Middelkerke - C2

Middelkerke, Belgium, December 29, 2006

2005 Results Results Past Winners

Logical win at the North Sea for Wellens

Great second place for Jonathan Page

By Brecht Decaluwé

Wellens & Page
Photo ©: Brecht Decaluwé

Bart Wellens (Fidea) easily grabbed his fifth victory of the season on the cold and windy course near the North Sea coast in Middelkerke, Belgium. It took a while before the Belgian – currently second on the UCI cyclo-cross rankings – was able to ride away from his rivals but once he did he cruised to a rather easy victory.

Although after a few laps it looked as though Wellens couldn't follow the first group. "I was really bad during the first half of the race so I was happy the pace from the leaders dropped once in a while. I was able to ride my pace but when Franzoi or Commeyne accelerated up front, I always got distanced. I knew that when I wanted to get away I needed an immediate big gap as they would start looking at each other behind me; that plan worked very well," Wellens explained.

The group behind Wellens started to play a tactical game and eventually four riders fought for second place; American Jonathan Page and three Italians: Enrico Franzoi (Lampre), Marco Bianco (Arcobaleno Carraro) and Marco Aurelio Fontana (Guerciotti). Page gave everything, going into corners like a mad man, to deny the Italians their lead. "I wasn't afraid anymore, not today," Page referred to his abandon during yesterday's race in Loenhout.

Eventually Page grabbed a well deserved second place. Cyclingnews was right there at the finish where Page was welcomed by his wife Cori and little Emma, "It's great... I went down in the dumps yesterday and now I got second! The UCI-points that come with this second place are good but it's not that important as I'm so far back in the rankings now, they just help me to move up at the start a little," Page said. "Calling it a quit during yesterday's race was the best decision I could ever make."

Italian champion Enrico Franzoi (Lampre-Fondital) returned to the races only recently after enjoying some long awaited holidays. After the finish the Italian extended his race, darting towards the toilets. "My stomach is probably bothering me because of the coldness today," Franzoi explained to Cyclingnews. Franzoi's body probably prefers the temperatures in Sharm-El-Sheik where he spent some weeks with his wife.

How it unfolded

Three Italians took the initiative in Middelkerke: Bianco, Fontana and national champion Franzoi got the best start. They were joined in front by Sven Vanthourenhout (Rabobank), Wellens, Alexandre Moos (Phonak), Page and Davy Commeyne (Palmans). Later on, Maxime Lefebvre (Josan) and David Willemsens (Vos Sportief) joined the leading group as well.

Halfway through the race an impressive Commeyne was able to create a gap, but a crash and a flat tyre denied him chances of the win. Franzoi was the next one to attack but it was Wellens who got successful gap during the ultimate laps; he immediately got thirty seconds and went solo towards his fifth victory of the season. Jonathan Page denied the three Italians to claim second place before Franzoi, Fontana and Bianco.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Brecht Decaluwé/Cyclingnews.com

Nico Mattan and Philippe Gilbert are encouraging Tom Vannoppen to make a full recovery from his depression.
The riders from the Zimbabwe TV-program with Roger De Vlaeminck showed up in Middelkerke.
A focused Alexander Moos at the start in Middelkerke
Jonathan Page was well-disposed before the start in Middelkerke.
Roger Hammond in his Disco-jersey, behind him Eric Tonkin and at his right side Tim Smolders
Eric Tonkin: the smile, the cap, the beard ...
Nico Mattan starts in a few cross races every year
Philippe Gilbert was also at the start in Middelkerke, yesterday (Loenhout) he managed to finish the race.
The bunch gets ready for the start...
... and off they go!
Jonathan Page (Morgan Blue) climbs the podium in Middelkerke.
Jonathan Page doesn't seem to believe his at the right place.
Enrico Franzoi had to run for the toilet ... so Page and Wellens were the only victims of the photographers.
The elite men's podium (l-r): Freddy Maertens, Jonathan Page, winner Bart Wellens and Enrico Franzoi (who did show up after a while).

Images by Tim Van Keer

Jonathan Page with a smile, a christmas hat and a bag full of gifts.
Cori and Jonathan Page (with christmas hat) after the race in Middelkerke where JP finished second.
The party podium of the all-stars race: Marc Janssens, winner Johan Museeuw and Mike Kluge
A shower for Mike Kluge
Bart Wellens leads Davy Commeyne, Sven Vanthourenhout and Alexander Moos
The front group during the first laps
Nico Mattan halfway his race
Ryan Trebon showing his jersey in Middelkerke
Halfway the race Franzoi leads Page
Maxime Lefebvre didn't show up at the post-race doping control
Eric Tonkin leading zebra Nico Clarysse
Maxime Lefebvre going downhill
Philippe Gilbert climbing up a dune in Middelkerke
Bart Wellens climbing the dunes near Middelkerke
Bart Wellens at the home straight... cold but happy
Jonathan Page won the sprint for second place before Franzoi
Jonathan Page looks happy with his result
Bart Wellens during the post-race interview
The podium in Middelkerke: Jonathan Page (2nd), winner Bart Wellens and Enrico Franzoi (3rd)

