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Cyclocross Magazine’s live cyclocross race coverage makes its return this Sunday with the UCI Cyclocross World Cup from Nommay, France and then continues with the USGP Mercer Cup. The World Cup starts with the women’s race at 7:30 am EST, and the men’s race at 9 am EST. Tune in right here as European correspondent Dan Seaton brings us the live action as Planet Bike’s Katie Compton looks to keep her winning streak alive and Niels Albert tries to fend off Sven Nys, Zdenek Stybar and Planet Bike’s Jonathan Page. Americans Sue Butler and Christine Vardaros will also be fighting for a top spot and UCI points.

Following the World Cup, we’ll have full live coverage from the USGP Mercer Cup in New Jersey. Get ready for more racing action from the U.S.

Our live coverage is over, you can follow the live coverage archive below:


  Nommay UCI Cyclocross World Cup – 2009 (11/08/2009) 
7:15
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Hello and welcome to Cyclocross Magazine’s live coverage of the third world cup of the season from Nommay, France.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:15 Dan – CX Magazine
7:16
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Today will actually be the second women’s World Cup of the season, and the first time we see all of the top riders in the same race.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:16 Dan – CX Magazine
7:17
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The start list includes World Champion Marianne Vos, and Worlds runner up, Hanka Kupfernagel, both of whom skipped the first World Cup in Treviso, Italy.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:17 Dan – CX Magazine
7:19
Dan – CX Magazine: 

We’ll also see Katie Compton, who dominated the competition in Treviso and now leads the World Cup overall standings. Others likely to be in the mix include Daphny Van Den Brand, who finished second in Treviso, Pavla Havlikova, who won the Koppenbergcross a couple of weeks ago, and Helen Wyman, who’s been on the podium twice in the last two weeks.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:19 Dan – CX Magazine
7:20
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The race gets under way at 1:30 local time, about ten minutes from now.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:20 Dan – CX Magazine
7:20
Dan – CX Magazine: 

There are two other American riders in todays field: Sue Butler, who apparently decided not to defend her single speed world championship today, and CX Magazine’s own Christine Vardaros.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:20 Dan – CX Magazine
7:22
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The weather this week in western Europe has been miserable, so we expected to see a messy course, but Christine told us that conditions were surprisingly good in Nommay yesterday.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:22 Dan – CX Magazine
7:23
Dan – CX Magazine: 

It rained some overnight, but is dry right now. So exactly how the course holds up will be a big factor in determining the outcome today. At the end of practice last night, according to Christine, things were mostly rideable except for a few sections.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:23 Dan – CX Magazine
7:24
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Sue Butler told us she’d like a muddy race, but only if the course stays rideable.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:24 Dan – CX Magazine
7:26
Dan – CX Magazine: 

We had a brief chance to catch up with Katie Compton, who told us that she’s not feeling quite as good as she was in Treviso. As you probably know, she’s had some leg problems that can be aggravated by travel. But she thinks her form is good, and has been training well, so she’s confident about the race today.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:26 Dan – CX Magazine
7:28
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Compton said she expects the main challenge to come from the usual suspects: Hanka if it’s a heavy course and Vos if it’s fast. Van Den Brand was able to stay with her only a little while in Treviso, but apparently is feeling better, so she could be a factor too.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:28 Dan – CX Magazine
7:29
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The women are on the line now, Katie in the white leaders jersey. Havlikova, Van Den Brand, Helen Wyman, at the center in the front row.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:29 Dan – CX Magazine
7:30
Dan – CX Magazine: 

And they’re off!

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:30 Dan – CX Magazine
7:30
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katrin Leumann, the Swiss rider, lead from the start, with Katie just off her wheel as they come into the first set of stairs.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:30 Dan – CX Magazine
7:31
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The course today is in better shape than we’ve seen Nommay recently.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:31 Dan – CX Magazine
7:31
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Havlikova has a bit of a gap now, but things are basically together behind her.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:31 Dan – CX Magazine
7:31
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now Van Den Brand is moving up to the lead.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:31 Dan – CX Magazine
7:32
Dan – CX Magazine: 

And Compton pulls through and makes a big acceleration. Her legs look pretty good right now.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:32 Dan – CX Magazine
7:33
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Compton and Van Den Brand have a bit of a gap, then Havlikova, then Ferrier-Bruneau behind her, but the two leaders are gaining right now.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:33 Dan – CX Magazine
7:33
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Everybody is struggling on the run up, stumbling and slipping around.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:33 Dan – CX Magazine
7:34
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Helen Wyman had a good run, though, and is now in the lead of the peloton in third.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:34 Dan – CX Magazine
7:34
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The run up is a disaster, with people falling all over the place!

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:34 Dan – CX Magazine
7:35
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now here comes Marianne Vos. She didn’t race the last world cup and had to overcome a start from a bit back in the group. Hanka is getting into it as well.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:35 Dan – CX Magazine
7:36
Dan – CX Magazine: 

A dog just ran across the course and almost took out a couple of the leaders.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:36 Dan – CX Magazine
7:36
Dan – CX Magazine: 

At the end of one lap, Compton leads Van Den Brand and Vos. We just saw Sue Butler come through leading a group in about 15th place.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:36 Dan – CX Magazine
7:37
Dan – CX Magazine: 

All the big names and joined in one group now, Compton, Vos, Van Den Brand, Wyman, Kupfernagel, Ferrier-Bruneau, and Sanne Cant.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:37 Dan – CX Magazine
7:38
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The course is reasonably dry, but we’re seeing a few people with trouble sliding around a bit. So it’s not completely solid traction.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:38 Dan – CX Magazine
7:38
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The lead group has fractured! It’s Compton, Vos, and Van Den Brand, then about 10 seconds to the chasers.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:38 Dan – CX Magazine
7:40
Dan – CX Magazine: 

They’re on the run up and Compton runs while Vos rides, and she gets a bit of a gap in reward for her efforts.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:40 Dan – CX Magazine
7:40
[Comment From JMack JMack : ] 

Go Katie!

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:40 JMack
7:41
Dan – CX Magazine: 

After the run there’s a nasty off-camber section where lots of people are having a ton of trouble. Van Den Brand struggled there and now it’s just Vos and Compton together with a big gap to the chase group.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:41 Dan – CX Magazine
7:42
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Vos is powering up a short climb with Compton just on her wheel. The chase is growing behind them.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:42 Dan – CX Magazine
7:42
[Comment From Deborah ComptonDeborah Compton: ] 

Stay strong Katie! Keep her off your wheel

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:42 Deborah Compton
7:42
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Through two laps in about 12:25. They’re moving pretty quick, but not flying. The chasers are about 15 seconds back.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:42 Dan – CX Magazine
7:43
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Helen Wyman has fallen out of the chase group and is about 10 seconds back from them.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:43 Dan – CX Magazine
7:44
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Sanne Van Passsen is leading the chase and looks like she’s dying! (But Van Paassen almost always looks like she’s in terrible pain, even when she’s riding great.)

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:44 Dan – CX Magazine
7:44
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Compton and Vos are just trading the lead, trading accelerations, but neither can shake the other.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:44 Dan – CX Magazine
7:45
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Van Den Brand’s mistake last lap has cost dearly, the chase is just fading farther and farther back. This is really a two-woman race now.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:45 Dan – CX Magazine
7:45
Dan – CX Magazine: 

That chase group includes Van Paassen, Van Den Brand, Kupfernagel, Ferrier-Bruneau, and Nash.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:45 Dan – CX Magazine
7:45
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Here comes the run again…

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:45 Dan – CX Magazine
7:46
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie controls it, and runs, so the two are forced to stay together.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:46 Dan – CX Magazine
7:46
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now up this nasty off camber climb without any trouble. The chasers are on the run up.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:46 Dan – CX Magazine
7:47
Dan – CX Magazine: 

I have to pause for one second to send a quick happy birthday out to my dad, who’s following us in Philadelphia. Happy Birthday, Dad!

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:47 Dan – CX Magazine
7:47
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Vos and Compton are onto the flat sections that lead into the end of the lap. Neither looks to be struggling, they’re just biding their time.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:47 Dan – CX Magazine
7:48
[Comment From MariskaMariska: ] 

Go Marianne

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:48 Mariska
7:49
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie told us before the race that her main preparation for this race was to get as much rest and recovery as possible. It seems to have paid off.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:49 Dan – CX Magazine
7:49
[Comment From KristinKristin: ] 

Is it muddy enough that riders are switching bikes?

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:49 Kristin
7:49
Dan – CX Magazine: 

No bike changes. Just a couple of slick sections, but basically it’s dry and tacky.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:49 Dan – CX Magazine
7:50
Dan – CX Magazine: 

So another lap is in the books. Katie is really pushing it and trying to crack Vos at every possibility. She’s surging out of every turn. Looks like she’s sensing a bit of an opportunity.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:50 Dan – CX Magazine
7:51
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Van Den Brand launches an attack out of the chase group. They need to go right now if they’re going to have any chance to catch the leaders.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:51 Dan – CX Magazine
7:51
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Here we go into the run.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:51 Dan – CX Magazine
7:52
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Compton stumbles on the run, but Vos is caught behind her and can’t capitalize.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:52 Dan – CX Magazine
7:52
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie’s power is paying off on the off-camber, Vos can’t match her there.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:52 Dan – CX Magazine
7:53
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Ferrier-Bruneau slips on the run, and holds up the entire chase.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:53 Dan – CX Magazine
7:53
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Aloha from scenic Northmpton, MA

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:53 Jake – CX Magazine
7:53
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie’s got a gap!

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:53 Dan – CX Magazine
7:53
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Howdy, Jake!

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:53 Dan – CX Magazine
7:54
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Compton took advantage of Vos’ trouble on the off-camber section and is powering away from Vos. She looks completely focused.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:54 Dan – CX Magazine
7:54
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Coming into the end of another lap, we’ll get a time check here…

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:54 Dan – CX Magazine
7:54
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Vos is time trailing up the road, but it isn’t helping. She’s down by 12 seconds.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:54 Dan – CX Magazine
7:55
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Compton is flying, now making her way through lapped riders.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:55 Dan – CX Magazine
7:56
Dan – CX Magazine: 

There’s three laps to go and Katie looks unstoppable at the moment. Vos is gone!

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:56 Dan – CX Magazine
7:56
Dan – CX Magazine: 

How are things in Northampton today, Jake?

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:56 Dan – CX Magazine
7:56
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Who would have thought that at this point in the season, Katie would have not lost a race yet?

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:56 Jake – CX Magazine
7:56
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Looking great over here, the sun is out, it’s warming up, we’re looking at a high of 60F today!

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:56 Jake – CX Magazine
7:57
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie is cruising past more lapped traffic.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:57 Dan – CX Magazine
7:57
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Jeremy Powers decided to take the day off and head to helmet awareness ride in Mystic, CT this morning, so chances are we’ll see a Jamey Driscoll victory here today.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:57 Jake – CX Magazine
7:58
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie had to hop off the bike on the off-camber, while Vos rode it clean.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:58 Dan – CX Magazine
7:59
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie was so cool and fast coming off the bike, she didn’t lose more than a second or two.

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:59 Dan – CX Magazine
7:59
[Comment From lynelyne: ] 

nice to have you back guys this week end!

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:59 lyne
7:59
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Thanks, Lyne!

