The Netherlands swept the podium in the elite women's race at the Cyclocross World Championships, but Clara Honsinger (USA) finished fourth in Ostend on Saturday.

Honsinger came into the World Championships buoyed by her success in the shortened World Cup series this winter; the 23-year-old placed second in the Namur and Dendermonde World Cups, ultimately finishing fourth overall in the series.

On the sands of Ostend on Saturday, she recovered the field well after the Dutch team tore the race apart in the early stages. Although she was unable to reach eventual world champion Lucinda Brand, Annemarie Werst, and Denise Betsema, Honsinger passed defending champion Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado on the final lap to finish fourth, 52 seconds behind Brand. He crossed the finish line in fourth place, 52 seconds behind Brand.

"Today's race was a big challenge with the sand and cold rain, but the difficult conditions suited me. I rode steady and kept catching riders. I am very happy to finish the season fourth in the World Championship. I need some rest, but I am very motivated for next year."

Honsinger was the only non-Dutch rider in the top six on Saturday, and after ending Katie Compton's 15-year winning streak at the U.S. Championships in December 2019, her success this winter means more progress. Compton also had a strong showing at Ostend, finishing 21st.

USA Cycling cyclo-cross manager Jesse Anthony complimented Honsinger's pacing on the tough Ostend course.

"Clara ran a really good race. She ran a solid first lap and held a good position early in the race. The three guys in front of her got away early on, but Clara rode a great race to get on the podium," Anthony said. She put in consistent laps and kept her mistakes to a minimum."

Honsinger, a member of Cannondale/Cyclocross World Pro Cycling, will compete on the road in 2021 wearing the colors of Tibo-SVB.