On New Year’s Day Jonathan Page raced in Luxembourg and finished third, behind the Frenchmen Steve Chainel (Bbox Bouygues Telecom) and Nicolas Bazin (Differdange). It was Chainel’s third victory in this traditional “Neijooschcross” in Péiteng on January 1.
Page had a good start as the crossers transitioned from the asphalt right up the fist set of stairs. It was a long uphill and the stairs were far enough apart that it was difficult to get a good rhythm. Page felt comfortable and quickly put the pressure on his competitors.
Chainel was able to somewhat follow the American, and Chainel was in turn followed by Bazin. Eventually, the trio rode together through the forest’s single tracks. The ground was muddy, but the sides were covered in frost, showing how cold the race was.
Chainel was eventually able to pull away. Page and Bazin tried hard to catch the cyclocross specialist, who has had a good first season on the road as well. Page didn’t have enough left for the finish, but was happy with his third place.
Vos takes women’s race
The women’s race was dominated by World Champion Marianne Vos from the Netherlands, who won ahead of Czech rider Pawla Havlikowa and Lucy Chainel Lefebvre (France).