Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado has opted to race in the elite women's category after winning the Dutch national title at this weekend's UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Dubendorf, Switzerland.

The Rotterdam native was heartbroken after losing to Inge van der Heijden and Fleur Nagengast in the U23 women's category in Denmark last year. The year before that, she had finished second behind Evie Richards.

This season, the 21-year-old won the European Championship title at U23, establishing herself as a top elite rider leading the World Cup, Superprestige, and DVV Trophy series.

"After the results of the last few weeks, we have analyzed everything again," Alvarado said in a press release. As a U23, I think we have a unique opportunity to compete for the rainbow jersey against the elite. I want to seize this opportunity with both hands."

Racing against the elite athletes is a special incentive to win the rainbow jersey from the U23 category.

"The idea that if you win you get to wear the rainbow jersey for a year also plays a part, it's different than the possibility of winning a title in U23."

Alvarado won the national title this weekend in Lucfen, defeating Annemarie Worst and Lucinda Brand, in addition to winning the Koksijde World Cup, the Superprestige in Gieten and Luderbold, and four DVV Trophy races.