Sunday November 8, 2009 7:59 Dan – CX Magazine
8:00
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Vos is really hammering now. She doesn’t want Compton to get away, but it’s going to be a big effort to close this huge gap in just two laps.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:00 Dan – CX Magazine
8:00
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Compton comes through another lap, looking very relaxed.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:00 Dan – CX Magazine
8:01
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie’s gap is growing, she’s got almost 25 seconds!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:01 Dan – CX Magazine
8:01
[Comment From DarrenDarren: ] 

Sue Butler? how is she doing

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:01 Darren
8:01
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Haven’t seen either of the other Americans recently, but we’ll try to get you an update as soon as we can.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:01 Dan – CX Magazine
8:02
Dan – CX Magazine: 

They’re cruising through the flats before we get to the couple of technical runs and climbs in the middle of the lap.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:02 Dan – CX Magazine
8:04
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie is up the run cleanly, despite being caught behind a lapped rider coming into it.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:04 Dan – CX Magazine
8:04
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The chase group of three includes Nash, Van Paassen, and Van Den Brand.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:04 Dan – CX Magazine
8:05
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Vos had some trouble on the run. She tried to ride it, but had to grab the course tape at the top to pull herself over the last little bit.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:05 Dan – CX Magazine
8:06
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie just came around Christine Vardaros, who is lapped. Christine offered some encouragement, but we couldn’t quite tell what she said.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:06 Dan – CX Magazine
8:06
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie’s coming onto the road. She’ll get the bell in just a couple of seconds.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:06 Dan – CX Magazine
8:07
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Compton has more than 30 seconds over Vos. Barring disaster, the race for first is over.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:07 Dan – CX Magazine
8:08
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Vos has a good gap over the next three, so we’ll see a sprint for third between Van Paassen, Van Den Brand, and Nash.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:08 Dan – CX Magazine
8:08
[Comment From JIGGS from Delaware JIGGS from Delaware : ] 

This is exciting! Haven’t I been to cx races where they pulled lapped riders? Go Katie!!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:08 JIGGS from Delaware
8:09
Dan – CX Magazine: 

They’re pulling lapped riders, but only at the end of the lap. Katie is now well into the thick of the back end of the race and is passing lapped riders left and right.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:09 Dan – CX Magazine
8:10
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie’s coming to that tricky run again. Last time!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:10 Dan – CX Magazine
8:10
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Up the climb no problem. Now the off-camber.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:10 Dan – CX Magazine
8:10
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie charges up the steep off-camber, and falls!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:10 Dan – CX Magazine
8:11
Dan – CX Magazine: 

But she’s up in about 1 second and back in control. She’s on cruise control now.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:11 Dan – CX Magazine
8:12
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie’s coming into the final homestretch…

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:12 Dan – CX Magazine
8:12
Jake – CX Magazine: 

That’s another big victory for American cyclocross

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:12 Jake – CX Magazine
8:12
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Compton is on fire this year!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:12 Dan – CX Magazine
8:12
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Here it is…

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:12 Dan – CX Magazine
8:13
Dan – CX Magazine: 

She punches the air and then throws up her hands. She’s beaming.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:13 Dan – CX Magazine
8:13
[Comment From derek derek : ] 

Way to go Katie! Awesome!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:13 derek
8:13
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Huge victory for the American

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:13 Dan – CX Magazine
8:13
[Comment From KristinKristin: ] 

Woohoo! Congrats to Katie from all of her Planet Bike teammates in the Midwest! Thanks to CX Magazine and Dan for the great coverage!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:13 Kristin
8:14
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now Vos comes across about 35 seconds back. She looks pretty happy with her ride.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:14 Dan – CX Magazine
8:14
[Comment From JIGGS from DEJIGGS from DE: ] 

Alright!! Cowbells from DE!!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:14 JIGGS from DE
8:14
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Bit of a bumping on the final turn onto the road in the race for third!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:14 Dan – CX Magazine
8:14
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Van Paassen is leading the sprint!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:14 Dan – CX Magazine
8:15
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Van Paassen lead the whole way down the road. Van Den Brand looks very unhappy.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:15 Dan – CX Magazine
8:15
[Comment From JMackJMack: ] 

Awesome!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:15 JMack
8:15
[Comment From TJTJ: ] 

So this is what it’s like to ‘watch’ from home…Congrats Katie!!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:15 TJ
8:15
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Kupfernagel leads Ferrier-Bruneau for sixth.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:15 Dan – CX Magazine
8:15
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now a sprint for 8th…

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:15 Dan – CX Magazine
8:15
[Comment From lynelyne: ] 

is that my tim?

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:15 lyne
8:16
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Caroline Mani takes it over Wyman and Sanne Cant.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:16 Dan – CX Magazine
8:16
[Comment From mommom: ] 

Really relieved, way to go!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:16 mom
8:16
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Sue Butler’s in with a group of about five, including Havlikova…

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:16 Dan – CX Magazine
8:17
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Havlikova takes it, Butler is just a hair behind that group.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:17 Dan – CX Magazine
8:17
[Comment From mariskamariska: ] 

congratulation katie from the netherlands

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:17 mariska
8:17
[Comment From TJ TJ : ] 

Oui, bonjour from Beverly…$5 says Sven takes it today.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:17 TJ
8:17
Dan – CX Magazine: 

We’ll get you the full run down here in a second…

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:17 Dan – CX Magazine
8:17
Jake – CX Magazine: 

We’ll poll the audience in a sec, my money is on that Neils kid.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:17 Jake – CX Magazine
8:17
Jake – CX Magazine: 

For a look at who’s here today in the men’s race:
http://www.uci.ch/templates/BUILTIN-NOFRAMES/Template3/layout.asp?MenuId=MTU3OTM&LangId=1

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:17 Jake – CX Magazine
8:18
[Comment From Darren-Washingtin DCDarren-Washingtin DC: ] 

Great stuff love the coverage! Wish we could see this on TV. To think Compton didn’t have a sponsor before the season……..

