Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Zdenek Stybar started out UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup at Heusden-Zolder — only his second cyclo-cross race of the season — aggressively, leading the field for the first lap and staying near the front for most of the second lap.
However, Tom Meeusen and Niels Albert attacked just before a technical, muddy downhill section on the course late into the second lap. Sven Nys was the only rider able to chase back to the duo, and eventually it was Albert and Nys who gained a gap on the field. Nys and Albert built as much as a 30"+ lead on a small chase group that included Stybar. Nys and Albert stayed close until late into the final lap, when the two riders made a choice: Nys went wide on a turn into the mud, and Albert took the inside of a turn, staying in the grass. Nys was able to beat Albert through the turn and then took a chance attacking on the same muddy downhill where a key move was made earlier in the race. Nys took the victory as the result of his aggression. Stybar, who attacked late into the final lap, secured 3rd with his move after staying near the front of the chase group for the entire race.
RESULTS
1. Sven Nys 1:05:15
2. Niels Albert +17"
3. Zdenek Stybar +33"
4. Radomir Simunek +41"
5. Kevin Pauwels +46"