Results

Elite Men
 
1 Bart Wellens (Bel) Fidea Cycling Team             57.15
2 Jonathan Page (USA) Cervélo                        0.12
3 Enrico Franzoi (Ita) Lampre - Caffita
4 Marco Aurelio Fontana (Ita)
5 Marco Bianco (Ita)
6 Maxime Lefebre (Fra) Josan                         0.56
7 Alexander Moos (Swi) Phonak Hearing Systems        1.03
8 Davy Commeyne (Bel) Palmans-Sapim-Collstrop        1.05
9 David Willemsens (Bel) Sunweb-Projobcyclingteam    1.26
10 Cyrille Bonnand (Fra) Les Blues de France         1.49
11 Lukas Flückiger (Swi)                             1.58
12 Ryan Trebon (USA) Kona                            2.06
13 Roger Hammond (GBr) Discovery Channel             2.14
14 Sven Vanthourenhout (Bel) Rabobank
15 Peter Van Santvliet (Bel) Fidea Cycling Team      2.31
16 Pedro Baelen (Bel)                                2.38
17 Rafael Visinelli (Ita) V.C. Bologna               2.44
18 Stijn Penne (Bel)                                 2.53
19 Bjorn Rondelez (Bel) Lingier - Versluys           3.03
20 Jean-pierre Leijten (Ned)                         3.20
21 Unai Yus (Spa)                                    4.01
22 Andreas Moser (Swi)                               4.25
23 Nico Clarysse (Bel) Saey Deschacht                4.41
24 Erik Tonkin (USA) Kona                            4.48
25 Christophe Le Bouedec (Fra)                       5.12
26 David Boucher (Fra) Unibet.com                    5.18
27 Gianni Denolf (Bel)                               5.31
28 Daniel Alexander (GBr)                            6.34
29 Kris Lapere (Bel)                                 1 lap
30 Régis Flohimont (Bel)
31 Philippe Gilbert (Bel) FDJeux.com                 2 laps
32 Jo Naert (Bel)
33 Cyrille Prise (Fra)
34 Valentijn Ponseele (Bel)
35 Mark Cotton (GBr)
36 Robin Seymour (Ire)                               3 laps
37 Sven Reners (Bel)
38 Henrik Quillien (Fra)
39 Brian Zengeni (Zim)                               4 laps
40 Sjef De Wilde (Bel)
41 Martin Gorden (Zim)
42 Yannick Laurent (Fra)
43 Nqozibitha Tshabalala (Zim)
44 David Chemille (Fra)
45 Nico Mattan (Bel)
46 Munyoro Byron (Zim)
 
Juniors
 
1 Kaell Pizzy (Bel)                                 37.48
2 Kevin Van Synghel (Bel)                            0.06
3 Nick De Proost (Bel)                               0.20
4 Dimitri Stevens (Bel)
5 Jens Gys (Bel)                                     0.54
6 Kim Goethals (Bel)                                 1.01
7 Stijn Mortelmans (Bel)                             1.18
8 Matthias Onghena (Bel)                             1.40
9 Pascal Colaert (Bel)                               2.10
10 Vincent Van Hooste (Bel)                          2.17
11 Bart Maas (Ned)                                   2.20
12 Sylvester Sioen (Bel)                             2.24
13 Kevin Callens (Bel)                               2.45
14 Marco Minnaard (Ned)                              3.25
15 Robin Vandaele (Bel)                              3.54
16 Jeffrey Depuydt (Bel)                             4.19
17 Dany Lacroix (Bel)                                4.48
18 Benito Victoor (Bel)                              5.10
19 Nick Vermunicht (Bel)                             5.30
20 Kevin Clemme (Bel)                                5.54
21 Fransesca Cucciniello (Ita)                       6.16
22 Stijn Vangeyte (Bel)                              6.31
23 Mathijs Bekaert (Bel)                             6.54
24 Pierre Marien (Bel)
25 Gertie Willems (Bel)                              7.12
26 Pieter Beauprez (Bel)                             7.40
27 Sam Van Uytvange (Bel)
28 Jimmy Van Overbeke (Bel)
29 Tommy Baeyens (Bel)
30 Tom Huyvaert (Bel)
31 Michaël De Meyer (Bel)
32 Elisabetta Borgia (Ita)
33 Sil Debert (Bel)
 