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:18 Darren-Washingtin DC
8:18
Who will win today’s Elite Men’s Race?
Neils Albert

 ( 32% )

Sven Nys

 ( 34% )

Zdenek Stybar

 ( 32% )

Klaas Vantornout

 ( 0% )

Francis Mourey

 ( 3% )

Someone Else

 ( 0% )

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:18 
8:18
Dan – CX Magazine: 

1. Compton, 2. Vos, 3. Van Paassen, 4. Van Den Brand, 5. Nash…

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:18 Dan – CX Magazine
8:19
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Katie says the course was really hard, a little bit slippery.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:19 Dan – CX Magazine
8:19
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Kaite says her legs feel good now, and is hoping she can hold the lead in the World Cup.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:19 Dan – CX Magazine
8:22
Dan – CX Magazine: 

If we’re talking about who’s going to win the men’s race today, I’ve got to go with Niels Albert. He’s been completely unbeatable most of the time this year.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:22 Dan – CX Magazine
8:22
Dan – CX Magazine: 

He told us he was sick for Koppenberg a couple weeks ago, but came back with another dominating performance last week in Hoogstraten.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:22 Dan – CX Magazine
8:24
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Seems the majority of our readers feel it will be the Belgian National Champion on the top step of the podium. If it weren’t for that crash last weekend, you wonder if he could have taken Neils off the top step of the podium

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:24 Jake – CX Magazine
8:24
[Comment From TJ TJ : ] 

I am a Nijs fan for today…Niels and Stybar will be throwing hail mary’s all over and Sven will sit back and whoop them at the end.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:24 TJ
8:24
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The men’s race kicks off at 3:00 PM local time. I guess we’ll see in about 30 minutes…

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:24 Dan – CX Magazine
8:25
Dan – CX Magazine: 

(That’s 9 EST, for you in the US.)

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:25 Dan – CX Magazine
8:25
Dan – CX Magazine: 

We’ll try to get you some more results from those a bit further back in a couple of minutes.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:25 Dan – CX Magazine
8:27
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Here’s the podium. Katie there in her Planet Bike US Champion’s jersey, then Vos in the rainbow striped, and Van Paassen looking really happy there in third.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:27 Dan – CX Magazine
8:28
Dan – CX Magazine: 

This is definitely Van Paassen’s best race of the year, and a career highlight. She looks thrilled.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:28 Dan – CX Magazine
8:28
[Comment From JIGGSJIGGS: ] 

It would be nice to see JP in single digits. Wonder how the course suits his skills?

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:28 JIGGS
8:29
Dan – CX Magazine: 

We had a chance to chat with Jonathan Page yesterday on his way to the race after spending a week in Switzerland.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:29 Dan – CX Magazine
8:29
Jake – CX Magazine: 

There’s not a ton to go on for this year’s race when you look at what happened last year

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:29 Jake – CX Magazine
8:29
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Lars Boom (who?) took the win in a sprint over Sven Nys, while Neils Albert was out with his spleen issue

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:29 Jake – CX Magazine
8:29
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Bart Wellens was third, but he hasn’t been racing because of a nasty virus

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:29 Jake – CX Magazine
8:30
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Fourth was Richard Groenendaal, who has since retired

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:30 Jake – CX Magazine
8:30
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Racing has started in Northampton!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:30 Jake – CX Magazine
8:30
Dan – CX Magazine: 

As you probably know, JP skipped the race in Hoogstraten last weekend, saying he was suffering from a nasty cold and a fever.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:30 Dan – CX Magazine
8:31
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Apparently the mountain air did him some good, because he told us he’s feeling much better and is expecting good things from this race.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:31 Dan – CX Magazine
8:31
Dan – CX Magazine: 

We’ll bring you some more from our conversation in a couple of minutes.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:31 Dan – CX Magazine
8:32
[Comment From MariskaMariska: ] 

nice to be follow the race on this site,compliment

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:32 Mariska
8:32
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Thanks! We’re glad to be able to bring this to all of you.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:32 Dan – CX Magazine
8:36
Dan – CX Magazine: 

One notable absence from the men’s race is Belgian Sven Vanthourenhout, who has been riding well but is skipping this one to recover from overtraining. He took some flack from Sunweb director Hans De Clercq, who called Vanthourenhout’s struggels “amateurish.”

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:36 Dan – CX Magazine
8:37
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Otherwise, the start list features all the expected names: Albert, Nys, Stybar, Vantornout, Page, Vervecken, Mourey…

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:37 Dan – CX Magazine
8:38
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Of course, the last couple of World Cups have been won decisively by Albert.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:38 Dan – CX Magazine
8:39
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Of course, in Treviso, Nys was still recovering from his efforts during mountain bike season, and eventually dropped out.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:39 Dan – CX Magazine
8:40
Dan – CX Magazine: 

In Plzen, Albert surged away from Nys and Stybar after a few laps.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:40 Dan – CX Magazine
8:41
Dan – CX Magazine: 

We’ve seen Albert beaten a couple of times this season, but so far he’s been the strongest when he was healthy.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:41 Dan – CX Magazine
8:42
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Of course, last week in Hoogstraten Nys had a couple of problems, including a completely botched bike change, that may have cost him any shot at a win. He’ll definitely want to get some redemption today.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:42 Dan – CX Magazine
8:44
Dan – CX Magazine: 

But right now, Nys is 16th in the World Cup Standings, so a defense of his overall title from last year figures to be all but impossible.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:44 Dan – CX Magazine
8:46
Dan – CX Magazine: 

So with the men’s race about 15 minutes away, we’re going to pause for just a couple of minutes. Stay tuned, I’ll be back with updates from JP and some more results from the women’s race.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:46 Dan – CX Magazine
8:50
Dan – CX Magazine: 

And we’re back! Welcome to Cyclocross Magazine’s coverage of the Men’s World Cup from Nommay, France!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:50 Dan – CX Magazine
8:50
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The race will kick off in just about 10 minutes.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:50 Dan – CX Magazine
8:51
Dan – CX Magazine: 

We just saw Katie Compton ride to a decisive victory in the women’s race.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:51 Dan – CX Magazine
8:52
Dan – CX Magazine: 

For those who were wondering, American Sue Butler finished 17th, while Chrisitine Vardaros came across in 34th.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:52 Dan – CX Magazine
8:53
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Yesterday we had a chance to chat with Jonathan Page about how he felt going into this race.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:53 Dan – CX Magazine
8:54
Dan – CX Magazine: 

He said he was completely recovered from his illness last week, and had spent the week in Switzerland training hard on the hills.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:54 Dan – CX Magazine
8:54
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page said he was fired up to get back to racing and hoping to put it all together today. He felt he had had some good starts here in Europe, but hadn’t been able to finish as strongly as he wanted. So he’s looking for a complete race today.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:54 Dan – CX Magazine
8:55
Dan – CX Magazine: 

He also told us he was looking forward to the terrible weather — rain and snow — that was forecast for today. Looks like he’s going to be disappointed, since it’s actually comparatively nice in Nommay.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:55 Dan – CX Magazine
8:56
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Temperatures are around 5 degrees Celsius (about 40 F). It’s cloudy, but the rain hasn’t manifest, at least so far.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:56 Dan – CX Magazine
8:57
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The men are getting lined up now, and they’ll get the start in about three minutes.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:57 Dan – CX Magazine
8:59
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys, Stybar, and Albert are front and center. Page is just behind them in the second row alongside Vervecken.

