Albert Continues Comeback by Winning GvA Loenhout Azencross; Vos Wins Again

Albert taking the win at Dottoginies earlier this season. Bart Hazen

by Chris Bagg

LOENHOUT, BELGIUM—On a course more cross-country and BMX than cyclocross, Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) and Marianne Vos (Nederland-Bloeit) distanced their rivals on the way to victory. Albert, coming back from a wrist injury, and Vos, following a fuller cyclocross program after her traditional break from the road season, dominated their respective fields today in muddy, technical conditions.

Racers seemed to be off their bicycles more often than on them, on a heavy course with many run-ups, mud pits, staircases, and unrideable sections. Albert looked smooth and collected on his way to the win, taking advantage of a Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet) crash to attack and ride away from a group that included Zdenek Stybar (Quickstep) and Bart Wellens (Telenet-Fidea). Albert went away and the riveting race was for second, between Stybar and, amazingly, Nys, who had to run his bike to the pits before charging back up into the chase. Kevin Pauwels (Sunweb-Revor) didn’t factor in to the second half of the race, perhaps displaying some tired legs from his World Cup win over the weekend. He finished sixth. Rob Peeters (Telenet-Fidea), on the other hand, left his teammate Wellens in the closing laps and almost bridged back up to Nys and Stybar, who came onto the pavement together. Stybar started his sprint early but managed to pop Nys, who surrendered quickly, exhausted from his chase.

In the women’s race, Vos won by more than a minute, also taking advantage of carnage back in the chasing group. Gabby Day (Renner Custom Cyclocross Team), Daphny van den Brand (AA Drink), Sanne Cant (BOXX) and Sophie de Boer (Telenet-Fidea) all tangled when Day dabbed at the top of a small run-up. It’s doubtful that Vos’ huge margin came from that one mishap, but her ability to ride smoothly over these winter Belgian courses is the difference between her and the rest of the women. Vos even had time to catch a little air on her way to the finish, landing the jump gracefully.

Elite Men’s Results

Elite Women’s Results