After his disappointing World Championships, which he abandoned, Niels Albert came back strong and won the Parkcross in Maldegem, Belgium. He beat Belgians Kevin Pauwels, Bart Wellens and Sven Nys. Newly crowned World Champion Zdenek Stybar finished in seventh place.
As much as he was surprised by his Worlds performance on Sunday, as much surprised was Albert today. "I did not expect to win here," he said after the race according to belga. "It is always nice when you obtain a victory." It was his 16th victory of the season.
"I had no thoughts of revenge," Albert clarified. He also wasn't surprised by Stybar's seventh place. "That he couldn't get going today is normal. Last year, just after I became World Champion, I think I finished 13th here. I know how it feels to do the first race with the rainbow jersey. After you win a Worlds title, there are some celebrations and this cross just comes too early."
Stybar confirmed that. "Festivities here and their took their toll." But he vowed to be back. "This jersey gives you a special feeling. I will go out training really hard for two days as I still want to prove myself in some competitions."
Nys finished fourth, after a crash robbed him the chance of victory. "I should have easily won this one, but a crash decided otherwise... I am of course not so happy - you always like to win. But I was lucky the crash was without consequences and I can work towards the weekend without problems.
Parkcross Maldegem results
1. Niels Albert in 1h02'56"
2. Kevin Pauwels at 3"
3. Bart Wellens 16"
4. Sven Nys 44"
5. Klaas Vantornout 52"
6. Sven Vanthourenhout s.t.
7. Zdenek Stybar (Cze) 1'20"
8. Tom Meeusen s.t.
9. Kenneth Van Compernolle 2'24"
10. Marco Bianco (Ita) 2'37"