When in Rome…
Marianne Vos made every effort to join the spirit of the seventh round of the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup by riding as quickly as possible and claiming another victory.
The Dutch phenomenon, queen variously of the road, the track, and the boards, secured back-to-back victories having triumphed on Boxing Day in Heusden-Zolder.
Unfortunately for Vos, her return (she has only contested three rounds of this year’s World Cup, missing the early rounds to recover from a road season that brought world and Olympic titles) has come too late to prevent Katie Compton (Trek) from wrapping up overall victory.
The American champion made hay in Vos’ absence, winning four of the seven rounds held so far, and finishing second on every other occasion.
Whatever happens during the final round in two weeks time, when the series visits France, will not derail Compton’s series victory.
The men’s series, however, will go to the wire in the Netherlands, after Kevin Pauwels (Sunweb-Napoleon Games) rode back into contention by winning in Rome. Check back on January 20. It’s going to be interesting.
In the meantime, here’s a gallery of superb image from Rome from photographer, Balint Hamvas.
Katie Compton celebrates her first World Cup series victory with four wins and three second-places from the seven rounds held so far
Britain’s Nikki Harris, seen her fending off an attack from countrywoman, Gabby Day, is second overall, despite a disappointing twelfth placed finish in Rome
Klaas Vantornout played a key role in his teammate’s victory and was robbed of second place by a mechanical
Vantornout’s loss was Albert’s gain: the world champion enjoyed plenty of support en route to second
To the victor, the spoils: one of these in Hoogerheide will allow Pauwels to successfully defend his World Cup title
