Nys Takes Post Worlds Win, Leads UCI Rankings

After a bit of cat and mouse, Sven Nys climbed to the top of the first post-World Championships podium at the Augustijn Parkcross in Maldegem, Belgium. Halfway through the race, things had already sorted out as a handful of riders off the front would claim the top five and a few more positions by the end of the race. As the end neared, each of the riders made attempts to shake the others, but the top five remained together until a burst by Nys took the final sprint.

While it was likely little consolation for his second at the World Championships, the win gave Nys his 12th victory of the season. The race may have, however, provided some vindication to the second place rider, Sven Vanthourenhout. In placing ahead of all the Belgians in the race other than Nys, Vanthourenhout demonstrated that, perhaps, he should have been given a little more consideration before being left off the Belgian Worlds team.

Nys Atop UCI Rankings

Sven Nys may not have climbed to the top step in St Wendel, but he has been riding strongly and consistently, as is expected of the Belgian star. That steady performance, combined with his dozen or so wins and numerous other podiums, have placed Nys at the top of the current UCI leaderboard, a nice place to be this close to the end of the season. With only a handful of GvAs, Superprestiges and other smaller races left, it’s a good bet that Nys will add that accolade to his palmares in a few weeks.

As for the Americans, there are a few bright spots. Four actually. Jeremy Powers and Tim Johnson are both sitting in the Top 20, while Jamey Driscoll and Jonathan Page are only a few riders back. Normally we might Page to continue to be in the mix if European races after Worlds, but given news that he and his wife welcomed their third child the day after the race in St Wendel, we’re not surprised that he’s taking a well-deserved break.

Augustijn Parkcross Results

UCI Rankings