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Relive the blow-by-blow mud-bog racing of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Igorre, Spain right here:


  Igorre Cyclocross World Cup Live Coverage (12/06/2009) 
9:02
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Hello everybody and welcome to Cyclocross Magazine’s live coverage of UCI World Cup number 5 in Igorre, Spain.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:02 Dan – CX Magazine
9:04
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Today’s race might be considered a bit of a vacation for many of the riders here. After battling it out in the cold, wind, and mud of norther Europe for the past few weeks, the relatively mild conditions in Igorre are a welcome change.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:04 Dan – CX Magazine
9:05
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Temperatures are in the 60’s (F) for today’s race, and there’s a chance of rain throughout the day to keep things interesting.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:05 Dan – CX Magazine
9:07
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The big news last weekend in Koksijde was the breakthrough ride of Zdenek Stybar, who won his first World Cup race of the season hot on the heels of two wins the weekend before as well.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:07 Dan – CX Magazine
9:08
Dan – CX Magazine: 

But Stybar was a relatively distant fourth the next day in Gieten. So a big question today will be whether or not he can return to form and win another one.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:08 Dan – CX Magazine
9:09
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Another big story that has developed over the past few weeks is the decline of Niels Albert, who started hot but has struggled lately. Albert wasn’t even on the podium last week in Koksijde.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:09 Dan – CX Magazine
9:10
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert has clearly been disappointed by his sub-par results, but insists that he’ll regain his footing. He, like a number of riders, has been training in Spain this week. So we’ll be eager to see if the vacation from the relatively bleak weather in Belgium affects his (or anybody’s) form.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:10 Dan – CX Magazine
9:12
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The sole American racing today is Jonathan Page. Page has struggled a bit over the past month or so in Europe, but has shown some good form during the past couple of weeks.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:12 Dan – CX Magazine
9:14
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page was slowed by two flats in Koksijde, but hit some of the fastest lap times of the day when his bike was actually working. He’ll be looking for a good result today as he prepares to head home for US Nationals.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:14 Dan – CX Magazine
9:15
Dan – CX Magazine: 

And, ok, here we go…

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:15 Dan – CX Magazine
9:15
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Hello all from Rhode Island.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:15 Jake – CX Magazine
9:15
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The course here is quite muddy in sections, so handling in tough conditions could be a big factor.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:15 Dan – CX Magazine
9:16
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The race is off, and, on course, it looks like Jan Verstraeten has grabbed the hole shot.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:16 Dan – CX Magazine
9:17
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The course is a rutted mess, saturated in some places but relatively dry elsewhere.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:17 Dan – CX Magazine
9:18
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Sounds like what we’re seeing over here in the states!

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:18 Jake – CX Magazine
9:18
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Looks like we’re going to see plenty of running this afternoon.
Sunday December 6, 2009 9:18 Dan – CX Magazine
9:18
Dan – CX Magazine: 

And, as the riders come through one of the particularly nasty sections, it’s Vervecken shouldering his bike and pulling away.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:18 Dan – CX Magazine
9:19
Jake – CX Magazine: 

No doubt Vervecken would love to take a World Cup or two in his farewell season. If there’s a lot of running, he’ll be in the mix

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:19 Jake – CX Magazine
9:19
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Sven Vanthourenhout is just off Vervecken’s wheel.  We’re seeing bike changes already as the riders come through the pit for the first time.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:19 Dan – CX Magazine
9:20
Dan – CX Magazine: 

No sign of Albert, Nys, or Stybar yet. All three of the favorites are well back in the group.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:20 Dan – CX Magazine
9:20
[Comment From Mario Mario : ] 

What about Francis Mourey ?

