Lechner Wins Solo at Hoogerheide – Cant Secures 2014-2015 Cyclocross World Cup Victory – Updated: Photos, Compton Interview

HOOGERHEIDE, Netherlands – Eva Lechner (Colnago Sudtriol) proved to be the strongest woman in Hoogerheide, distancing herself from the competition to finish solo and take the win in the final round of the 2014-2015 Cyclocross World Cup.

Lechner is coming into form at the right time, much like last year, where she was able to secure a second place finish in the 2014 Cyclocross World Championship.

Eva Lechner took an early lead and stayed away for a great World Cup win at Hoogerheide. © Thomas van Bracht / Cyclocross Magazine

Placing second, Katerina Nash (Luna Pro Team) beat out the current World Road Race Champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (Rabobank Liv). Sanne Cant (Enertherm-BKCP) was just off the day’s podium, but her fourth place finish secured her position as the winner of this year’s series.

Further back in the ranks, Marianne Vos (Rabo Liv) and Katie Compton (Trek Factory Racing) both struggled to find the front with Vos taking 12th place, and Compton coming in 21st, 2:53 and 4:19 down on the leader respectively. Compton had problems with her asthma, and couldn’t push hard until late in the race.

The chase for second was won by Nash, while Sanne Cant ran into the railing of the course but managed to finish the race. © Thomas van Bracht / Cyclocross Magazine

Vos went out fast, but seemed to be unable to keep up with the pace being set by early race leader  Ferrand-Prevot, dropping off the lead group to join Compton who was having breathing difficulties. Vos’ performance may not be an accurate predictor for next weeks World Championships, however,  as she apparently took to the staring line having just come off a training block. With a week to go before the showdown, Compton’s recurring asthma is also a wild card in terms of how the top contender will perform.

Antonneau, Vos, Compton, and Llyod stayed together for much of the race, with Vos taking the small group and Llyod coming in first for the Americans. © Thomas van Bracht / Cyclocross Magazine

By lap three Lechner had joined Ferrand-Prevot along with Nash, Cant and Sabrina Sabrina Stultiens (Rabobank Liv) at the front of the race. But it was the Italian National Champion’s bike handling skills that started to shine as she railed through corners to create a gap between herself and rivals.

The chasers tried to close down Lechner’s lead but slick and muddy course took their toll with first Ferrand-Prevot and then Cant hitting the deck. Cant clipped the barriers trying to correct her bike, sending her over the bars. Despite losing Ferrand-Prevot’s wheel, Cant finished strong, keeping Stultiens at bay.

Video: Sanne Cant’s Big Crash Into the Course Barriers:

Rachel Lloyd (California Giant) was the first American to cross the line, coming in 14th, with Kaitlin Antonneau (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) arriving just behind in 15th place. Elle Anderson (Kalas-NNOF Cycling Team) came across in 22nd with Crystal Anthony (Optium p/b Kelly Benefit) taking 30th place. Christine Vardaros rounded out the Americans, finishing 48th. Sole Canadian rider participating in the Women’s Elite Race in the World Championships, Mical Dyck (Stan’s NoTubes), came across in 29th place.

Lechner, Nash and Ferrand-Prevot made up the podium at Hoogerheide. © Thomas van Bracht / Cyclocross Magazine

Sanne Cant held on for the overall World Cup win, with Ellen Van Loy taking second and Katie Compton getting third. © Thomas van Bracht / Cyclocross Magazine

Katie Compton spoke about her asthma problems and outlook on the 2015 World Championships in Tabor after the race:

Check out the Hoogerheide 2015 World Cup Elite Men’s Race report here.

2015 World Cup Hoogerheide Elite Women's Results

2014-2015 UCI World Cup Final Standings – Elite Women: