Sven Nys uncatchable in Niel
On Thursday, Sven Nys continued to prove himself to be one of the world’s best cyclo-cross riders with his solo victory in the muddy Fidea Jaarmarktcross in Niel, Belgium. He finished 26 seconds ahead
of Niels Albert and 1:33 ahead of Bart Wellens, who achieved his first podium finish of the season.
"This is a classic and even though it's not part of a classification there's no way you don't want to win here," Nys said. "I'm in a time of the season in which everything seems to work out well and it's
a good moment in the season to be good."
The winner’s form continues to be top-notch after his victories in Ronse and at the Koppenbergcross, where he beat world champion Zdenek Stybar, who was absent from Thursday’s race in Niel. The riders
arrived at the course to find it soaking wet. The windy field was initially led by Wellens, but Nys took control early on, eventually being joined by Albert and Kevin Pauwels at the head.
"My legs were feeling too good," said Wellens. "It's been a long time since I led a race and I was a bit too enthusiastic. When Nys accelerated I realized I had overdone it and I actually needed two laps
to recover from that."
The leading trio broke up again halfway through the race and Nys steadily extended the gaps. The Belgian national champion was within comfortable reach of the win when he entered the pit to pick up a clean
bike and his mechanics were not there. The hiccup cost the leader 15 seconds to Albert but he still managed to secure the win.
"I had about 20 seconds time to recover while Niels was working hard. I told myself 'you were the best, just continue being the best'."
In the closing lap, Wellens picked up steam and caught Pauwels, earning himself the final podium spot behind Albert. The top seven finishers were all Belgian riders, as was the 10th across the line, Kenneth
Van Compernolle. Dutch riders Thijs Van Amerongen and Gerben De Knegt finished in eighth and ninth respectively. Radomir Simunek Jr., the rider responsible for ending Zdenek Stybar’s undefeated season, finished in 11th.
American rider Jonathan Page was riding for a top-ten spot until some course tape was picked up by the wind and ended up jamming his derailleur and setting him back to 14th across the line.
"It's all right. My back pain is behind me and I was in the mix for a decent result. I'm satisfied and looking forward to the upcoming races," said Page.
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