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:59 Dan – CX Magazine
8:59
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Here we go…

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:59 Dan – CX Magazine
8:59
Dan – CX Magazine: 

And they’re off!

Sunday November 8, 2009 8:59 Dan – CX Magazine
9:00
Dan – CX Magazine: 

They make the left turn onto the stairs and Vantornout is in the front! Mourey goes down.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:00 Dan – CX Magazine
9:00
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page got tangled up on the way up the stairs and is in about 15th.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:00 Dan – CX Magazine
9:01
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Martin Bina takes over the lead, Nys is up there too. Albert had a bit of a slow start.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:01 Dan – CX Magazine
9:01
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Looks like Bina, then maybe Pauwels, Vantornout, Stybar, Nys, and De Knegt.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:01 Dan – CX Magazine
9:02
Dan – CX Magazine: 

There are five riders together, then a bit of a gap to Nys. Page is back in traffic in about 20th.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:02 Dan – CX Magazine
9:02
Dan – CX Magazine: 

This is a fast starting race after the first trip of the stairs. It’s one huge group all strung out in single file.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:02 Dan – CX Magazine
9:03
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The leaders ride up the steep and slippery run up, but then traffic forces a the folks further back to dismount.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:03 Dan – CX Magazine
9:03
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page ran into a bit of trouble on the off-camber section and had to dab, but he’s ok.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:03 Dan – CX Magazine
9:04
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar charges off the front after the pits, there’s some confusion behind him and it’s helping him pull away.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:04 Dan – CX Magazine
9:04
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar has about 5 seconds, then Niels Albert leads the charge behind.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:04 Dan – CX Magazine
9:05
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys is back in about fifth. Page is just off the back of a large chase group with all the big players except for Stybar and Albert who are off the front.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:05 Dan – CX Magazine
9:05
Dan – CX Magazine: 

As they come through one lap in about 5:25, Albert has made contact with Stybar.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:05 Dan – CX Magazine
9:06
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Not sure what’s happened to Nys, but he’s nowhere near the front.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:06 Dan – CX Magazine
9:07
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Italian Champion Enrico Franzoi is leading the chase now.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:07 Dan – CX Magazine
9:07
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Everybody is still together in a huge long line. Nys is way back in that group.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:07 Dan – CX Magazine
9:08
Dan – CX Magazine: 

So the leaders, Albert and Stybar, are about 6 or 7 seconds ahead, then a group of some twenty riders.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:08 Dan – CX Magazine
9:08
Dan – CX Magazine: 

And they take the run again. Albert cut Stybar off and he had to dismount. That gives Albert a gap.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:08 Dan – CX Magazine
9:09
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page is moving up, but he’s still well back in traffic in this monster chase group.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:09 Dan – CX Magazine
9:10
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar is working very hard to get back on Albert’s wheel and, as he reconnects, Albert waves him through.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:10 Dan – CX Magazine
9:10
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Of course Stybar is blown from his efforts, and leaves Albert to do the work in front on his own.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:10 Dan – CX Magazine
9:11
Dan – CX Magazine: 

So, now two laps done and the leaders have about 15 seconds over the massive chase group. The chase is not exactly looking urgent at the moment.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:11 Dan – CX Magazine
9:12
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys has slowly been picking his way towards the front of the chase and is now about six wheels back.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:12 Dan – CX Magazine
9:12
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Better get on the move now, Albert and Stybar will be gone if they wait to long

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:12 Jake – CX Magazine
9:12
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Agreed. These two are going to be unreachable soon.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:12 Dan – CX Magazine
9:13
Dan – CX Magazine: 

CX Magazine’s Bart Hazen just sent some photos from the Women’s race. Here’s Katie at the finish line…

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:13 Dan – CX Magazine
9:14
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Ok, technical difficulties. I’ll get you that photo in a minute…

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:14 Dan – CX Magazine
9:15
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The big group is coming through the nasty off-camber, Nys is now in control there. Meanwhile Stybar leads Albert through the pits some 15 or 20 seconds ahead.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:15 Dan – CX Magazine
9:15
Jake – CX Magazine: 

If Nys turns it up, he can definitely get up to Albert and Stybar, but the two in front may not allow that.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:15 Jake – CX Magazine
9:16
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Crash in the big group in the pits. Not sure who all went down.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:16 Dan – CX Magazine
9:18
Dan – CX Magazine: 

So coming through the end of the third lap the two leaders are still away, and the chase is breaking apart a bit. Page is dangling off the back there.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:18 Dan – CX Magazine
9:19
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys has faded back a bit in the chase, which is not looking very interested in racing. Meanwhile the two leaders are quickly and easily up the run.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:19 Dan – CX Magazine
9:20
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now the chasers are on that tricky little run. Some real problems back there, with a bunch of riders slipping around.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:20 Dan – CX Magazine
9:21
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page is no longer in the main chase, not sure exactly how far back. We’ll try to get you a better update as soon as we can.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:21 Dan – CX Magazine
9:22
Dan – CX Magazine: 

End of another lap. The chase is maybe coming back a bit here.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:22 Dan – CX Magazine
9:22

Expand
Sunday November 8, 2009 9:22 
9:23
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Katie Compton and her main rival on the day, Marianne Vos

