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2009 Cyclo-cross World Championships - CM
Hoogerheide, The Netherlands, January 31-February 1, 2009
Photography
Race 4 - February 1: Elite Men, 65 minutes
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Cyclingnews.com
- Niels Albert powers along the course while the fans cheer him on.
- Albert soloed most of the race.
- The Belgians kept the check on the chasers and raced as a team for once.
- The Belgian dominance was striking
- Albert stormed away and nobody was able to catch him.
- Albert liked the frozen course and his motorbike pace training in the middle of the week paid off.
- Albert happily smiles in his new rainbow jersey.
- Albert went onto the podium with his helmet and threw it into the audience, which almost caused a riot...
- Can't be happier than that.
- Albert is the new World Champion
- Kissing gold is good.
- Kevin Pauwels was part of the Belgian armada that went into the championships as the team to beat.
- Steve Chainel (France) runs on his pursuit of the leaders.
- Lars Boom runs swiftly as he chased another world championship crown.
- Niels Albert looked sensational as he chased his first senior world title.
- Stybar tries hard to catch the lone rider, Albert, but suffered some bad luck.
- Zdenek Stybar (Czech Republic) proved to be the meat in the Belgian sandwich.
- Sven Nys concentrates hard as he tries to make his way back to Albert.
- Klaas Vantornout (Belgium) on his way to rounding out the top 10
- Belgium's Bart Wellens came into worlds with some great form, but couldn't convert that to a win.
- French rider Steve Chainel helped animate the race, with a spirited chase of Niels Albert.
- Switzerland's Christian Heule rode himself to 15th place.
- Radomir Simunek (Czech Republic) was another of the fancied riders, but finished in 26th.
- Dutch rider Lars Boom was defending champion, but couldn't repeat today.
- Niels Albert rode his socks off in pursuit of a world championship.
- Czech rider Zdenek Stybar worked hard all day to bring back Albert.
- Favourite for the title was Sven Nys who made it onto the podium with third.
- Another of Belgium's arsenal was Bart Wellens, who rode well to take fourth.
- Bart Wellens rides hard on his way to fourth in Hoogerheide.
- France's Steve Chainel chases after Niels Albert had got away early in the race.
- Marco Fontana (Italy) and Kevin Pauwels (Belgium) keep each other in their sights.
- Bart Wellens rolls in having secured fourth place in Hoogerheide.
- Belgium's Bart Wellens does his best vampire impersonation after the finish.
- Bart Wellens (Belgium) gets into something warmer after his fourth-place finish.
- Lars Boom (Netherlands) puts on his jacket after finishing in 20th.
- Lars Boom was obviously disappointed at finishing so far back in the field.
- Niels Albert is the king and will wear the rainbow stripes next season.
- Zdenek Stybar had a strong showing and took silver.
- Lars Boom had a disappointing day and finished 20th.
- Niels Albert makes his way to the line ahead of the pack, to secure the win.
- King Albert reigned in Hoogerheide during this year's world championship race.
- Sven Nys leads his two rivals Vantornout and Boom onto the stairs.
- Klaas Vantornout and Lars Boom go head to head up the stairs.
Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Albert arrives solo at the finish line in Hoogerheide.
- Albert achieved his dream of winning the rainbow jersey.
- A happy Albert showed everyone how strong he is.
- The podium with Stybar, Albert and Nys from left to right.
- Albert enjoyed every moment of it.
- Albert during his tooth test
Images by Dave McElwaine/www.trailwatch.net
- The finishing straight away on paver bricks.
- Al Thijs (Netherlands) gets the hole shot at the start.
- Sven Nys (Belgium) near the front of the start.
- Bart Wellons (Belgium) rounding the first corner.
- Neils Albert (Belgium) leading on a descent into the woods.
- Marek Cichosz (Poland) descending a steep hill.
- Ryan Trebon (USA) struggling after a crash with another rider.
- Lars Boom (Netherlands) is surprisingly not near the leaders.
- Bart Wellons (Belgium) descending.
- Zdenek Stybar (Czech Rep) descending a steep hill.
