Stybar Pipped at the Line at GVA Trophy Lille

Stybar Pipped at the Line at GVA Trophy Lille

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team cyclo-cross rider Zdenek Stybar (CZE) set himself up perfectly for a potential victory on the final lap at GVA Trophy Cyclo-cross at Lille. He maneuvered his way up from fourth to first, and was looking strong on Saturday.

However, Tom Meeusen (BEL) saw an opportunity to strike and overtook Stybar on a turn into a run up, not far from the finish line. Stybar still managed to stay in good position when the race came down to a field sprint.

Stybar raced up the left side of the course, but Meeusen was simply too strong and held him off by half a wheel or less. 

Kevin Pauwels (BEL) finished third.

Stybar kept himself in good position throughout the race, never falling below 8th place. Meeusen and Sven Vanthourenhout (BEL) attempted to escape the field multiple times, but the fields effort and a mishap — a crash by Vanthourenhout — prevented any solo victory.

Stybar is in 2nd place in GVA Trophy Standings, with only Oostmalle remaining. He has 142 points, trailing Pauwels, who has 154 points.