Albert expects Nys to continue improvement

Niels Albert expects rival Sven Nys to challenge him for victories this season, despite cruising to another victory in what has been an already impressive season for the Belgian. Nys demonstrated a vast improvement in form as he claimed second place at yesterday’s GVA Trofee - Cyclocross International de la Ville de Namur, 42 seconds behind Albert.

“He is much better than he was last week. I am not surprised that Nys was good again today, he is a great athlete,” said Albert. "Sven is a marvelous athlete and he'll make connection pretty soon. I think we'll see an exciting duel during one of the next few weeks.”

The second place is a vast improvement for Nys, who finished over two minutes down in 10th place at Steenbergcross, his first race of the season. The poor showing continued at GP Neerpelt Wisseltrofee Eric Vanderaerden where he again lost more than two minutes to eventual winner Niels Albert as he finished in ninth place.

“I’m very happy with my performance and second place,” said Nys. “I’ll just try every week to get a step closer to his level.”

The Belgian champion’s performance had gone from bad to worse as the Cyclo-cross World Cup commenced in Treviso, Italy. Nys started on the front row, but dropped that far down the field he decided to withdraw from the race.

Cyclo-cross success is something that’s become synonymous with Nys’ name. Last year alone the former world champion won three World Cups, three Superprestige events and two GvA Trophy rounds in addition to his smaller wins.

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