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:23 Jake – CX Magazine
9:23
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Christian Heule is leading the charge in that chase group. Nys is still well back.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:23 Dan – CX Magazine
9:23

Expand
Sunday November 8, 2009 9:23 
9:24
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now Albert leads Stybar, and looks across the course to see how much of a gap they have. Heule is leading a group of about 20, maybe pulling them back just a bit.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:24 Dan – CX Magazine
9:24
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Katie Compton scores another win!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:24 Jake – CX Magazine
9:24
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page doesn’t appear to be in the main chase group, not sure what happened to him.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:24 Dan – CX Magazine
9:25

Expand
Sunday November 8, 2009 9:25 
9:25
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar and Albert fly up that tricky hill and head for the off-camber. Stybar is getting a bit of a gap over Albert now.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:25 Dan – CX Magazine
9:25
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Sanne Van Paassen leads Katerin Nash

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:25 Jake – CX Magazine
9:25
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert had to put a foot down on the off-camber, and then ran into the barrier. Stybar is trying to capitalize on his now sizable gap!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:25 Dan – CX Magazine
9:26
[Comment From Ondra SvandaOndra Svanda: ] 

Go Styby go!!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:26 Ondra Svanda
9:26
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar is all alone with maybe five seconds over Albert!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:26 Dan – CX Magazine
9:26
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar is putting everything he has into making this gap stick, but Albert is hanging in there at about the same distance.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:26 Dan – CX Magazine
9:27
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now they’re on the road, really hammering. Stybar comes through just seconds ahead. Looks like Albert has closed that gap now.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:27 Dan – CX Magazine
9:27

Expand
Sunday November 8, 2009 9:27 
9:27
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Katie Compton on today’s run up

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:27 Jake – CX Magazine
9:28
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The chasers are spread out all over the road. Tons of national champions there: Heule, Franzoi, Nys, Mourey…

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:28 Dan – CX Magazine
9:28
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Well, it looks like Albert had closed it up, but Stybar attacked again and now has a growing gap. The pressure is definitely on Albert.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:28 Dan – CX Magazine
9:29
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The chasers have also stepped it up and are all strung out, but they’re not gaining much ground on the leaders.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:29 Dan – CX Magazine
9:29
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Here comes Nys!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:29 Dan – CX Magazine
9:29
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The chase is breaking apart under the pressure of a hard surge by Nys.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:29 Dan – CX Magazine
9:30
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar hesitated at the top of the tricky climb, and Albert had to put a foot down. But Albert made it cleanly through the off-camber about 20 meters back.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:30 Dan – CX Magazine
9:31
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Here comes the charge by the chase. Radomir Simunek somehow got turned around backwards coming through the off-camber, but he’s moving again.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:31 Dan – CX Magazine
9:32
Dan – CX Magazine: 

He’s shaking his head in either disbelief or disgust with himself.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:32 Dan – CX Magazine
9:32
Jake – CX Magazine: 

No doubt a little of both…

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:32 Jake – CX Magazine
9:32
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now Albert leads Stybar, and they go back onto the road again.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:32 Dan – CX Magazine
9:33
Dan – CX Magazine: 

32 minutes down, 6 laps complete.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:33 Dan – CX Magazine
9:33
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Good to see a race that’s not a wire-to-wire victory. Love the drama

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:33 Jake – CX Magazine
9:34
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys is leading a group of about 7 who have maybe 10 seconds over the next bunch. Nys’ group inclodes Heule, Franzoi, De Knegt, Mourey, Pauwels, Matin Zlamalik…

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:34 Dan – CX Magazine
9:34
[Comment From Patrik from PraguePatrik from Prague: ] 

Czech and Slovak raiders go go

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:34 Patrik from Prague
9:34
Dan – CX Magazine: 

No doubt that the Czechs are having a good showing today.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:34 Dan – CX Magazine
9:35
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now the leaders are maybe easing off just a bit. Nys continues to charge hard behind, pulling that group along with him.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:35 Dan – CX Magazine
9:35
Dan – CX Magazine: 

They’ve completely shed the other riders from that massive bunch.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:35 Dan – CX Magazine
9:36
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert and Stybar are just trading the lead.  Stybar is smartly keeping in front of Albert on these technical climbs.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:36 Dan – CX Magazine
9:36
[Comment From Erik, Slovakia Erik, Slovakia : ] 

Fingers crossed for Zdenek Stybar from Slovakia

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:36 Erik, Slovakia
9:37
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Again Albert had major problems on the off -camber and slid all the way down the bank. Stayed out of the barriers this time.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:37 Dan – CX Magazine
9:37
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Mourey has given it a bit of a go behind. But we can’t see what’s happened there just at the moment.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:37 Dan – CX Magazine
9:37
[Comment From DanielDaniel: ] 

go Styby Go !!!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:37 Daniel
9:38
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar definitely looks like the stronger of the two leaders, but he’s going to have to work hard to stay away from the World Champion.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:38 Dan – CX Magazine
9:38
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Another lap done. The chase is definitely closing some under the efforts of Nys and Mourey. They’re seeing 4 to go here.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:38 Dan – CX Magazine
9:39
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The chase is now about 18 seconds back. Franzoi has popped and is off the back of that main chase group.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:39 Dan – CX Magazine
9:39
[Comment From MartinMartin: ] 

is that off-camber wet or just really treacherous/fast?

