Thursday 26 December 2013 - 16:12

UCI Cyclocross World Cup Heusden-Zolder: Stybar on the Podium in 2nd Race of Season

UCI Cyclocross World Cup Heusden-Zolder: Stybar on the Podium in 2nd Race of Season

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Zdenek Stybar wasted no time animating races and placing himself in good position for a possible victory in the cyclocross discipline. 

Stybar finished 3rd in just his 2nd race of the cyclocross season — UCI Cyclocross World Cup Heusden-Zolder — on Thursday. Stybar, former UCI Cyclocross World Champion, was easily the most aggressive rider of the race, with constant digs to put himself in the lead position. He made it a point to even attack on the race track portion of the course,  demonstrating his road power. He also attacked on technical sections with abandon, which is what helped place him at the front of the lead group for several laps.

Stybar had perhaps his best chance approaching two laps to go, attacking just before the line to briefly take the lead and then putting in a dig just before a downhill section to try and establish a gap. Rob Peeters hesitated, allowing an advantage to form for Styby. However, he was caught by the chasers before the last lap. He once again attacked just before a grassy hairpin climb on the last lap, but Lars van der Haar eventually moved into the lead just before a descent. Stybar tried to remain locked onto van der Haar's wheel in anticipation of a bunch sprint finish of an exciting race. However, van der Haar put the pressure on again just before a final run-up. He had just enough of an advantage following a muddy descent to go into the final corner easily in first position. He went on to win the race, with Martin Bina 2nd and Stybar 3rd.

UCI Cyclocross World Cup Heusden-Zolder
1. Lars van der Haar 1:02:41
2. Martin Bina +2"
3. Zdenek Stybar +3"
4. Philipp Walsleben +3"
5. Rob Peeters +5" 





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