Zdenek Stybar (Telenet-Fidea) continued his incredible season by adding the fifth cyclo-cross World Cup in Igorre, Spain to his palmares. The 23-year-old Czech soloed in for the victory dropping Belgian Champion Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) and World Champion Niels Albert (Bkcp-Powerplus) on the final lap.
Former World Champion Erwin Vervecken’s kicked off the race with a strong attack, but he faded quickly as a super Stybar caught and passed him. Albert and Sven Vantournhout realized the danger of the move and quickly went in pursuit with Nys soon to follow. Approximately halfway into the race Nys and Albert, who was clearly suffering, caught up with Stybar. The leading trio was followed by another small group of five, including, Sven Vanthourenhout, Bart Wellens, Klaas Vantornout, Kevin Pauwels, Bart Aernouts, and Dutchman Gerben de Knegt, but they were unable to make contact.
Halfway through the final lap Stybar showed his rivals who had the best legs and claimed his second consecutive World Cup win after his performance in Koksijde. Nys appeared able to match the attack of the young Czech rider, but his chances were ended with a taste of mud as he crashed into a lapped rider.
Stybar celebrated his victory six seconds ahead of Albert, while a disgruntled Nys came in 33 seconds behind. American Jonathan Page rode strong finishing eighth among the talented field, as he looks toward the US Nationals Championships next weekend. Page is looking to regain the form that saw him ride to a silver medal at the World Championships just two years ago.
Bart Wellens signaled that he is back in business with a surprising fifth place finish after being out of competition for two months due to an infection. Wellens’ result suggests he might be able to regain his form in time for the Belgian and World Championships.
In the overall World Cup standings Niels Albert remains leader. Stybar has shrunk the margin to just five points, while Klaas Vantournout (Sunweb-Projob) holds third. Nys remains in fourth.
Results:
1. Zdenek Stybar (Cze/Fidea)
2. Niels Albert (Bel/BKCP)
3. Sven Nys (Bel/Landbouwkrediet)
4. Klaas Vantornout (Bel/Sunweb-Projob)
5. Bart Wellens (Bel/Fidea)
6. Bart Aernouts (Bel/Rabobank)
7. Gerben de Knegt (Ned/Rabobank)
8. Jonathan Page (USA/Planet Bike)
9. Radomir Simunek (Cze/BKCP)
10. Erwin Vervecken (Bel/Baboco)