- Sven Nys (Belgium) descending to a U-Turn on the course.
- Larb Boom (Netherlands) climbing.
- Joachim Parbo (Denmark) on a climb.
- Gusty Bausch (Luxembourg) cornering hard.
- Jeremy Powers (USA) climbing in the woods.
- Petr Dlask (Czech Rep) with a foot down on a tight corner.
- Jonathan Page (USA) well off his usual pace.
- Tens of thousands of fans watch large TV screens as it is not possible for everyone to be near the course.
- Neils Albert (Belgium) leading the race.
- Zdenek Stybar (Czech Rep) riding in second place.
- Bart Wellons (Belgium) riding on a flat section of the course.
- Lars Boom (Netherlands) leading a large group of riders on his way to 20th place.
- One of the many Lars Boom supporters is disappointed he didn't win.
- Matt Shriver (USA) with one lap to go.
- Neils Albert (Belgium) celebrates his victory in front of many of his countrymen.
- Neils Albert (Belgium) celebrating his victory at the finish.
- Neils Albert (Belgium) continuing his celebration at the podium ceremony.
- Men's podium (L-R): Zdenek Stybar (Czech Rep), Neils Albert (Belgium) and Sven Nys (Belgium).
- The crowds were so thick that it was nearly impossible to leave the venue.
Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Niels Albert rode a perfect race and won the world title.
- Zdenek Stybar was very strong but lacked a bit of luck.
- Niels Albert made an excellent comeback that resulted in him becoming world champion.
- Zdenek Stybar chased down Niels Albert but had a mechanical mishap and finished second.
- Niels Albert is the new world champion after taking the U23 crown last year.
Images by Tom de Meyer/www.TomDeMeyer.be
- Marios Athanasiades (Cyprus)
- Albert went solo
- The Belgians showed a strong team effort
- Richard Groenendaal (Netherlands) rode his last World Championships.
- Albert liked the fast course
- Zdenek Stybar (Czech Republic) chased in vain but ended with silver.
- Sven Nys had a slow start but finished strongly and received bronze.
- Groenendaal on the asphalt shortly before heading back into the dirt.
- Enrico Franzoi (Italy)
- Albert celebrates his win
- Boom didn't have the legs and ended in 20th place.
- Nys reflects on the day
- Albert still can't believe it
- Stybar waves to the crowd
- Albert in the rainbow jersey
- Stybar answers a question during the press conference.
- Nys loved the new team spirit in the Belgian squad.
Race 3 - February 1: Elite Women, 40 minutes
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Marianne Vos (Netherlands) wins the women's race in a three-up sprint.
- Behind the Dutch rider Kupfernagel and Compton took second and third.
- Vos shows off her gold medal
- Vos smiles on the podium at home.
Images by Cyclingnews.com
- Vos wins the sprint and celebrates her victory
- Vos takes it at home.
- The Dutchwoman was delighted to win in front of 10,000 fans at home.
- Belgian Sanne Cant finished sixth in the end.
- Cant was under control by the Dutch team...
- Kupfernagel, Vos and Compton (l-r) smile on the podium.
- Vos smiles with gold.
Images by Dave McElwaine/www.trailwatch.net
- American riders Rachael Lloyd, Sue Butler, and Laura Van Gilder.
- The World Championships have a bit of a circus atmosphere.
- United States of America Champion Katie Compton warming up in her van.
- Katie Compton (USA) shot out to a 16 second lead early in the race.
- Racers including Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) attempt to stay with Katie Compton (USA).
- San Van Paassen (Netherlands) running the steps at the front of the race.
- Rachael Lloyd (USA) running the steps on her way to an 11th place finish.
- Katie Compton (USA) seemed to have lowered her leg warmers.
- Sue Butler (USA) got off to a terrific start then dropped back a bit.
- Katie Compton (USA) rounding a tight turn while in the lead.
- Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) and Marianne Vos (Netherlands) closing the gap on Katie Compton (USA).
- Rachael Lloyd (USA) rounding a U-turn in the woods.
- Daphny Van Den Brand (Netherlands) was in the third group.
- Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) and Marianne Vos (Netherlands) climbing behind Katie Compton (USA).
- Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) and Marianne Vos (Netherlands) about to bridge the gap to Katie Compton (USA).
- Katie Compton (USA), Marianne Vos (Netherlands), and Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) starting cat and mouse games with one lap to go.
- Katie Compton (USA) leads the group on to the grass with one lap to go.
- Rachael Lloyd (USA) leading a large train of riders with one lap to go.
- Georgia Gould (USA) all alone on her way to 13th place.
- Helen Wyman (Great Britain) leading a group of riders through the finishing area.
- Pauline Ferrand Prevot (France) leading two riders on the cobbles.
- Gabriella Day (Great Britain) time trialing with one lap to go.
- Marianne Vos (Netherlands) wins the sprint finish against Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) and Katie Compton (USA).
- Marianne Vos (Netherlands) is thrilled with her UCI Cyclo-cross World Championship.
- Sanne Va Paaseen (Netherlands) wins the sprint for fourth place.
- Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) is visibly disappointed that she did not repeat as champion.
- The Dutch medal presenters were quite chilly on a 32 degree F day.
- Women's podium (L-R): Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany), Marianne Vos (Netherlands), and Katie Compton (USA).
- Marianne Vos (Netherlands) showing off her gold medal.
- Katie Compton (USA) capping off her best season ever, which included three World Cup wins.
Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Hanka Kupfernagel leads Marianne Vos earlier in the race.
- Laura Van Gilder narrowly avoids a fallen rider in front of her.
- Katie Compton goes full gas on her way to a bronze medal.
- Hanka Kupfernagel drives it hard against Marianne Vos.
Images by Tom de Meyer/www.TomDeMeyer.be
- Compton stormed away early
- Kupfernagel chased
- Jana Kyptova (Czech Republic)
- Vos quickly jumped onto the leaders
- Vos had home court advantage
- The trio that dominated the race rolls over the bridge.
- The chasers were not too far away.
- Kupfernagel did a lot of the pace-making while Vos was hanging on.
- Vos rode defensively and relied on her sprint.
- Maryline Salvetat (France)
- Joyce Vanderbeken (Belgium)
- Vos takes the sprint
- Sanne Cant (Belgium) comes home
- The podium girls
- Compton on the podium
- Vos on the top spot
- Vos listens to the national anthem
- Kupfernagel happy with second
- The winner's press conference
- The three listened to the questions
Race 2 - January 31: U23 Men, 50 minutes
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Walsleben celebrated the World Championship title in Hoogerheide.
- Walsleben during the medal test
- The podium with (l-r) Christoph Pfingsten (Germany, second), Philippe Walsleben and Pawel Szczepaniak (Poland).
Images by Cyclingnews.com
- Walsleben won solo like so many times this season
- Walsleben looks ready to turn pro.
- He finished way ahead of his competitors, as most of the season.
- Walsleben celebrates his win to cap a perfect season.
- The podium of the U23 was filled with two Germans and a Polish rider.
- Walsleben proudly presents his medal.
- A happy Walsleben shows his gold
- The U23 riders had fun on the podium.
- Bon appetit
- The podium in Hoogerheide
- Walsleben smiles under the baking Dutch sun
- The Germans Christoph Pfingsten and Philippe Walsleben made it a successful day at the Worlds for the neighbouring country
- Tom Meeusen (Belgium) rolls to the start
- Vincent Baestaens ready to get going
- Quentin Bertholet looked ready but shed some tears after his sixth-place finish.
- The Dutch fans blew away the cold with trumpets and everything.
- Nicholas Weighall (USA) powers along
- The Belgian fans know how to celebrate.
- Kenneth Van Compernolle runs up the stairs.
- Quentin Bertholet on the stairs
- Jim Aernouts carries his bike
- The chase group
- Christian Cominelli (Ita), Matteo Trentin (Ita) and Quentin Bertholet (Bel) from left to right in action in the Worlds.
- Bertholet was chasing hard
- Vincent Baestaens attacks
- Cominelli and Bertholet chase the leader.
