2014 UCI Cyclocross World Cup Round 6 in Rome

Niels Albert proved victorious – winning today’s round 6 of the 2014 UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Rome.  

Albert escaped on the third lap – subsequently building up a five-second gap over the main field. That gap would later increase to 17 seconds, as a three-man chase group containing French champion Francis Mourey, World Cup leader Lars van der Haar and World Champion Sven Nys pursued in earnest during the final laps to no avail.

Indeed, Albert managed to successfully hold onto a a five second gap to win over over Van der Haar and Nys.

“It was a very hard one,” said Albert. “The track was very muddy. I was a little bit tired from the training on Friday. The last two rounds were totally broken, everything was hurting. But I’m happy I won.”

Van der Haar continues to lead the World Cup series with 407 points. Albert sits second with 353 while Philipp Walsleben (BKCP) is third with 344.

UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Roma – Elite Men’s Brief Results:
1, Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus)
2, Lars van der Haar (Rabobank) at 5”
3, Sven Nys (Crelan-AA Drink) at 5”
4, Francis Mourey (FDJ.fr) at 11”
5, Martin Bina (Kwadro-Stannah) at 41”
6, Rob Peeters (Vastgoedservice-Golden Palace) at 46”
7, Thijs Van Amerongen (AA Drink) at 51”
8, Tom Meeusen (Telenet-Fidea) at 1’02”
9, Corne Van Kessel 116
10, Bart Wellens (Telenet-Fidea) at 1’20”
11, Philipp Walsleben (BKCP-Powerplus) at 1’33”
12, Wietse Bosmans (BKCP-Powerplus) at 1’36”
13, Kevin Pauwels (Sunweb-Napoleon Games) at 1’46”
14, Bart Aernouts (AA Drink) at 1’54”
15, Marco Fontana (Cannondale Factory Racing) at 2’09”

World Cup Standings:
1, Lars van der Haar 407 points
2, Niels Albert 353
3, Philipp Walsleben 344
4, Kevin Pauwels 313
5, Klaas Vantornout 279
6, Francis Mourey 270
7, Thijs Van Amerongen 267
8, Sven Nys 264
9, Bart Aernouts 264
10, Rob Peeters 248
 

In the women;’s race, Katie Compton clinched the overall World Cup title, after once again beating Marianne Vos at today’s World Cup event in Rome.

Vos finished second at the Capannelle hippodrome, ahead of Eva Lechner who finished third.

Today’s race saw Compton and Vos taking turns trying to "crack" the other, while their rivals were left to pursue in earnest – and a battle it out for lesser podium positions.  

In the final lap, Vos managed to create a slight gap over Compton, after coming around the American on the inside of a corner during the final laps. However, Compton successfully reeled Vos back in, and from there, gradually began to open a gap of her own as the two went through a final section of hurdles.

Once clear, Compton continued to apply the pressure – leaving Vos unable to respond. 

Compton crossed the finish line 24 seconds ahead of Vos, while Eva Lechner finished third after dispatching her race long rivals – Pauline Ferrand Prevot , Sanne Cant, Helen Wyman and Ellen Van Loy.

Today’ victory marked Compton’s second consecutive victory in the World Cup series.

Result

1. Katie Compton (USA) TRek Cyclocross Collective
2. Marianne Vos (Ned) Rabobank-Liv/Giant
3. Eva Lechner (Ita) Colnago-Südtirol
4. Pauline Ferrand Prevot (Fra) Rabobank-Liv/Giant
5. Sanne Cant (Bel) Enertherm-BKCP
6. Helen Wyman (GBr) Kona Factory Racing
7. Ellen Van Loy (Bel) Telenet-Fidea
8. Sophie de Boer (Ned) KDL Cycling Team
9. Nikki Harris (GBr) Telenet-Fidea
10. Lucie Chainel-Lefevre (Fra) EC Stephanois

World Cup standings after six rounds
1. Katie Compton (USA) TRek Cyclocross Collective 350pts
2. Nikki Harris (GBr) Telenet-Fidea 249
3. Sanne Cant (Bel) Enertherm-BKCP 221
4. Marianne Vos (Ned) Rabobank-Liv/Giant 210
5. Helen Wyman (GBr) Kona Factory Racing 164