Advertisement

Marianne Vos doing what Marianne Vos does © Cathy Fegan-Kim

Marianne Vos, shown here on her way to winning the World Cyclocross Championships in Louisville, won the Tour of Flanders today © Cathy Fegan-Kim

OUDENAARDE, Belgium – World Cyclocross Champion Marianne Vos (Rabobank) returned to her winter stomping grounds of Belgium to take the Women’s Tour de Flanders in a finishing sprint against a small selection of riders. Vos outkicked  Elenora Van Dijk (Specialized) and Emma Johansson (Orica) to take her first victory at the Ronde van Vlaanderen, where she’s previously placed second (2010) and third (2007, 2011).

Following the Kwaremont, Vos attacked and was countered by Johansson and Elisa Longo Borghini (Hitec Products), with Van Dijk clawing her way up, bringing four riders to the line. Johansson made a strong surge in an effort to distance herself before the sprint, but was brought into the fold in time for Vos to explode across the line in first.