away from Aniek van Alphen in the final laps to claim the title, finishing 15 seconds ahead of the Dutch rider.

World champion Lucinda Brand finished third after a significant comeback following an early crash that resulted in an ankle injury. The event also marked the highly anticipated return of Fem van Empel, who had been absent from professional competition for nearly a year due to mental health challenges and physical imbalances. Despite starting near the back of the field, the three-time world champion surged through the mud to finish fourth, narrowly missing the podium in a sprint against Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado.

In the men's category, Michael Vanthourenhout claimed victory after a intense final-lap battle with Jente Michels.