Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Zdenek Stybar has planned a short, but intense cyclo-cross race schedule as he wants to focus on preparing for the 2013 road season. However, it did not take long for Stybar to go for the win at Bpost Bank Trophy Cyclo-Cross at Essen (GP Rouwmoer - Essen).
Stybar took the lead on the second to last lap of a muddy race when Rob Peeters suffered a crash. This allowed Stybar and Jen Denuwelaere to take the lead. Both riders gained a small gap, and Stybar began pushing the pace to gain a lead on his own. Then, Niels Albert, Denuwelaere, and Peeters caught up with him and they all lead the race. Albert eventually accelerated in the final lap, with Stybar, Denuwelaere and Peeters chasing and eventually catching onto his wheel. Going into the final sprint there was a crash — Denuwelaere was sent to the ground after Stybar made contact with him. Stybar crossed the line as first, but was relegated to fourth by officials due to the crash. Denuwelaere won the race in front of Peeters and Albert.
Results
1. Jan Denuwelaere in 1 hour 05"
2. Rob Peeters s.t.
3. Niels Albert 1"
4. Zdenek Stybar (relegated)
5. Sven Nys 32"