Rafaelle Carrier took a huge result Saturday, climbing to the podium at the latest Superprestige race in Gullegem, Belgium.
“I had a first row start, then I felt really good in the technical sections. I think that’s what really helped me to have such a successful race,” Carrier said.
The seventh round of the Superprestige was held in some pretty windy, and eventually snowy conditions. (Although nothing compared to the absolute blizzards in Mol.)
After snowy Mol race, Van der Poel weighs in on ‘cross and the Olympics
There was also a tight general classification battle going on between four riders. Aniek van Alphen, Inge van der Heijden, Pauwels Sauzen and French star Amandine Fouquenet are all quite close in the overall. Fouquenet took a big win, while Carrier outkicked van Alphen in the final sprint.
The Lac-Beauport, Que. rider had competed in five European races this season, with two top-10 finishes prior to Saturday. Prior to her Euro campaign, she won the under-23 nationals in Lévis, Que., and the next day, beat all the elites at the C1 event.
The race began with Fouquenet taking the hole shot, while Carrier settled into eighth place. “I couldn’t believe I was riding in the top 5,” she said as she fought to bridge gaps in the early laps. She quickly made her move, bunnyhopping planks and navigating the technical sections with precision.
Eventually the 18-year-old move up to fourth by Lap 3.
As the race wore on, Carrier led the chase, closing in on van Alphen and holding off rivals. That included under-23 star Zoe Backstedt and Marion Norbert Riberolle. Carrier’s ride is a good test for the upcoming under-23 worlds, where she and Backstedt are both two of the big favourites. The fact that she beat the Brit was also a good sign, something she hasn’t been able to do thus far.
On the final lap, Carrier juuuust caught van Alphen in the last 250 m. Then, she flew by to take her spot on the podium. It was a thrilling finale for ‘cross fans.
The day also featured strong performances from other Canadians. Alexa Haviland finished second in the junior women’s race. Elly Moore was fourth, and Clare Hauber took eighth.
The multi-disciplined Carrier is expected to announce her new team for 2026 soon.