- Van Compernolle leads a group behind
- It was a fast course on a sunny day.
- Baestaens led early on
- The Belgians tried to put the pressure on Walsleben in the opening laps.
- Walsleben was a bit nervous when he couldn't quickly gain ground as usual.
- Tom Meeusen rode hard
- Van Compernolle chases
- Nicholas Keough (USA) on the fast parcours.
- Walsleben on the attack
- Arnaud Jouffroy (France) leads the chase
- The Walsleben chase express all lined up
- Walsleben rode hard but most of the time by himself.
- Belgium and the Netherlands chased all day.
- Mattias Nilsson of Sweden had visible gloves.
- Walsleben on the front
- The chase followed in respectful distance.
- Walsleben storms up the hill.
- Pfingsten celebrates his second place
- Quentin Bertholet was disappointed with his sixth place.
- Kenneth van Compernolle admitted that it wasn't his race at the Worlds.
Images by Dave McElwaine/www.trailwatch.net
- Arnoud Jouffroy (France) gets the hole shot at the start of the U23 race.
- The U23 start traveled a long distance on pavement with two turns.
- Bjorn Selander (USA) gets a good start.
- Nick Weighall (USA) on the first lap.
- Tom Meesen (Belgium) on a long straightaway.
- Phillipp Walsleben (Germany) leads early in the race.
- Matteo Trenton (Italy) finishes a steep climb.
- A long line of racers will face a steep, uphill pitch.
- Aurelien Duval (France) runs the set up steps.
- Sascha Weber (Germany) runs the steps on his way to a fifth place finish.
- Cristian Cominelli (Italy) runs the stairs on his way to a fourth place finish.
- Bjorn Selander (USA) will finish as top American.
- Nick Keough (USA) runs the stairs.
- Fans from many countries were out to support their favorite riders.
- Arnoud Jouffroy (France) descends a steep section.
- Twan Van den Brand (Netherlands) descends.
- Wil Dugan (USA) checks for riders behind him while climbing.
- Phillipp Walsleben (Germany) all alone in the lead.
- Keneth Van Compernolle (Belgium) at the bottom of a U-Turn.
- Danny Summerhill (USA) corners before the next climb.
- Bjorn Selander (USA) follows behind Summerhill.
- Phillipp Walsleben (Germany) with one lap to go.
- Ramar Sinkeldam (Netherlands) leads a group of riders with one lap to go.
- Phillipp Walsleben (Germany) rides to victory all alone.
- Christoph Pfingsten (Germany) takes second place over Pawel Szczepaniak (Poland).
- U23 Podium (L to R) Christoph Pfingsten (German) second, Phillip Walsleben (Germany) first, Pawel Szczepaniak (Poland) third
- Phillipp Walsleben (Germany) enjoys his gold medal and world championship jersey.
Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- The U23 men's race gets underway with (l-r) Pawel Szczepaniak (Pol), Philipp Walsleben (Ger), Aurelien Duval (Fra) leading the pace line.
- Philipp Walsleben (Ger) bides his time outside the pace line, looking for the opportunity to attack.
- Tom Meeusen (Bel) finished back in 29th.
- Philipp Walsleben (Ger) was sensational on his way to the win in the U23 men's race.
- The U23 men's podium (l-r): Christoph Pfingsten (Germany), Philipp Walsleben (Germany) and Pawel Szczepaniak (Poland)
Images by Tom de Meyer
- Walsleben likes to go out off the front.
- Ramon Sinkeldam (Netherlands)
- Twan Van Den Brand (Netherlands)
- Elia Silvestri (Italy)
- Mitchell Huenders (Netherlands)
- Micki Van Empel (Netherlands) rides on the back of his group.
- Walsleben had company in the beginning but then used his second gear...
- Sinkeldam rode strongly early on
- The podium around winner Walsleben
- Walsleben with gold
- The Germans received some typical Dutch clogs.
- Pawel Szczepaniak (Poland) was happy with bronze
Race 1 - January 31: Junior Men, 40 minutes
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Riccardo Scanferla
- Favourite Tijmen Eising dealt well with the pressure and won in front of the homecrowd.
