European champion Helen Wyman (Kona) atoned for her disappointing performance at the previous day's World Cup round in the Czech Republic by riding away with the win in Ruddervoorde, Belgium, today at the opening round of the Superprestige series. After notching four victories on US soil at the start of this season's 'cross campaign, today's victory was the first in Europe for Wyman.
Wyman's compatriot, British 'cross champion Nikki Harris (Young Telenet-Fidea), finished second at 27 seconds after Wyman pulled away on the opening lap. Belgian champion Sanne Cant (Enertherm-BKCP) dug deep to outsprint Gabby Durrin (Rapha-Focus) for third place 21 seconds later which prevented a British sweep of the podium.
The British women have enjoyed a remarkable string of success in Ruddervoorde as Wyman took her second win there in three years while runner-up Harris came into the race as the defending champion. Harris also finished 2nd to Wyman in 2011.
Wyman had placed 11th the previous day at the World Cup in Tabor, 1:19 off the pace of winner and new World Cup leader Katie Compton, but had a much better outing in Belgium.
"In the Czech Republic on Saturday I had a really bad day," said Wyman. "On that parcours and in those circumstances you cannot hide it.
"Today the feeling was much better for me on a course with a lot of variety. Hopefully I can repeat that performance this coming Friday at the Koppenbergcross, my Belgian home. However, I expect that Nikki will make it hard for me."
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Full Results
1
Helen Wyman (GBr) Kona Factory Racing
0:42:36
2
Nikki Harris (GBr) Young Telenet-Fidea Cycling Team
0:00:27
3
Sanne Cant (Bel) Enertherm-BKCP
0:00:48
4
Gabriella Durrin (GBr) Rapha-Focus
Row 3 - Cell 2
5
Ellen Van Loy (Bel) DNCS-Pro 2012 Cycling Team
0:01:49
6
Reza Hormes-Ravenstijn (Ned) Orange Babies Cycling Team
Based in the southeastern United States, Peter produces race coverage for all disciplines, edits news and writes features. The New Jersey native has 30 years of road racing and cyclo-cross experience, starting in the early 1980s as a Junior in the days of toe clips and leather hairnets. Over the years he's had the good fortune to race throughout the United States and has competed in national championships for both road and 'cross in the Junior and Masters categories. The passion for cycling started young, as before he switched to the road Peter's mission in life was catching big air on his BMX bike.
The best bike lights help you see, be seen, and stay safe when cycling at night. Our expert Will has over a decade of night-riding experience, and here are his favourite lights and how to choose the right one