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:20 Mario
9:20
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Mourey is up there, maybe in fifth place. Stybar is also making his way up there.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:20 Dan – CX Magazine
9:20
Who will win today’s event?
Neils Albert

 ( 13% )

Sven Nys

 ( 38% )

Zdenek Stybar

 ( 21% )

Klaas Vantornout

 ( 8% )

Kevin Pauwels

 ( 8% )

Someone else

 ( 13% )

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:20 
9:21
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Radomir Simunek has taken over for Vervecken in the front.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:21 Dan – CX Magazine
9:21
Dan – CX Magazine: 

A couple of other riders are also coming around him: Sven Vanthourenhout, Gerben De Knegt, Stybar…

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:21 Dan – CX Magazine
9:22
Dan – CX Magazine: 

First lap is about 6:50.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:22 Dan – CX Magazine
9:22
[Comment From Carl BCarl B: ] 

How about Page?

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:22 Carl B
9:22
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page had to start relatively deep in the field. He’s back in about 25th maybe right now, but will definitely be looking to move up.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:22 Dan – CX Magazine
9:23
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Sven Vanthourenhout has gotten a little bit of a gap, maybe 10 meters off the front, with Stybar making an effort to close.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:23 Dan – CX Magazine
9:24
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Vanthourenhout, along with Sven Nys, was apparently robbed yesterday. A thief broke into their hotel and took cash and a laptop.
Sunday December 6, 2009 9:24 Dan – CX Magazine
9:24
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Good to see Vanthourenhout back up at the front. He had to miss a couple of weeks due to “overtraining” a couple weeks back. His team manager was less than happy

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:24 Jake – CX Magazine
9:24
[Comment From HaavenfritesHaavenfrites: ] 

Barriers, flyovers, run-ups? What are some of the featues in Igorre?

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:24 Haavenfrites
9:25
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The course is relatively straightforward. No barriers or flyover. The main obstacle for riders today will be the deep mud that covers about half the course. There are definitely a couple of unrideable climbs.
Sunday December 6, 2009 9:25 Dan – CX Magazine
9:26
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar now has taken over in the lead as they come through the pits again. Styby is one of the riders taking a clean bike.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:26 Dan – CX Magazine
9:27
[Comment From MartinMartin: ] 

Slovak rider will perform well today.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:27 Martin
9:28
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar has grabbed a good gap now. But the race is taking shape behind him. Vanthourenhout is about 20 meters back, then we see Albert, Vervecken and one other rider. Nys is making his way up too.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:28 Dan – CX Magazine
9:29
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar just got hung up in a corner and was forced to run a bit, but it didn’t look like it slowed him down at all.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:29 Dan – CX Magazine
9:30
Dan – CX Magazine: 

We just saw Page come through, surging up there from way back. Looks like he’s somewhere close to the top 10.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:30 Dan – CX Magazine
9:30
[Comment From Erik, SlovakiaErik, Slovakia: ] 

Fingers crossed for Zdenek Stybar and the slovak guys

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:30 Erik, Slovakia
9:31
Dan – CX Magazine: 

There’s a big group of chasers there behind Stybar with most of the usual names. Nys, Pauwels, Aernouts, De Knegt, Albert, Mourey, Franzoi, maybe a few others. Page is just at the back of that group.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:31 Dan – CX Magazine
9:31
[Comment From Carl BCarl B: ] 

Go JP!!!

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:31 Carl B
9:32
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Page is getting well set up for nationas. He’s been doing things rather quietly too, so his chances are looking great at this point

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:32 Jake – CX Magazine
9:32
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar is full gas through this low, sloppy section of the course. Albert has come around Vanthourenhout and is chasing hard.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:32 Dan – CX Magazine
9:33
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nearly everybody is pitting every lap, and Stybar just grabbed himself a clean bike.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:33 Dan – CX Magazine
9:33
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Time for business, fellas

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:33 Jake – CX Magazine
9:33
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Today’s race is quite a contrast from last weekend in Koksijde. There the crowd was 10 deep all the way around the course. Here the “crowd” is limited to just a handful of spectators except in a few sections.
Sunday December 6, 2009 9:33 Dan – CX Magazine
9:34
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page is charging around Franzoi as the riders come up a little rise and really mixing it up today.
Sunday December 6, 2009 9:34 Dan – CX Magazine
9:35
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Honestly, the UCI has to take a long, hard look at Igorre for a couple of reasons. First is the crowd, and second is the fact that there’s only a men’s race!

