World Cup #6 – Heusden-Zolder

[one_half]A tough day is only a good day if I’m more or less happy with my photos. Today was a tough day and I’m happy with what I’ve got.

There was good racing across the board, this was the first time that Marianne Vos unleashed her usual, super-strong attack and she TT’d the last three laps – of a four-lap race.

On a separate but equally impressive note, I was pleasantly surprised when I learnt that Nikki Harris is now occupying the second place of the World Cup overall ranking! She’s been so consistent at World Cup races (and all other races, for that matter) so far, that she is now comfortably sitting between Katie Compton and Helen Wyman. Not literally, of course.[/one_half][one_half_last]The elite men’s race brought yet another Sven Nys vs Niels Albert battle. I did find the race exciting but as always, I’ve only seen fragments of the race so it might have been boring on the telly – you tell me.

Lars van der Haar seems to find his form again but Radomir Simunek’s 4th place was maybe even more impressive, with only 10 seconds behind Stybar.

A good day, all in all. Now it’s time for a well-deserved day off and then back in the mud on Friday. In the meantime, I’ll start to pull together a ‘Best of 2012’ gallery, so keep an eye out for that.[/one_half_last]

A sliver of sunshine on Niels Albert's bike
A sliver of sunshine on Niels Albert’s bike
Quiz question: is it washing liquid or is it some alcoholic beverage that the lady is holding in her hand?
Quiz question: is it washing liquid or is it some alcoholic beverage that the lady is holding in her hand?

Nikki Harris is having her best season ever so far. She had been so consistent so far this season that she is now second in the World Cup overall rankings - well done!
Nikki Harris is having her best season ever so far. She had been so consistent so far this season that she is now second in the World Cup overall rankings – well done!
I'm a sucker of personalised cycling kit
I’m a sucker of personalised cycling kit

The first race this season when Marianne Vos launched her devastating attack early on and never looked back. This is her, not looking back.
The first race this season when Marianne Vos launched her devastating attack early on and never looked back. This is her, not looking back.

Katie Compton was hindered by a few unfortunate crashes but she still managed to finish at second place, though Sanne Cant gave her a run for her money.
The first race this season when Marianne Vos launched her devastating attack early on and never looked back. This is her, not looking back.
The finishing straight cameraman
The finishing straight cameraman

Katie Compton

The victorious Marianne Vos
The victorious Marianne Vos
A tired Pauline Ferrand-Prevot
Pauline Ferrand-Prevot was cursing upon finishing, something was wrong with her bike my lack of French knowledge prevented me from understanding the exact nature of the problem.

Marianne Vos talks to the fans

Sanne Cant supporters
Sanne Cant supporters
Sven Nys descends
Sven Nys descends

Sven Nys

Given that Stybar only considers cross as training, he's giving the others a pretty good run for their money
Given that Stybar only considers cross as training, he’s giving the others a pretty good run for their money
Sven Nys allowed Niels Albert to lead for the majority of the race but he was never further behind than a few bike lengths
Sven Nys allowed Niels Albert to lead for the majority of the race but he was never further behind than a few bike lengths
Stybar and the chasing group that consisted of Lars van der Haar, Radomir Simunek and Bart Aernouts
Stybar and the chasing group that consisted of Lars van der Haar, Radomir Simunek and Bart Aernouts
Managed to catch Bart Wellens in the middle of shifting gears
Managed to catch Bart Wellens in the middle of shifting gears
Jeremy Powers
Not a good day for Powers – after the promising start on Monday in Namur, today he was nowhere to be seen near the front.

Niels Albert leads in front of Sven Nys

Tom Meeusen

A car tyre – Zolder is a motorsport circuit, after all.
Tim Johnson cuts through a puddle
Tim Johnson cuts through a puddle
Sometimes cute supporters want their photos taken, too
Niels Albert
Albert finished second, it’s all in his eyes

Tim Johnson

Stybar's first podium this year
Stybar’s first podium this year
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13 comments

  3. Great photos as always, Balint. I’ve just realized how much I like blurry photos that you decide to publish – in fact, many of them look even better than perfectly sharp ones.

    Thanks a lot!

  7. Incredible photos! I’m a sucker for RaphaFocus-kit… glad to see my CX godess Marianneke Cross back in the pulpit. Epic shot of Sven Nys descends…with Styby’s & Lars’ ghosts lurking behind. Agreed 100% with comments of Pieter van Hoorebeke & Elizabeth.

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Probably the best cx photography on the web