Namur hosted the last of three rounds of the 2012-13 UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup to be held in the homeland of ‘cross: Belgium.
The home riders in the elite men’s race did not disapoint, with Kevin Pauwels (Sunweb-Revor), national champion, Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet-Euphony), and Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) filling the podium.
Just one Belgian rider, Sanne Cant (Veldritacademie Enertherm-BKCP), finished in the top 10 of the women’s race, which was won by the American, Katie Compton (Trek), engaged on a seemingly unstoppable run to overall World Cup victory.
British champion, Helen Wyman (Kona), and Nikki Harris (Young Telenet-Fidea) finished fourth and fifth, behind returning world cyclo-cross champion, Marianne Vos (Rabobank).
Balint Hamvas, one of the most exciting photographic talents in cycling, sent these images.
The course in the citadel of Namur is one of the most attractive on the World Cup calendar
Kevin Pauwels’ bike handling skills carried the day for him in Namur
Belgian champion, Sven Nys, was aiming for a third World Cup win in a row, but was unable to match Pauwels
The podium can be a a lonely place before the ceremonies begin
National champion, Helen Wyman, was the first British woman home after finishing fourth
Nikki Harris was fifth and moved to third in the overall standings with two rounds to go
Gabby Day suffered a difficult outing in Namur and finished 21st
