Marianne Vos won her third consecutive world cyclo-cross title in Sankt Wendel, Germany on Sunday.  

The 23-year-old Dutch rider, who also claimed gold in 2006, jostled for position with American Katie Compton going into the final lap of the 2.8km course.

But Vos, 2008 Olympic points champion on the track and 2006 world road race champion, broke free of her rival, crossing the line 17 seconds ahead of Compton, with the Czech Republic’s Katerina Nash a further three seconds back. 

Helen Wyman was Great Britain’s best finisher in 12th, while Nikki Harris was 15th and Gabby Day 23rd. 

Czech rider Zdenek Stybar also successfully defended his men’s title, with Sven Nys (Belgium) finishing 18 seconds back to take silver, while compatriot Kevin Pauwels outsprinted Frenchman Francis Mourey to claim bronze. 

Ian Field finished two laps down on Stybar as Great Britain’s top finisher, with Jody Crawforth and national champion Paul Oldham four and five laps down respectively.