Third in Tabor for Joris Nieuwenhuis

With the busiest period of the cyclocross season approaching fast, it was time to kick off the UCI World Cup season. This edition kicks off with three foreign races, starting in Tabor, Czech Republic. The weather maps indicated a probability of snowfall, but ultimately it did not stick and it mainly turned out to be a very slippery lap.

Credits: Photonews

After a stellar weekend with a win and a podium, Joris Nieuwenhuis was one of the favourites going into this race. Both Felipe and him had to start from the second row based on the UCI ranking. Joris didn't had any trouble making up positions and quickly got into the fourth spot. Felipe watched from a little further back in the bunch. However, the pace was extremely high, as Nys took the lead after just half a lap and only Joris was able to keep up. Joris was capable of taking over and wanted to put pressure on Nys, but in doing so he made a mistake and fell.

Nys didn't hesitate and went all in to create a decisive gap. Joris did what he could, but it soon became clear that Nys was the strongest today. Competing for second place, Joris had to battle it out with Vanthourenhout, Verstrynge, Sweeck, and Michels. Vanthourenhout crashed hard on tarmac and Verstrynge fell in the penultimate lap, holding Nieuwenhuis up as well. Sweeck got a little gap after this incident and took the runner up spot in Tabor. Joris finished third and immediately takes some big points for the general classification.

Credits: Photonews

Felipe Orts takes a breather in Spain

Felipe finished the race with some mixed feelings in 15th position. "I think it wasn't a bad day, but it wasn't a spectacular one either! I lacked confidence in the technical sections with the ice, which kept me from a good race within the top 10."

Felipe travels back to Spain right now, where he takes a short race break after the first two months of the season. After this, he'll make his return in Namur for the fourth race of the World Cup. Joris will keep racing and he is doing both Flamanville (France) and Terralba (Sardinia, Italy) in the upcoming weeks.