Belgian champion Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Colnago) beat World champion Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) in a rare sprint finish in the Jaarmarktcross in Niel, Belgium. Nys took the initiative early on but was joined by Albert and Sdenek Stybar (Telenet-Fidea) and Albert’s teammate Radomir Simunek. After numerous attacks the two Belgians approached the finish together, Albert led out the sprint but Nys managed to come around him to win by half a wheel.
Stybar escaped Simunek but couldn’t catch the two Belgians and finished in 3rd place, 34 seconds back.
The victory will be come consolation to Nys, who only managed third behind Albert and Stybar in Sunday’s World Cup race in Nommay, France. It will make little difference to Albert’s enormous lead in the World rankings however as the race carries very few points.
In the women’s race Marianne Vos (DSB Bank-Nederland Bloeit) also managed to put the disappointment of defeat in Sunday’s World Cup race behind her. The World champion won a two-up sprint over compatriot Dutch champion Daphny Van Den Brand (ZZPR.nl). Sunday’s winner and World rankings leader Katie Compton (Planet Bike) was third, 12 seconds behind the two Dutchwomen.
Men’s Result
1 Sven Nys
2 Niels Albert
3 Zdenek Stybar
4 Radomir Simunek
5 Bart Aernouts
6 Enrico Franzoi
7 Tom Meeusen
8 Gerben De Knegt
9 Philipp Walsleben
10 Jan Verstraeten
Women’s Result
1 Marianne Vos
2 Daphny Van Den Brand
3 Katherine Compton
4 Sanne Cant
5 Saskia Elemans
6 Sophie De Boer
7 Joyce Vanderbeken
8 Nikki Harris
9 Gabriella Day
10 Reza Hormes-Ravenstijn