Shari Bossuyt crowned National Champion

Shari Bossuyt crowned National Champion

The 25-year-old made sure the iconic tricolor jersey stayed in the team for another twelve months.

Shari Bossuyt is the new Belgian Champion, after a phenomenal sprint in Brasschaat, where this year’s edition took place. Bossuyt, who recently extended her contract with AG Insurance - Soudal until the end of 2029, capped off what has been a remarkable first half of the year for her by taking the biggest victory since turning pro.

The 137km course was a completely flat one, a perfect opportunity for the sprinters to fight for the title, and this meant it was going to be almost impossible for a breakaway or a late attack to make it, as many teams were interested in controlling the race and bringing their riders in a good position for the finale. Nevertheless, this didn’t stop AG Insurance - Soudal from trying to put pressure on the others, with last year’s winner Justine Ghekiere and Emma Siegers, who jumped from the bunch and booked a place in a strong group.

After that move was neutralized, another group - smaller this time - emerged, and Justine was again prominent, as this newly-formed trio remained at the front until the closing kilometers of the race, where they were overhauled by a reduced peloton who was pushing a far superior pace. On the long finishing straight, Shari wasn’t afraid to open the sprint first, unleashing a speed that none her opponents could match, a speed which she was able to maintain all the way to the line, where she claimed an unforgettable victory.

Overcome with emotion after Sunday’s success, Shari could barely find her words before going to the podium: “I don't know what else is going to come my way, but this really surpasses everything. We did a great race as a team and we can all be proud of this. We had Justine in the break, and then it all came back together, which really suited me. I started my sprint with 250 meters to go and felt in control of things the entire time. It’s going to be wonderful to wear this beautiful jersey at the Tour de France, which is one of the biggest races in the world!"