THIS WEEK IN PRO CYCLING
Who else? Nijs wins round 3 of World Cup `cross
Rabobank’s Sven Nijs easily won the third round of the UCI’s cyclo-cross World Cup in Pijnacker in the Netherlands on Sunday.
Nijs rode away from his Dutch Rabobank teammate Richard Groenendaal and fellow Belgian Gerben De Knegt, after the trio moved off the front of the field early in the race.
The win represents yet another in the Belgian’s recent domination of the discipline. Nijs, winner of cyclo-cross’s “triple crown” – Belgian national championship, world championship and overall World Cup title – won the first two rounds of the World Cup this year, taking the opener in Kalmthout, Belgium, and the second even in Tabor, Czech Republic.
Nijs, who also holds a commanding lead in the UCI points tally, said he is “in a great position to enjoy the remainder of the season.”
"I feel great at the moment,” Nijs said. “In every sense of the word, I feel much, much better than I did a month ago. I manage to maintain a good tempo through the whole race and then still have plenty left to put in a good effort at the finish.”
That's precisely what Nijs did on Sunday, closing out the hour-long race with a big push at the end, leaving Groenendaal gasping at the end.
“I think I have a big advantage at this point and I want to enjoy it,” he said. “I will continue to work hard this season, but the number of wins I’ve already racked up this year will allow me to come to the start with no pressure on my shoulders. I can ride without pressure. That helps and really does give me an advantage.”
American Jonathon Page was the top U.S. finisher, taking 16th at 1:56. Ryan Trebon, who has been dominating the domestic scene for the early part of the season, made his World Cup debut in 36th place at 4:26, while Jelly Belly's Jeremy Powers came in 5:19 behind Nijs to take 41st.
Results
1. Sven Nijs (B), Rabobank 1:02:33
2. Richard Groenendaal (Nl), Rabobank, at 0:04
3. Gerben De Knegt (Nl), at 0:16
4. Sven Vanthourenhout (B), Rabobank, at 1:05
5. Erwin Vervecken (B), Fidea Cycling Team, at 1:05
FullResults