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:35 Jake – CX Magazine
9:35
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Meanwhile, Albert is still blasting away trying to bring Stybar back, just ahead of a large group with Nys at the front.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:35 Dan – CX Magazine
9:36
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Bart Wellens, who’s been absent for a long time, is also mixing it up near the front. There are a number of Wellens supporters there in the crowd.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:36 Dan – CX Magazine
9:36
[Comment From Andy di MicheleAndy di Michele: ] 

is page still in 10th?

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:36 Andy di Michele
9:36
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page may be in the top ten right now. He came around Mourey, Franzoi, and a couple of others just now.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:36 Dan – CX Magazine
9:37
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now things are stringing out some, it’s Stybar powering through the mud, then Albert, Nys, all separated by just a few meters. Then Vanthourenhout, Vervecken…

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:37 Dan – CX Magazine
9:37
[Comment From JanekJanek: ] 

Can you see Simunek, Zlamalik or other czechs?

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:37 Janek
9:38
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Simunek had a very strong start, but has faded recently.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:38 Dan – CX Magazine
9:38
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The three leaders are plunging into one of the muddiest sections of the course and are about to connect.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:38 Dan – CX Magazine
9:38
Dan – CX Magazine: 

And, as the hit the climb, they’re together!

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:38 Dan – CX Magazine
9:39
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Same old story, again and again. This one’s going to come down to who has the best legs, rather than tactics, in the deep mud

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:39 Jake – CX Magazine
9:39
Dan – CX Magazine: 

As an indication of how sloppy the conditions are, we’ve seen Nys, one of the best bike handlers there is, dab a few times in the corners. It’s pretty tricky riding — although not as sloppy as Igorre last year.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:39 Dan – CX Magazine
9:40
Dan – CX Magazine: 

You’re probably right, Jake. And if I had to put money on it right now, I’d pick Stybar, who looks strong and comfortable, setting pace up front.
Sunday December 6, 2009 9:40 Dan – CX Magazine
9:41
Dan – CX Magazine: 

It’s three together in the front, coming through up to end of another lap. They’re wiping mud from their faces and stretching a bit. They may allow the chasing Vervecken group back in if they don’t step on it.
Sunday December 6, 2009 9:41 Dan – CX Magazine
9:41
[Comment From Carl BCarl B: ] 

Mud – the great equalizer in ‘Cross

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:41 Carl B
9:41
[Comment From Erik, SlovakiaErik, Slovakia: ] 

What about Bart Wellens, is he stil near the front?

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:41 Erik, Slovakia
9:41
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Wellens is in the Vervecken group, just back behind the three leaders.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:41 Dan – CX Magazine
9:42
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Honestly, I’d be putting the farm on Nys, given his past track record and his skills in the mud. But as power will be everything, time will tell who’s got the most in the tank

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:42 Jake – CX Magazine
9:42
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page is leading the next bunch, along with Franzoi, Klaas Vantornout, and a few others.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:42 Dan – CX Magazine
9:43
Dan – CX Magazine: 

End of four laps, and the pace is coming down some. They’re seeing 5 to go.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:43 Dan – CX Magazine
9:43
[Comment From MarioMario: ] 

Mourey is still with Vervecken and Wellens ?

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:43 Mario
9:43
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Mourey is kind of off the back, chasing the Page group.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:43 Dan – CX Magazine
9:43
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page came through the end of that lap looking down at his bike. Does he have a problem?

