Young Tom Meeusen (Telenet-Fidea) and Katherine Compton (USA) dealt best with the cold weather and snow that was a major feature of the fifth round of the Patrick UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Kalmthout (BEL).


After a tactical race, Meeusen won the sprint from Belgian Champion Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet) and his compatriot Kevin Pauwels (Telenet-Fidea). Niels Albert (BKCP-Powerplus) remains in the lead of the overall World Cup standings. US Champion Compton showed great skills and held off a strong ride from Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit), netting her third World Cup victory of the season. The Czech Katerina Nash took third place in front of Sanne van Paassen (NED), whose fourth place was just enough to keep her ahead of Compton in the World Cup standings. Vincent Baestaens (BEL) in the Men Under 23 category and Laurens Sweeck (BEL) in the Juniors Men category pleased the home crowd earlier on Sunday. Both young Belgians strengthened their leads in the World Cup.