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World Cup #6 – Heusden-Zolder

Posted by balint on Dec 26, 2012 in Cyclocross | 13 Comments

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.

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.

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?

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

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 victorious Marianne Vos

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.

Sanne Cant supporters

Sven Nys descends

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

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

Not a good day for Powers – after the promising start on Monday in Namur, today he was nowhere to be seen near the front.

A car tyre – Zolder is a motorsport circuit, after all.

Tim Johnson cuts through a puddle

Sometimes cute supporters want their photos taken, too

Albert finished second, it’s all in his eyes

Stybar’s first podium this year

13 Comments

Ian
26/12/12
Awesome Balint! Love the Tim Johnson water spit
Reply
- balint
  26/12/12
  Thanks, Ian. The Johnson photo was pure luck but I like how the photo turned out.
  Reply
Florent
26/12/12
I guess Pauline Ferrand Prevot had some rear derailler problems, on both bikes.
Reply
Wojtek G
26/12/12
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!
Reply
- balint
  26/12/12
  haha, thanks!
  Reply
Elizabeth
26/12/12
Marianne Vos on that corner – sheer power, guts and determination – brilliant.
Reply
- balint
  26/12/12
  Yes, she seems to be back in form again.
  Reply
Housen Erik
26/12/12
mooie foto
Reply
- balint
  26/12/12
  Dank u!
  Reply
pieter van hoorebeke
27/12/12
I love the after podium pic, everytime you figger out an angle to capture the riders on the podium. See you tomorrow
Reply
Sandrine
27/12/12
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.
Reply
- balint
  27/12/12
  I’m a big fan of the RaphaFocus kit, too. Arguably, they have the most stylish kit in cross.
  Reply
mahoi
28/12/12
You always tell that you didn’t see all of the race, but your fotos always tell the whole story!
Reply