By Brecht Decaluwé
Sven Nys continued his supremacy in the world cup competition with a win in Aigle, Switzerland. The first round for the world cup on a muddy course was dominated by the Belgians Bart Wellens and Sven Nys. World champion Erwin Vervecken was third, colouring the podium completely in Belgian black-yellow-red.
Nys was very happy with his win: "It wasn't an easy victory," he said. "I had to fight until the end, but that allows me to enjoy the win even more than usual." Last week the Belgian champion was bothered by a few crashes and little injuries. "It was difficult to know how strong I was. If I gain some more percentages, then I'll be really happy."
Bart Wellens was the dark horse of the race as he was suspended in September for his karate-kick during last season. Together with Nys, he was the strongest rider in the race; that way he surprised many people. "It could've been even better as I felt I was in control of the race. When I wanted to attack during the last lap, I had a flat tyre."
It was bad luck for Wellens who wasn't able to sprint for the victory in Aigle. The rider from the Fidea team expects that he'll be able to match Sven Nys this year. "We'll see this movie of the race a lot this year!" he commented.
Behind the Belgians Italian Enrico Franzoi and French Francis Mourey – both combining cyclo cross with road racing - showed they're ready for a good season with a strong fifth and sixth place. The disappointment of the day was Belgian Sven Vanthourenhout who was riding very strongly in the previous races in September. American Jonathan Page, who was also riding well in September couldn't start in Aigle as he crashed during training on the technical course; a dislocated shoulder will keep him away from the bike for a few days.
See full results for the Aigle World Cup
