
Marith Vanhove Breaks World Record and Claims Belgian Championship Title in Heusden-Zolder

On Sunday, January 26, Marith Vanhove, a U23 rider from AG Insurance-Soudal, made history by breaking the women’s kilometer world record during the Belgian Championships at the Velodrome in Heusden-Zolder.
With an impressive time of 1’07”287, she not only secured the national title but also shattered the previous world record, held by Taky Marie-Divine Kouamé (1’08”399). In an exciting battle for the podium, Marith outperformed her competitors. Hélène Hesters claimed the silver medal, while Katrijn De Clercq took bronze.

"It was the first time the kilometer was raced under the new adjustment, which aligns the women’s distance with the men’s as of January 1, 2025. I’ve been looking forward to this since last year because I felt this could be a discipline that really suits me. I was super motivated and, secretly, I had already looked up the world record because, well, it’s okay to dream, right? Based on my previous times in the 500 meters, I was hoping to clock somewhere between 1’07” and 1’09”.
When I saw a 1’09” time posted in the heat before mine, it added some pressure. I focused on a strong start, the right timing, and then just went all out for four laps. To actually ride 1’07”287 and break the existing world record set by France’s Taky Marie-Divine Kouamé was insane. I hoped to go fast, but seeing that time was beyond amazing.
I know the record probably won’t last long with the European Championships coming up in three weeks, but it’s pretty cool to have my name on it for now. I’m already looking forward to the Euros here in Belgium, where I hope to improve my time and see how I measure up against the big sprint stars,” said a delighted Marith afterwards.