Novices
 
1 Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (Bel)                    30.31
2 Daan Meijers (Ned)                                 0.40
3 Vinnie Braet (Bel)                                 0.53
4 Xandro Meurisse (Bel)                              1.44
5 Valentijn Van De Velde (Bel)                       1.58
6 Gianni Vermeersch (Bel)                            2.28
7 Bert Noterman (Bel)                                2.50
8 Tom Devriendt (Bel)                                2.51
9 Rinze De Proost (Bel)                              3.26
10 Laudelino Lammens (Bel)                           3.36
11 Matthias Vermeire (Bel)                           4.09
12 Jordy Van Staeyen (Bel)                           4.15
13 Wim Allary (Bel)                                  5.19
14 Thomas Van Overbeke (Bel)
15 Clint Van Droogenbroek (Bel)                      5.24
16 Bram Dhiedt (Bel)                                 5.38
17 Joeri Hofman (Bel)                                5.41
18 Maaike Polspoel (Bel)                             5.50
19 Jens Tylleman (Bel)                               6.09
20 Nick Lepoudre (Bel)                               6.36
21 Jan Van Meirvenne (Bel)                           6.42
22 Rutger la Haye (Bel)
23 Nick Vandenberghe (Bel)
24 Pierre Yves Toussaint (Bel)
25 Mathias Couckuyt (Bel)
26 Bart De Bondt (Bel)
27 Alois Mus (Bel)                                   7.37
28 Martijn Lambrecht (Bel)
29 Joeri Vermeiren (Bel)
30 Jony Martein (Bel)
31 Brunce Dalton (GBr) 1 ronde (Bel)
32 Florient Delmay (Bel)
33 Jimmy Cornu (Bel)
34 Kenny Verplancke (Bel)
 
Amateurs & Masters
 
1 Wim Jansen (Bel)                                  37.24
2 Timmy Maes (Bel)                                   0.50
3 Kris De Nys (Bel)                                  1.05
4 Axel Naessens (Bel)                                2.02
5 Sven Raeymakers (Bel)                              2.14
6 Andy Van der Plaetsen (Bel)                        2.22
7 Kris Ceulemans (Bel)                               2.38
8 Nico Van Assche (Bel)                              2.42
9 Richard Lister (GBr)                               3.10
10 Nico Bogaert (Bel)                                3.21
11 Bart Dedulle (Bel)                                3.30
12 Jelle Vets (Bel)                                  3.38
13 Gerrit Segers (Bel)                               3.42
14 Wim De Witte (Bel)                                3.45
15 Jurgen Standaert (Bel)                            4.00
16 Christophe Vandevivere (Bel)                      4.12
17 Andy Debruyne (Bel)                               4.30
18 Albertone Novara (Ita)                            4.42
19 Friedrich Sels (Bel)                              5.01
20 Jurgen Van Wambeke (Bel)                          5.21
21 Kurt Cnudde (Bel)                                 5.33
22 Kris Maes (Bel)                                   5.58
23 Yves Casier (Bel)                                 6.12
24 Jan Gevers (Bel)                                  6.32
25 Ward Huybrechts (Bel)                             7.04
26 Bart Demets (Bel)                                 7.09
27 Davy Vanderostyne 1 ronde (Bel)
28 Johnny Van Tichelt (Bel)
29 Dennis Laurez (Bel)
30 Miguel Braet (Bel)
31 Carlo Allaert (Bel)
32 Gregory Cool (Bel)
33 Fredericq Dobbels (Bel)
34 Michael Naessens (Bel)
35 Marino Vanparijs (Bel)
36 Udo Jansen (Bel)
37 Thierry Laurez (Bel)
 
Masters B
 
1 Marc Druyts (Bel)                                 37.10
2 Hans Wuyts (Bel)                                   0.04
3 Dirk Mertens (Bel)                                 0.33
4 Leopold Vermeiren (Bel)                            0.35
5 Dirk Gebruers (Bel)                                0.43
6 Mario Lammens (Bel)                                1.10
7 Danny Verhestraeten (Bel)                          1.26
8 Eric Gys (Bel)
9 Wim Krieckemans (Bel)                              1.36
10 Peter Ballet (Bel)
11 Patrick Sluyts (Bel)
12 Ludwig Gladines (Bel)
13 Michel Willems (Bel)
14 Alex Van Acker (Bel)
15 Peter Stevenson (GBr)
16 René Swinnen (Bel)
17 Walter Marijnissen (Bel)
18 Mark Meys (Bel)
19 Herman Cop (Bel)
20 Ghislain Vanbruaene (Bel)
21 Rudy Bloemmen (Bel)
22 Patrick Neufcourt (Bel)
23 Jos Verdeyen (Bel)
24 Luc De Poorter (Bel)
25 Pieter Beutels (Bel)
26 Karel De Ravet (Bel)
27 Lucien Van Wambeke (Bel)
28 Johan Meeus (Bel)
29 Danny Van Hoof (Bel)
30 Ronny Goethals (Bel)
31 Eric De Graef (Bel)
 
Masters C
 
1 Luc Huysveld (Bel)                                40.35
2 François Mertens (Bel)                             0.37
3 José De Clercq (Bel)                               2.11
4 Etienne Van de Velde (Bel)                         2.27
5 Pierrot Potargent (Bel)                            3.23
6 André Clemmen (Bel)                                3.59
7 Martin De Cock (Bel)
8 Nico Wijnen (Bel)
9 Luc Van Wesenbeeck (Bel)
10 William Irving (USA)
11 Eric Weylandt (Bel)
12 Guy Ceuppens (Bel)
13 Rik Ponseele (Bel)
14 Laurent De Vos (Bel)
15 Luc Pauwels (Bel)
16 Roland Hurtecant (Bel)

Past winners

2005 Sven Vanthourenhout (Bel) Rabobank
2004 Sven Vanthourenhout (Bel) Quick.Step-Davitamon
2003 Sven Nijs (Bel) Rabobank