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:39 Martin
9:39
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Mourey is having a great season so far, took a win in France last weekend, and has always been in the top 10

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:39 Jake – CX Magazine
9:39
Dan – CX Magazine: 

It’s definitely slick and chewed up, but it’s also just extremely steep from left to right.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:39 Dan – CX Magazine
9:40
Dan – CX Magazine: 

You come into it off a steep climb, without a lot of momentum, so it’s very tough to stay moving and upright.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:40 Dan – CX Magazine
9:40
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert and Stybar are feeling the pressure from behind. They’re definitely stepping it up in the front. But the chase, being led by Pauwels, could close this one.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:40 Dan – CX Magazine
9:40
[Comment From Daniel-PilsenDaniel-Pilsen: ] 

The best Styby – go go !!!!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:40 Daniel-Pilsen
9:40
[Comment From WAKWAK: ] 

Nys Nys Nys

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:40 WAK
9:41
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert and Stybar go into the climb. Albert takes the lead, but both go up cleanly.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:41 Dan – CX Magazine
9:41
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now on the off camber Albert has to put a foot down again and Stybar is able to come around.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:41 Dan – CX Magazine
9:42
Dan – CX Magazine: 

It looked a little like Albert was trying to hold Stybar up a bit after putting that foot down, but it didn’t work.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:42 Dan – CX Magazine
9:42
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now Albert is back in front and really blasting away. Stybar is just hanging on at the moment.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:42 Dan – CX Magazine
9:43
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The chase is down to four: Nys, Heule, Pauwels, and Mourey.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:43 Dan – CX Magazine
9:43
Jake – CX Magazine: 

That’s a really strong chase group. This could be close

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:43 Jake – CX Magazine
9:44
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert, having just attacked, now waves Stybar through. Stybar is not coming, and the two are going pretty slowly through a couple of lapped riders.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:44 Dan – CX Magazine
9:44
Dan – CX Magazine: 

But the chase group is not messing around and going after it hard.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:44 Dan – CX Magazine
9:44
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Franzoi is still dangling off the back of the chase.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:44 Dan – CX Magazine
9:45
Dan – CX Magazine: 

It looks like the chase is not gaining ground, despite their best efforts. They’re about 25 or 30 seconds back with 3 to go.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:45 Dan – CX Magazine
9:45
Who’s more likely to win in a sprint?
Niels Albert

 ( 34% )

Zdenek Stybar

 ( 66% )

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:45 
9:46
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert waved Stybar through again, and this time Stybar obliged. The two are trading pulls now and keeping the pace very high.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:46 Dan – CX Magazine
9:47
[Comment From Ondra SvandaOndra Svanda: ] 

Styby to dnes dá, držíme palce! Stybar Is going to make it, we cross our fingers.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:47 Ondra Svanda
9:47
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Tons of Styby fans following us today…

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:47 Dan – CX Magazine
9:47
Dan – CX Magazine: 

This time on the off-camber Albert is ok, but he’s taking it very carefully.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:47 Dan – CX Magazine
9:47
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert attacks!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:47 Dan – CX Magazine
9:48
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Big attack, out of the saddle, but not gaining any ground at all. Stybar is right there.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:48 Dan – CX Magazine
9:48
[Comment From XavXav: ] 

even from Luxembourg, go Stybar!!!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:48 Xav
9:48
[Comment From Guest Guest : ] 

If Stybar wins would that major breakthrough win for him?

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:48 Guest
9:48
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Don’t forget he’s got a U23 World Championship under his belt

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:48 Jake – CX Magazine
9:48
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Actually, he’s got 2.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:48 Jake – CX Magazine
9:49
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Right. And he’s been the only one close to Albert in a number of races this season.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:49 Dan – CX Magazine
9:49
Dan – CX Magazine: 

But he’ll definitely be happy to get a win in a World Cup.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:49 Dan – CX Magazine
9:49
[Comment From Ondra SvandaOndra Svanda: ] 

Yeah, he’s our czech cycling hero, GO Styby go!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:49 Ondra Svanda
9:49
[Comment From JanekJanek: ] 

And he’s already won one world cup race in Kalmthout (2007)

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:49 Janek
9:49
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Two to go and the efforts of Nys at the front of the chase has cut that lead by 20 s!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:49 Dan – CX Magazine
9:50
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The chasers are 10 seconds back!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:50 Dan – CX Magazine
9:50
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Here we go!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:50 Jake – CX Magazine
9:50
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert and Stybar are hammering, trying to hold their gap, but Nys has guns blazing here!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:50 Dan – CX Magazine
9:51
Dan – CX Magazine: 

They’re coming around a lot of lapped riders too, which could become a factor.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:51 Dan – CX Magazine
9:51
[Comment From kyleRkyleR: ] 

where is page?!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:51 kyleR
9:51
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page has disappeared. Not sure what has happened to him. We’ll get you an update as soon as we can.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:51 Dan – CX Magazine
9:52
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys is asking Pauwels to pull through, while the two leaders are keeping the pace very high. They don’t want to let this become more than a two man race.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:52 Dan – CX Magazine
9:52
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert gets caught up a bit behind Stybar on the climb, and Now Stybar has a gap of maybe 5 or 10 meters.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:52 Dan – CX Magazine
9:52
Jake – CX Magazine: 

It’s a tough decision up front. Do you burn a match to keep Nys and co. away, or do you save it for once they join up and try to bet them late?

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:52 Jake – CX Magazine
9:53
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar is really going! His gap is growing!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:53 Dan – CX Magazine
9:53
Dan – CX Magazine: 

But can he keep this up?

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:53 Dan – CX Magazine
9:54
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert looks likely to close this, but he looks like that one hurt.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:54 Dan – CX Magazine
9:54
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Now the chase is just Nys, Pauwels, and Mourey, which Heule just dangling behind them. Can they do it? Just over one lap to go!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:54 Dan – CX Magazine
9:54
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Nys better not be asking Pauwels for too much help, he’s not going to chase his teammate

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:54 Jake – CX Magazine
9:55
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert and Stybar are looking back, and the chase is coming up hard behind about 10 second back still.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:55 Dan – CX Magazine
9:55
[Comment From JanekJanek: ] 

Styby, Styby, Styby, Go, Go, Go

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:55 Janek
9:55
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Looking back, now that’s a bad sign

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:55 Jake – CX Magazine
9:56
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys is riding technically perfectly, but he’s going to have to ride with everything he’s got to close the gap.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:56 Dan – CX Magazine
9:56
Dan – CX Magazine: 

That gap is definitely closing!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:56 Dan – CX Magazine
9:56
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Then he’ll have to get ahead, not enough just to get there