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:43 Dan – CX Magazine
9:44
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Even the three leaders are just kind of plodding along. The mud is thick, sticky, slow stuff.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:44 Dan – CX Magazine
9:44
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Lucky that everyone’s changing bikes so often, he won’t lost a ton with a bike swap

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:44 Jake – CX Magazine
9:45
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Wellens just broke free of the Vervecken group, and is closing on the leaders.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:45 Dan – CX Magazine
9:45
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Real nice to see Wellens up in the mix again. It was lonely without him while he was out sick

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:45 Jake – CX Magazine
9:45
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys has launched a bit of an attack, and is pulling Styby along with him, but gaining ground on Albert at the moment.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:45 Dan – CX Magazine
9:46
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert doesn’t have the legs to match Nys and Stybar right now. He may be caught by Wellens.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:46 Dan – CX Magazine
9:47
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys has let up just a bit as the race hits a short section of road Albert uses the lull to get back on.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:47 Dan – CX Magazine
9:47
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Albert was just so dominant in the early season that it’s surprising to see him falling off the pace at this stage in the season. By that same token, however, he may have overextended himself early and is running on fumes at this point

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:47 Jake – CX Magazine
9:48
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Wellens is just back with Sven Vanthourenhout just behind. Then Arnouts, De Kneght, and Vantornout.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:48 Dan – CX Magazine
9:48
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Last year, he was the fastest man at the end of the season, but he had a handful of weeks of rest while he was out with a ruptured spleen. He’s still young, and may not yet have developed the season-long stamina of Sven Nys and Bart Wellens

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:48 Jake – CX Magazine
9:48
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page is in a group just behind them with, I think, Vervecken and Franzoi.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:48 Dan – CX Magazine
9:49
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert is staying with the two leaders, but he definitely seems to be suffering a bit more than Nys or Stybar.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:49 Dan – CX Magazine
9:50
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Another lap done. That lap was quite a bit faster than the last one, thanks mostly to Nys’ efforts to step up the pace.
Sunday December 6, 2009 9:50 Dan – CX Magazine
9:50
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Actually, I was wrong about Vervecken. He’s disappeared. Page is riding with Franzoi and Simunek.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:50 Dan – CX Magazine
9:50
[Comment From MarioMario: ] 

How many laps left ?

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:50 Mario
9:50
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Four to go now.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:50 Dan – CX Magazine
9:51
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Remember last weekend in Koksijde when Zdenek Stybar out sprinted Sven Nys for victory. Surely Nys does…

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:51 Jake – CX Magazine
9:51
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now the riders come around a nasty little, twisting climb, shouldering the bikes and running. Stybar now appears to be the one struggling to hold the pace a bit.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:51 Dan – CX Magazine
9:51
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Attack by Albert!

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:51 Dan – CX Magazine
9:52
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert and Nys are riding side by side, with Stybar just off the back.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:52 Dan – CX Magazine
9:53
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Jake is surely right about Nys. Both he and Albert would probably like to drop Stybar before the end of the race. Stybar has looked very strong in the sprint.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:53 Dan – CX Magazine
9:53
[Comment From JanekJanek: ] 

Come on, Styby!

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:53 Janek
9:53
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert leads the three through the pits.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:53 Dan – CX Magazine
9:54
Dan – CX Magazine: 

On the short, mid-race road section and Albert slackens the pace a bit. It’s all three together there, taking a moment to look back and see who’s behind: nobody there.
Sunday December 6, 2009 9:54 Dan – CX Magazine
9:54
[Comment From MarioMario: ] 

Albert’s second breath ?

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:54 Mario
9:55
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The hard efforts of the past two laps have definitely put some space between the lead and chasers. Vanthourenhout leads Wellens, then Vantornout and the two Dutch riders, then Simunek and Page.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:55 Dan – CX Magazine
9:56
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Back in the mud, the leaders are all over the course looking for good lines. But there are hardly any.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:56 Dan – CX Magazine
9:56
Dan – CX Magazine: 

41 minutes down, and another lap. Three to go!

