Cyclo-cross World Cup: Iserbyt recovers from slow start to win in Troyes

Eli Iserbyt (Pauwels Sauzen Bengal) recovered from a slow start to win his first Cyclo-cross World Cup event of the season, coming out on top in Troyes after a two-way battle with Lars van der Haar (Trek Baloise Lions).

Isberyt was beset by problems on the first of eight laps of the Troyes course, which combined repeated punches with numerous off-camber sections, but he came storming back to join Van der Haar around the half-way mark, before pulling clear on the final two laps.

Joris Nieuwenhuis (Baloise Trek Lions) followed his Superprestige victory on Saturday with a first World Cup podium of the season, emerging on top in a battle for the podium with Gerben Kuper’s (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty), who himself recorded his best-ever World Cup finish.

Thibau Nys (Baloise Trek Lions), the 21-year-old talent who won the opening World Cup in the USA and was criticised by the UCI president for missing last week’s race, was off-colour and finished seventh.

"It was my favourite and one of my best best races this season. I had really good legs," said Iserbyt, who also took the overall lead of the World Cup series from Van der haar.

"It's still 10 races to go, so still early, but I'm happy I can take the leader's jersey and ride in it next weekend in Dublin."

Iserbyt's race in Troyes got off to a nightmare start. It appeared he had to unclip in the opening metres amid the early scramble, and soon after he had to change bikes due to a flat tyre.

That left Van der Haar to take charge in the early phase of the race, but Iserbyt worked his way back, notably being the only rider to ride one tricky off-camber climb.

Around the half-way mark, Iserbyt was riding with Van der Haar in eyeshot, and his opportunity came on lap five when the Dutchman went into the pits to change bikes. Iserbyt hit the front and, while the pair crossed the line together, he applied the pressure and prized open a gap on lap six.

The pair were locked in a close contest, and Iserbyt was seven seconds up after six laps and eight seconds up after seven, before pressing home his advantage on the final lap.

"It was a pity for me, I had a flat tyre on the first lap but I kept and pushing and pushing. It was difficulty to take over some guys but when I could ride my own line and my own pace it felt pretty good," Iserbyt said.

"Lars was a hard contender, I'm happy I could close the gap. When he changed bikes I knew I had to be in the front and ride my own lines and try to push him to make mistakes."

Iserbyt not only beat Van der Haar on the day but took the World Cup leader's jersey from his shoulders, having finished runner-up in the opening two rounds and fourth last Sunday.

He moved to 122 points, just a single point up on Van der Haar, while Pim Ronhaar – who could only manage 17th in Troyes – lies third on 88 points.

"It'll be hard but with the white jersey it's always nice to go abroad," said Iserbyt ahead of next weekend's outing in Dublin, where he can increase his lead in the absence of Van der Haar.

Ridley

Ridley is the largest bicycle manufacturer in Belgium and produces bikes for various cycling disciplines but specialises in aerodynamically-focused road and gravel bikes.