In 2008, she had a very strong cyclo-cross season, winning two [World Cup] races and even though she finished at second place for six times, she had enough point to claim the overall World Cup title. She seemed to be the favourite for the women's race at the 2009 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in Hoogerheide, she was not able to defend her title as Marianne Vos beat her during a sprint finish and left her with the silver medal.