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:56 Dan – CX Magazine
9:57
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Looks like the Wellens/Vantornout groups have converged into a five man chase. Page is attacking Simunek and looks like he wants to reach that chase.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:57 Dan – CX Magazine
9:57
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert is pushing the pace through one of the slowest, toughest sections of the course.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:57 Dan – CX Magazine
9:58
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert definitely looks like he’s stepping on the gas now, pulling Nys and Stybar along behind him.
Sunday December 6, 2009 9:58 Dan – CX Magazine
9:59
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Whatever was holding him back earlier, he seems to have recovered. He looks like the strongest now.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:59 Dan – CX Magazine
9:59
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now he shoulders the bike and tears up a little rise and across one of the sloppiest sections of the course. But doesn’t gain much ground on the others.

Sunday December 6, 2009 9:59 Dan – CX Magazine
10:00
[Comment From rodd in ottawarodd in ottawa: ] 

Any idea who won the womens race?

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:00 rodd in ottawa
10:00
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Today’s World Cup is Men only, although there were some other races before. We’ll try to get updates from other European action later if we can.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:00 Dan – CX Magazine
10:01
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The two leaders got a gap on Stybar after a trip through the pits, but he wouldn’t let them go. They back together and cruising through this short mid-lap road section again.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:01 Dan – CX Magazine
10:02
Jake – CX Magazine: 

There’s a movement on the table in front of the UCI for the 2010-2011 season that will see World Cup promoters required to host a Women’s event. I, for one, think that’s a great idea

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:02 Jake – CX Magazine
10:02
[Comment From Mario Mario : ] 

In Frankfurt : 1. Vos – 2. Kupfernagel – 3. Van Paassen

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:02 Mario
10:02
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Totally agree, Jake.
Sunday December 6, 2009 10:02 Dan – CX Magazine
10:02
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now it’s Nys going on the attack. Albert is right behind him.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:02 Dan – CX Magazine
10:03
Dan – CX Magazine: 

It kind of looks Stybar might be just biding his time and letting the two Belgians beat each other up.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:03 Dan – CX Magazine
10:03
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now another lap is done, 2 to go.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:03 Dan – CX Magazine
10:03
[Comment From Carl B Carl B : ] 

I agree about the women’s race being needed. Women’s races are awesome to watch as well.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:03 Carl B
10:04
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Many times the women’s events provide more drama than the men’s!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:04 Jake – CX Magazine
10:04
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The five-man chase is still there, strung out a little. Page is pulling away from Simunek and back into the mix.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:04 Dan – CX Magazine
10:04
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Case in point: look at the World Championships last year. There wasn’t a clear winner until Marianne Vos hit the line. In the men’s event Neils Albert was long gone early int he event

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:04 Jake – CX Magazine
10:05
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Mourey is having a lot of trouble today, and is going to slide in the overall World Cup standings as a result. He’s way back.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:05 Dan – CX Magazine
10:05
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Up the run, which is getting very, very messy, it’s Nys, Stybar, then Albert.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:05 Dan – CX Magazine
10:06
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The pace has let up a little over the last lap or so, but it’s not enough to allow the Wellens group to close the gap at all. It’s just so tough out there today.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:06 Dan – CX Magazine
10:06
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now up the next climb and Stybar goes on the attack a bit. He almost rode the whole climb before he had to come off the bike.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:06 Dan – CX Magazine
10:07
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar is really on the gas now, and again Albert trails by just a bit.
Sunday December 6, 2009 10:07 Dan – CX Magazine
10:07
Dan – CX Magazine: 

And into the pits and it’s new bikes for everybody.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:07 Dan – CX Magazine
10:07
[Comment From FletcherFletcher: ] 

Did Page grab onto the chase group? Is he still there?

