American ace Katie Compton’s second consecutive ‘cross World Cup win never looked in doubt as she stormed to five straight victories to seal the title with a race to spare. The 36-year-old is currently ranked world number one as a result, and having already retained her American champion’s jersey this year she will be keen to steal the rainbow jersey from Marianne Vos’ grasp.

Four podium finishes – including three second places – show Compton has the calibre to carry her form into the World Championships and she certainly appears on paper to be Vos’ closest challenger. Buoyed by comprehensive victories over her Dutch rival earlier in the World Cup season she is rightly among the favourites. However, much will depend on how she recoveres from the asthma attack, brought on by a grass pollen allergy, in Nommay at the weekend.