2003 World Cyclocross Championships - CM

Monopoli, Italy, February 1-2, 2003

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Elite Men

Latest Live Report

12:15 CET
Welcome to Monopoli for the Elite Men's event of the World Cyclo-cross Championships, the final event of the weekend. Last year's national champion Mario de Clercq will be looking to defend his title, but he's facing plenty competition, particularly within his own Belgian team. A quick start will be crucial for compatriots- and race favourites- Sven Nys and Bart Wellens, to avoid getting stuck in a support position for de Clercq, known for his fast finishes. Dutchman Richard Groenendaal is also a favourite, and the key to stopping him may be a unified Belgian team, which is not a foregone conclusion.

The weather in Monopoli is chilly, with a strong wind and grey skies. Conditions are indeed rather Belgian! The wind has dried out the course a bit from yesterday's rain, but heavy mud is all around and will be factor.

13:39 CET

Winner: Bart Wellens has done it, finishing a fantastic ride to become World Champion ahead of his star-studded Belgian teammates.

13:40 CET

Winner Bart Wellens had enough time in hand to change his bike in the last section so he could finish on a clean machine. The 24 year old Wellens now becomes World Champion for the 3rd time, after two world titles in the espoir ranks.All 6 Belgian riders finished in the top 8.

Wellens summed it up at the finish: "I started badly with the flat. But I was able to came back quickly. I kept riding and was strong, so after two laps Iattacked."

Final results (provisional)

1 Bart Wellens in 56.43"
2 Mario de Clercq 38"
3 Erwin Vervecken
4 Ben Berden
5 Sven Nys
6 Francis Mourey (Fra)
7 Daniele Pontoni (Ita)
8 Tom Vernoppen

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