- Dutchman Corné van Kessel won the sprint for second place.
- The podium of the juniors (l-r) with second-placed Corné van Kessel, winner Tijmen Eising and Alexandre Billon of France.
- Tijmen Eising carried the Dutch flag on the podium after carrying the Dutch hopes during the race.
Images by Cyclingnews.com
- Emilien Viennet (France)
- Enno Quast (Germany) leads Gianni Vermeersch (Belgium).
- Bart De Vocht (Belgium) squints in the sun.
- Samuel Harrison (Great Britain) tries to escape from an Italian.
- The Worlds are well organised
- Tijmen Eising (Netherlands) carries his bike up the stairs.
- Eising was the big favourite for today.
- Wietse Bosmans (Belgium) was the strongest of the Belgian selection.
- Bosmans even shadowed his teammate Sean De Bie.
- Vinnie Braet (Belgium) on the hard parcours.
- Gianni Vermeersch (Belgium) rolls through.
- Bart De Vocht (Belgium) goes out of the saddle.
- Eising was doing a lonely race at the front.
- Lars Van Der Haar (Netherlands) shadows a French rider.
- Alexandre Billon (France) makes his move
- Sean De Bie (Belgium) tries to hang tough.
- De Bie had a hard time today.
- Wietse Bosmans (Belgium) is on the wheel of Jan Nesvadba (Czech Republic).
- Emilien Viennet (France) suffers
- Valentin Hadoux (France) makes the pace.
- Eising walked his bike across the line.
- Eising was happy he could withstand the pressure.
- Eising won it convincingly.
- The sprint for second was won by Corne Van Kessel (Netherlands).
- Eising on the podium.
- Eising with the World Champion's jersey
- The test to see if it is real.
- Yes, it is...
- The podium with two Dutch riders on the left.
- Alexandre Billon finished third.
- Matej Lasak (Czech Republic) leads the chase group.
- Chris Wallace (United States Of America) grits his teeth.
- Eric Emsky (USA) chose leg warmers on a sunny but cold day.
- Luke Keough (USA) in the start-finish area.
- Runner-up Corne Van Kessel.
- Third-placed Alexandre Billon was happy
- Bosmans on the stairs.
- Lars Van Der Haar runs up the technical section.
Images by Dave McElwaine/www.trailwatch.net
- The long start on the cobbles.
- Fans of Netherlands' riders banged wooden shoes together.
- Eric Emsky (USA) warms up.
- Colorful fans were everywhere.
- Every group of fans seemed to have their country's flag.
- Tijmen Eising (Netherlands) at the start.
- Lars Van Der Haar gets the hole shot in the junior race.
- Tijmen Eising (Netherlands) rounds the first corner on the cobbles.
- Tijmen Eising (Netherlands) finally on the grass.
- Daniele Braidot (Italy) in a long train of riders.
- Alexandre Billon (France) on his way to a third place finish.
- Luke Keough (USA) leads a group of riders on a straightaway.
- Gavin Mannion (USA)
- Tijmen Eising (Netherlands) descends the flyover.
- Matej Lasak (Czech Rep)
- Tijmen Eising (Netherlands) descends a steep pitch.
- Daniel Braidot (Italy)
- Emillien Viennet (France) descends a steep hill.
- Eric Emsky (USA)
- Tijmen Eising (Netherlands) rounds a U-Turn.
- Jan Nesvadba (Czech Rep) with a foot down on a tight turn.
- Sean De Bie (Belgium) puts a foot down at the bottom of the U-Turn.
- Tijmen Eising (Netherlands) carries his bike over the line to take the win.
- Tijmen Eising (Netherlands) looks back after his win- still nobody in sight.
- Corne Van Kessel (Netherlands) wins the sprint for second over Alexandre Billon (France).
- The Dutch medal presenters
- Junior podium (L to R) Corne Van Kessel (Netherlands) second, Tijmen Eising (Netherlands) fist, Alexandre Billon (France) third
- Tijmen Eising (Netherlands) with his gold medal and world championship jersey
- Junior podium
- Tijmen Eising (Netherlands) tastes gold.
