2003 World Cyclocross Championships - CM

Monopoli, Italy, February 1-2, 2003

Images by Tim Maloney/Cyclingnews

A group of dedicated Mario DeClercq supporters prepared for a fresh downpour with a colorful good luck 'brolly in Monopoli. Go Mario!
Yes, they brought their Jupiler beer all the way from Belgium
More Jupiler boys awaiting the main event in Monopoli.
Let's see… WD-40 for the chain? And Lava Soap to wash those greasy hands after a hard day out in the 'cross pits.
Quite a fashion statement, but after 8 Jupilers who would notice?
Yes, the staid Swiss have to get in the act, pity there was no Frischy to ring the cowbells for.
Tom Vanoppen's suport crew meticulously prep the young Belgian elite 'crossers Ridley rig, checking the new chain link by link for any possible problem.
After his best ever season, US Champ Jonathan Page was just glad to finish
The lunatics have taken over the asylum: 'Nuff said; now get back on the bus for the 30 hour ride back to Gent!
The ritual trek to the 'cross pits begins. Not quite Formula 1, but it'll do.
U23 rider Wesley Van Linden's sister (right) and friend welcome big 'bro after his silver medal in Monopoli.
Say What? After the finish in Monopoli, Gina Hall (11th) and Ann Grande (10th) wondered where the last lap bell was. Both thought it was still one lap to go.
Can I Stop Running Now? Adam Craig broke his chain in the first 10 meters of the race and had to run halfway around the course to get a spare bike at the pits.
Paolo Guerciotti checks out the 'cross worlds circuit in Monopoli just before the race.

Images by AFP

The women's podium (from left): Kupfernagel (Ger), van den Brand (Ned), Leboucher (Fra)
Bart Wellens emerged victorious in an all-Belgian affair
Enrico Franzoi (Ita) wins the U23 men's race with flag- and time- in hand
Lars Boom (Ned) took the lead early in the junior men's race and never looked back