Stybar secured World Cup title with a second place in the last manche of the WC in Hoogerheide. During the last lap Stybar and Albert dueled at the head of the race, hitting corners shoulder-to-shoulder. A minor mistake from Stybar was enough for Albert to create the decisive gap and grab his fourth World Cup win of the season.
Crossing the finish line in second place, Stybar raised his hands in the air, too, as he was certain of the overall win in the World Cup. The Czech champion thanked his teammate Pauwels for his presence and help in front, which allowed Stybar to grab the World Cup title. "It was a really hard race for me but I'm really glad I could keep the jersey. I made a lot of mistakes but had to finish second if Albert won; Pauwels will receive a bottle of champagne.
Overall GC UCI World Cup :
1. Zdenek Stybar 635
2. Niels Albert 631
3. Sven Nys 535
4. Klaas Vantornout 517
5. Kevin Pauwels 440
6. Gerben de Knegt 428
7. Bart Aernouts 399
8. Erwin Vervecken 376
Picture : Belga