- Alexandre Billon (France) shows off his bronze medal.
Images by Mitch Clinton/www.clintonphoto.com
- Wietse Bosmans (Belgium) finished fourth in Hoogerheide.
- Corn Van Kessel (Ned) on his way to second place.
- Tijmen Eising (Ned) celebrates the win in Hoogerheide to make it a Dutch one-two on home soil.
- The sprint for second place was contested between Alexandre Billon (France), Corne Van Kessel (Ned) and Wietse Bosmans (Belgium).
Images by Tom de Meyer
- Wietse Bosmans rides up the hill
- Eising dominated
- The Czech team chased in vain
- Eising look smooth even on the one running section.
- Sean De Bie carries the bike up the stairs.
- Bart De Vocht for Belgium
- Eising solo in front
- The Dutch team could relax as Eising was ahead.
- Bart De Vocht in the Dutch sun
- Bartosz Pilis (Poland)
- The podium
- Winner Eising of the host nation
January 30: Riders train, day two
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Images by Cyclingnews.com
- Radomir Simunek Jr. (Czech Republic)
- Lars Boom (Netherlands)
- Daphny Van Den Brand (Netherlands)
- Niels Albert (Belgium)
- Francis Mourey (France)
- Mirjam Melchers-Van Poppel (Netherlands)
- Sven Nys (Belgium) will try to win his second elite world championship on Sunday.
- A British rider examines the course.
- Zdenek Stybar (Czech Republic)
- Helen Wyman (Great Britain)
- Bart Wellens (Belgium)
- Sanne Cant (Belgium)
- Daphny Van Den Brand (Netherlands) is a favorite in Sunday's women's race.
- Sven Nys (Belgium)
- Marianne Vos (Netherlands)
- A French rider out of the saddle.
- Nicholas Weighall (USA)
- Zach McDonald (USA)
- Lars Boom (Netherlands) will try to repeat as world champion on Sunday.
- Sven Vanthourenhout (Belgium)
- Klaas Vantornout (Belgium) Klaas Vantornout (Belgium)
- Kevin Pauwels (Belgium)
- A British rider prepares for the weekend's racing.
- A British rider on the run-up.
- Sven Nys (Belgium)
- Niels Albert (Belgium) runs the stairs.
- Gavin Mannion (USA) pre-rides the course.
- Luke Keough (USA) will compete in Saturday's Junior men's race.
- Thijs Al (Netherlands) leads Lars Boom (Netherlands) through a corner.
January 29: Riders train
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Images by Cyclingnews.com
- Zdenek Stybar (Czech Republic) trains on the Worlds course in Hoogerheide, Netherlands.
- Vincent Baestaens (Belgium)
- Belgian coach Rudy De Bie (Belgium)
- Joyce Vanderbeken (Belgium)
- Tom Meeusen (Belgium)
- Zdenek Stybar (Czech Republic)
- Erwin Vervecken (Belgium)
- Erwin Vervecken (Belgium)
- Belgian coach Rudy De Bie with his riders
- Riders ride up a ramp during preparation for the World Championships in Hoogerheide, Netherlands.
- Belgian Coach Rudy De Bie and Vincent Baestaens (Belgium)
- Zdenek Stybar (Czech Republic)
- Kenneth Van Compernolle (Belgium)
- Vincent Baestaens (Belgium)
- French team in preparation
- Erwin Vervecken (Belgium)
- A British rider out on the course
- Great Britain's team prepares to ride the course
- Daniel Summerhill (USA) negotiates a run-up
- A British rider tackles a run-up.
- Daniel Summerhill (USA)
- Katie Compton (USA)
- Rachel Lloyd (USA)
- Ryan Trebon (USA)
- Susan Butler (USA)
- Rachel Lloyd (USA)
- Paul Oldham (Great Britain)
- Jody Crawforth (Great Britain)
- Great Britain's riders examine the course
- A member of Great Britain's team previews the course
- Wendy Simms (Canada)
- Wendy Simms (Canada) examines the course
- Arnauld Jouffroy (France)