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:07 Fletcher
10:07
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page is kind of in no man’s land, but was closing on the chase group the last time we saw him.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:07 Dan – CX Magazine
10:08
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Again they let up a bit on the road, allowing Albert to get back on.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:08 Dan – CX Magazine
10:09
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar and Albert are chatting a bit through the slower section.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:09 Dan – CX Magazine
10:09
Jake – CX Magazine: 

This race could really go anyone’s way. The cleanest man through the last lap will take this one

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:09 Jake – CX Magazine
10:09
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The chase has fractured, it’s Vantornout and Wellens, then the Dutch pair of Aernouts and De Knegt.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:09 Dan – CX Magazine
10:09
[Comment From Erik, SlovakiaErik, Slovakia: ] 

What is the difference between the lead and the chase group?

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:09 Erik, Slovakia
10:09
Dan – CX Magazine: 

We’ll try to get that for you when we come through onto the last lap.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:09 Dan – CX Magazine
10:10
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys leads the three, Stybar just on his wheel, Albert about 2 seconds behind.
Sunday December 6, 2009 10:10 Dan – CX Magazine
10:11
Dan – CX Magazine: 

It’s 20-some seconds to the front of the chase. Page is coming through alone in eighth!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:11 Dan – CX Magazine
10:11
Who will win out of the lead group?
Neils Albert

 ( 8% )

Sven Nys

 ( 48% )

Zdenek Stybar

 ( 44% )

No one. They’ll get caught!

 ( 0% )

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:11 
10:11
Dan – CX Magazine: 

It’s one to go here, but there was some confusion with the lap cards and bell for the leaders before they got it sorted out.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:11 Dan – CX Magazine
10:12
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Attack by Stybar!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:12 Dan – CX Magazine
10:12
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Doesn’t quite get away, but definitely hurts the other two.  Now it’s Stybar, Albert, then Nys.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:12 Dan – CX Magazine
10:13
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar accelerates again through some tricky mud and has a gap!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:13 Dan – CX Magazine
10:13
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Blasts up the hill and Sven runs into a lapped rider!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:13 Dan – CX Magazine
10:13
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys goes down! The race may be over!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:13 Dan – CX Magazine
10:14
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Wow! The same thing happened to Trebon yesterday in Portland!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:14 Jake – CX Magazine
10:14
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The lapped rider just stood there and Nys went right into him. He’s chasing from behind Albert now.
Sunday December 6, 2009 10:14 Dan – CX Magazine
10:14
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar is all alone and coming around more lapped riders.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:14 Dan – CX Magazine
10:14
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nobody is going to catch him unless there’s a disaster.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:14 Dan – CX Magazine
10:15
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Lapped riders are proving to be a big issue this season, that’s at least the third time a lapped rider has influenced a major race this season that I can think of off the top of my head

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:15 Jake – CX Magazine
10:15
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now Albert and Nys, together, hammering to close that gap to Stybar.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:15 Dan – CX Magazine
10:16
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Something’s up with Nys, he’s off the gas completely. Albert is going to try to grab Stybar, but Nys is not going to get there.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:16 Dan – CX Magazine
10:16
[Comment From Haavenfrites Haavenfrites : ] 

Stybar robbed the bank and now is in the getaway car! /Dave Towle

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:16 Haavenfrites
10:16
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar is all alone, and Nys is trying to close, but I don’t think he’ll get there.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:16 Dan – CX Magazine
10:16
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys looks like he may have a problem, a flat or something.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:16 Dan – CX Magazine
10:16
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Here comes Stybar onto the road!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:16 Dan – CX Magazine
10:16
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Ha! Sven Nys was robbed last night, and again this morning, you could say

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:16 Jake – CX Magazine
10:16
Dan – CX Magazine: 

He takes the win!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:16 Dan – CX Magazine
10:17
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Then Albert…

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:17 Dan – CX Magazine
10:17
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys is way back, just rolling slowly across the line about 5 or 10 seconds in front of Klaas Vantornout.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:17 Dan – CX Magazine
10:17
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Then Wellens.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:17 Dan – CX Magazine
10:18
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Aernouts, De Knegt…

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:18 Dan – CX Magazine
10:18
Dan – CX Magazine: 

