Tree Triumphs in the Mud

Lars Boom likes the mud, evidently. And it's equally apparent that Sven Nys does not flourish in the messier races. Similarly muddy conditions to yesterday's race in Niel, and it's Boom and Wellens duking it out once again. But this time Boom holds on for the win. And Nys finishes well back--at least by his standards--coming home in 5th place behind Vantournout and Dlask. Full results, report and photos at CN and sport.be.

Highlights:




The top 20:

Boom - 150
Wellens - 125
Vantournout - 100
Dlask - 90
Nys - 80
Vervecken - 75
Stybar - 70
De Knegt - 65
Franzoi - 60
Groenendaal - 55
Van Gils - 50
S. Vanthourenhout - 45
Simunik - 40
Pauwels - 35
Aernouts - 30
Page - 25
Mourey - 20
Al - 15
Derepas - 10
Heule - 5

With 2 of the 3 podium spots on the day (Boom and Vantournout), Chris takes the win and snatches the lead back from Andy. This follows a pattern that has been holding since the very first race. With Albert racing the Superprestige and GVA races but not the World Cups, Andy's been gaining in those and losing ground in the World Cups. Chris has been missing Mourey for the more local races but has been benefitting from his points in the World Cups. Should this pattern hold, it looks good for Andy as there are more Superprestige/GVA races than World Cups remaining on the schedule. We'll see.

Also of note is Matt's 2nd consecutive podium appearance, on the strength of which he leaps over Vic into 3rd overall. Rachel is nipping at Vic's heels as well. And David S finally nabs a few points! A solid 30 to stay ahead of Laura and out of the cellar.

Today's results:

Chris - 295
Matt - 250
Andy - 245
Hal - 210
Rachel - 190
Dallas - 175
Jonny B - 160
Arlene - 155
Naomi - 105
Paddy - 95
Vic - 80
Tomek - 45
Laura - 30
David - 30

Overall standings:

Chris - 1435
Andy - 1390
Matt - 1105
Vic - 1085
Rachel - 1020
Naomi - 965
Arlene - 965
Jonny B - 965
Hal - 710
Dallas - 590
Tomek - 480
Paddy - 410
David S - 270
Laura - 250

Next up: Superprestige #3 in Asper-Gavere, Belgium on Nov. 18.

OTT: Frightened Rabbit, Behave!