Sven Nys dominated the Kasteelcross in Zonnebeke and won ahead of Dieter Vanthourenhout and Bart Wellens. Some of his toughest rivals skipped the race, including Niels Albert, who is still suffering from his rib injury that he received after he was brought down by a spectator during the Belgian Championships.
But it was not only the lack of top-notch competitors that put Nys ahead. “Unlike in Roubaix last week, I felt really well today,” Nys said to Sporza after the race. “I feel fresh and fit. I don’t even need Sunday’s [tomorrow’s] cross to know that I am in good shape for the Worlds in Tabor [next week]. The countdown has started.”
Nys had a good start and quickly found himself solo off the front. He was able to defend his lead comfortably and won with almost a minute ahead of Vanthourenhout.
Results
1. Sven Nys
2. Dieter Vanthourenhout op 52″
3. Bart Wellens – 55″
4. Tim Van Nuffel – 1’28”
5. Jan Denuwelaere – 2’44”
6. Jan Soetens – z.t.
7. Jan Verstraeten – 2’50”
8. Ben Berden – 3’01”
9. Wietse Bosmans – 3’07”
10. Tom Van den Bosch – 3’34”