Nys, Vos Triumph in Leuven Fidea Classic

Marianne Vos took the win at Namur World Cup, and again today at Leuven. © Bart Hazen

LEUVEN, BELIGUM — Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit) took the win in the women’s race in Leuven today. Again, the racer from the Netherlands finished the race more than two minutes ahead of second place, Daphny van den Brand (AA Drink-Leontien.nl). Behind the two, Sophie de Boer (Telenet-Fidea) finished third, making the podium entirely Dutch racers.

The fight in the women’s race was for third place, rather than first, with Vos and Van den Brand establishing early leads. Chasing the two were De Boer, Pavla Havlikova (Telenet-Fidea), Sanne Cant (Boxx-Veldritacademie) and Gabriella Day (Renner-Raleigh). Day, who ultimately finished in sixth place, said it was a, “Tough day; had very sore legs today. Much rest and recovery needed tomorrow.”

The Americans had a stellar day as well, with Rapha-Focus rider Julie Krasniak taking 11th place.

In the men’s race, Sven Nys took the win. With several racers, including Kevin Pauwels and Niels Albert, noticeably absent at the race, Nys’s win was largely uncontested. He was followed by Rob Peeters (Telenet-Fidea) and French champion Francis Mourey (FDJ). Albert told reporters yesterday that he was skipping the race due to a cold, adding “As much as I [want to] start, I will not take risks with a view to the rest of the season.”

Nys is now five for five in the Fidea Classics series, and is pleased with his performance: “I’m proud of my series. They are five beautiful ’crosses.” As for his old age? Hardly an issue. In fact, he added, “I would like once again a World Cup win. I know that can still, despite my age.”

US racer Jonathan Page (Planet Bike-Blue Bicycles) had perhaps his best race of the year, finishing in seventh.

Despite getting pulled, the only other US racer to take to the course, Jake Wells, was happy with the course and later said that his, “Legs were pretty shot from yesterday but I was loving the Fidea Classics course. Surprised to get pulled so early, but mission accomplished …”

Elite Men’s Results:

Elite Women’s Results: