Victory for Tom Meeusen. © Thomas Van Bracht
by Thomas van Bracht
Today saw the start of the first ever GP of Brabant C2 cyclo-cross race in Den Bosch, Netherlands. For new a race of this class the start list was very impressive, with both world champions: Marianne Vos and Sven Nys participating. The race venue was held at 17th century fort, making for some interesting cyclocross terrain. The course was not too difficult with only a few barriers making for some pretty fast racing.
Elite Women:
No doubts about the outcome as Vos takes the win. © Thomas van Bracht
The elite women’s race started off with a minute of silence to honor American cyclist Amy Dombroski who sadly passed away in a traffic accident in Belgium last week. After the first few laps Marianne Vos attached and rode away from the main bunch, gaining an incredible lead in the race. Behind her a small group of four riders (Sabrina Stultiens, Nikki Harris, Helen Wyman and Sophie de Boer) formed trying to regain some distance. Marianne Vos proved to be to strong and won with a massive lead. UK rider Helen Wyman and Dutch Sabrina Stultiens sprinted for second, with Stultiens winning by mere centimeters. Nikki Harris from the UK finished fourth.
The unforgettable Amy Dombroski. © Thomas Van Bracht
Elite Men:
Rabobank drilling it at the front. © Thomas Van Bracht
In the mens race we saw World Champ Sven Nys racing against Kevin Pauwels, Tom Meeusen, Rob Peeters and Lars van der Haar. Most of the bunch stayed together for the first half of the race until Sven Nys accelerated. Only Phillipp Walslaben, Bart Aernouts and Meeusen were able to follow, a few laps later Van der Haar and Pauwels managed to join them. The six leaders had to sprint for the victory and Meeusen was the fastest. Nys finished second and Dutch Champion Van der Haar got in third.
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