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:56 Jake – CX Magazine
9:56
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys is flying!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:56 Dan – CX Magazine
9:56
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys and Mourey, with Pauwels coming off the back a bit.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:56 Dan – CX Magazine
9:57
Dan – CX Magazine: 

The two leaders are feeling the pressure and doing everything they can to keep the gap open. They really don’t want to get caught.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:57 Dan – CX Magazine
9:57
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:57 Dan – CX Magazine
9:58
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Flying into the technical section but has trouble at the top of the hill.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:58 Dan – CX Magazine
9:58
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys is so close!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:58 Dan – CX Magazine
9:58
Dan – CX Magazine: 

And Albert bobbles on the off-camber. Nys is through too and may catch Albert.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:58 Dan – CX Magazine
9:58
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar may have this one!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:58 Dan – CX Magazine
9:59
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert is fighting so hard, but can Stybar hold him off?

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:59 Dan – CX Magazine
9:59
Dan – CX Magazine: 

If he hits the road first, it’s got to be his…

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:59 Dan – CX Magazine
9:59
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys isn’t going to do it, I’m afraid.

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:59 Dan – CX Magazine
9:59
Dan – CX Magazine: 

They’re back together, and they see that Nys is still just back. This is going to be a sprint!

Sunday November 8, 2009 9:59 Dan – CX Magazine
10:00
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Onto the road…

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:00 Dan – CX Magazine
10:00
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Niels leads out!

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:00 Dan – CX Magazine
10:00
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Playing tactics!

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:00 Dan – CX Magazine
10:00
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Here it is!

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:00 Dan – CX Magazine
10:00
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Albert by centimeters!

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:00 Dan – CX Magazine
10:00
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys was right there, but not quite close enough. He takes third.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:00 Dan – CX Magazine
10:01
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Huge win for Albert to keep his perfect streak intact, but a heartbreaker for Stybar.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:01 Dan – CX Magazine
10:01
[Comment From inferioinferio: ] 

nooo…sad for styby 🙁

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:01 inferio
10:01
[Comment From CanoCano: ] 

Ok,next time Zdenek will win..Thanks for your comments guys.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:01 Cano
10:02
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Niels Albert made an incredible effort to close that late gap and come around. He’s just looking unbeatable this year.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:02 Dan – CX Magazine
10:02
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Stybar gave everything he had there at the end, but it just wasn’t quite enough.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:02 Dan – CX Magazine
10:02
Dan – CX Magazine: 

That was definitely the best finish we’ve seen in Europe so far this year.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:02 Dan – CX Magazine
10:03
Jake – CX Magazine: 

Time for me to go, thnks for following along!

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:03 Jake – CX Magazine
10:03
[Comment From DaveDave: ] 

Maybe the era of Nys is coming to a close?

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:03 Dave
10:03
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Maybe a bit premature to make that declaration, but clearly Albert is the man to beat at the moment.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:03 Dan – CX Magazine
10:03
[Comment From MartinMartin: ] 

how close was nys at the end?

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:03 Martin
10:03
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Nys was just a few seconds back. Another few hundred meters and he would have had them.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:03 Dan – CX Magazine
10:04
Dan – CX Magazine: 

We’ll try to bring you the top ten here in a second…

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:04 Dan – CX Magazine
10:04
[Comment From markomarko: ] 

where is walsleben?

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:04 marko
10:05
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Walsleben was a factor early, but he was tangled up in that early crash on the off-camber section and faded later on.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:05 Dan – CX Magazine
10:05
[Comment From MickaelMickael: ] 

and Mourey?

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:05 Mickael
10:06
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Mourey was right there in the sprint for fourth, just a bit behind Nys.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:06 Dan – CX Magazine
10:06
[Comment From RobRob: ] 

Styby save the power for WC in Tabor 🙂

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:06 Rob
10:06
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Still working on that top ten. Couldn’t quite keep up with everything there at the end.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:06 Dan – CX Magazine
10:07
Dan – CX Magazine: 

1. Albert
2. Stybar
3. Nys
4. Pauwels
5. Mourey

more in a moment…

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:07 Dan – CX Magazine
10:08
Dan – CX Magazine: 

So Niels Albert says he had a good deal, and had to give everything in the sprint to win. Thinks he had maybe 10 cm.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:08 Dan – CX Magazine
10:09
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Niels thinks he ran tires that were too wide, which affected his handling on those techincal hills.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:09 Dan – CX Magazine
10:09
Dan – CX Magazine: 

He also says this is a message for anybody who says he’s not a good sprinter.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:09 Dan – CX Magazine
10:10
Dan – CX Magazine: 

So Albert holds on to the overall lead as he heads into the next World Cup race in Koksijde on the 28th.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:10 Dan – CX Magazine
10:10
Dan – CX Magazine: 

So here’s the rest of the top ten:

6. Heule
7. Zlamalik
8. Franzoi
9. Simunek
10. De Knegt

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:10 Dan – CX Magazine
10:11
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Page had a very disappointing day, coming across in 40th.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:11 Dan – CX Magazine
10:12
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Not sure what happened to Page. We’ll try to catch up with him a bit later. Check back for the full story on cxmagazine.com a little later today.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:12 Dan – CX Magazine
10:14
Dan – CX Magazine: 

So Albert once again finds himself on the top step of the podium. It’s yet another repeat of the Worlds podium in Hoogerheide.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:14 Dan – CX Magazine
10:14
[Comment From markomarko: ] 

where was walsleben at the end?

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:14 marko
10:15
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Walsleben ended up 18th.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:15 Dan – CX Magazine
10:17
Dan – CX Magazine: 

That’s going to wrap it up for our live coverage. But stay tuned for much more on cxmagazine.com later in the day. We’ll have reports from Northampton, SSCXWC09, and of course a full wrap up from today’s action in Nommay.

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:17 Dan – CX Magazine
10:17
Dan – CX Magazine: 

Thanks everybody for tuning in!

Sunday November 8, 2009 10:17 Dan – CX Magazine
10:18