With an impressive performance in the Spanish mud of Igorre, Belgium’s Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet–Tönissteiner) grabbed the win in the Elite Men’s category of the fifth round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup presented by Safety Jogger. Nys’ compatriot, Klaas Vantornout (Sunweb-Projob) hung on for a long time but crashed down in the slippery Spanish meadow in the penultimate lap. Nys grabbed the fourth victory of his career in Igorre, his third in a row.

Nys leads group of four early on:

The best start in Igorre was achieved by Vantornout who created the first gaps in the long stretched cyclo-cross peloton. His efforts resulted in the formation of a leading group of four riders including Vantornout, Nys, the Dutchman Thijs Al and the Belgian winner of the last World Cup round in Koksijde, Erwin Vervecken. The World Cup leader, Nys took the lead over from Vantornout and led the group for a couple of laps through the multiple corners of the soaked meadow, but he couldn’t get rid of his three companions. Halfway, the four leaders entered the pit zone with Vantornout on Nys’ wheel. Vantornout wanted to change his bike but didn’t manage to do it. This gave Nys the chance to create a gap which Vervecken and Al couldn’t close. Finally, it was Vantornout who closed the six seconds gap with one massive sprint.

Nys and Vantornout in front:

Belgian champion Nys didn’t seem to mind the presence of Vantornout on his wheel and set a steady pace through the meadow. The race seemed to be developing into a tense final lap when Vantornout suddenly went down. Nys didn’t hesitate and powered away while Vantornout had trouble getting back into his rhythm.

Nys comfortably leads the World Cup:

By taking the victory, the Belgian champion holds on to the overall standing in the World Cup with a gap of 76 points over his compatriot Bart Wellens (Fidea Cycling Team). Wellens had a disastrous start but on the tough course he used the full hour to climb back up to fourth position. Czech champion Zdenek Stybar dropped back to third position in the overall standing of the World Cup after finishing sixth in Spain.

The next round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup presented by Safety Jogger will be held in Nommay, France, on 21st December. In this sixth round, all categories will be represented.

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