And Page in eighth!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:18 Dan – CX Magazine
10:18
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Nationals, here we come!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:18 Jake – CX Magazine
10:18
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Just ahead of Simunek, Vervecken, and Sven Vanthourenhout.
Sunday December 6, 2009 10:18 Dan – CX Magazine
10:18
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Page has got to be a hot favorite after that ride

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:18 Jake – CX Magazine
10:18
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page has got to be thrilled with the ride today.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:18 Dan – CX Magazine
10:19
Dan – CX Magazine: 

After Koksijde he told us that all he needed was a bit of luck and he’d be there. Well, he had that luck today. Great race by the American.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:19 Dan – CX Magazine
10:19
[Comment From Carl BCarl B: ] 

Great win for Stybar, he’s on fire right now.Thanks for the coverage guys!!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:19 Carl B
10:19
[Comment From HaavenfritesHaavenfrites: ] 

Get JP on da plane to Bend!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:19 Haavenfrites
10:20
[Comment From Carl BCarl B: ] 

Awesome ride by JP !!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go!!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:20 Carl B
10:20
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 

talk about coming into form late in the season with great timing!!! congrads

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:20 Guest
10:20
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 

Mourey?

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:20 Guest
10:20
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Mourey was way back in 15th. Not a good day for a man who was 3rd overall in World Cup standings before today.
Sunday December 6, 2009 10:20 Dan – CX Magazine
10:20
Dan – CX Magazine: 

We’ll try to get you some rider interviews in a second. Stay tuned.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:20 Dan – CX Magazine
10:21
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Quite a few surprises out of today’s race. While Stybar wasn’t a surprise winner, the way he won was surprising – with his rivals done in by a lapped rider.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:21 Jake – CX Magazine
10:21
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Also of note was the resurgence of Bart Wellens, who was in only his second World Cup of the season after a tough battle with an energy sapping virus

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:21 Jake – CX Magazine
10:21
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Mourey falling down the list also has to qualify as out of the ordinary, but everyone’s entitled to a bad day or two

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:21 Jake – CX Magazine
10:22
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar’s win may not have been a surprise, but it has to be the biggest story of the day. He’s clicking just in time for the big upcoming Christmas races.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:22 Dan – CX Magazine
10:23
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Can he keep it up all the way to Worlds? He’ll want to, with the race on home soil.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:23 Dan – CX Magazine
10:24
Dan – CX Magazine: 

It’s taking longer than usual to get to the racers here, but that’s no doubt because of the extra time needed to clean up after a really muddy race.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:24 Dan – CX Magazine
10:24
[Comment From Margin WalkerMargin Walker: ] 

-biggest story of the day until dombrowski topples nash!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:24 Margin Walker
10:24
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stay tuned to cxmagazine.com for more on that brewing story…
Sunday December 6, 2009 10:24 Dan – CX Magazine
10:24
[Comment From HaavenfritesHaavenfrites: ] 

Re: Wellens, maybe the early season illness or injury is a blessing in disguise. Neils Ablert and JP both had there best results after they were injured early in the season.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:24 Haavenfrites
10:26
Jake – CX Magazine: 

It’s been a pleasure folks! See you during the Portland Coverage!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:26 Jake – CX Magazine
10:26
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Thanks Jake!
We’ll stay here for a couple more minutes to see if we can bring you rider reactions.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:26 Dan – CX Magazine
10:27
[Comment From Carl BCarl B: ] 

thanks guys!!

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:27 Carl B
10:27
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Thanks to all of you who joined us this afternoon! Don’t forget to come back later today for all the action from Portland and the last race of the USGP.

Sunday December 6, 2009 10:27 Dan – CX Magazine
10:29
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Looks like we’re not going to be able to get rider reactions for a while longer. Sorry about that!

Check back in to cxmagazine.com later today for more from Igorre, a full report, and rider interview. Thanks again for joining us today
Sunday December 6, 2009 10:29 Dan – CX Magazine
10:30