STYBAR WINS CYCLO-CROSS WORLDS, AIKEN 53RD

Czech rider Zdenek Štybar dominated today’s world cyclo-cross championships on home soil, breaking clear early on in the nine-lap race in Tabor and soloing to the gold medal.

He handled the icy conditions well, staying out of trouble while some of the riders behind were delayed by falls.

Belgian riders Klaas Vantornout and Sven Nys chased hard but finished 21 and 38 seconds back respectively. Štybar’s compatriot Martin Bina was fourth.

Last year’s champion Niels Albert (Belgium) withdrew during the race.

Štybar, who is also the current World Cup winner, added today’s title to the under 23 gold medals he took in 2005 and 2006.

“I’m delighted to win here at home,” he said afterwards. “I didn’t dare believe beforehand I’d do it, even though I am in my best-ever form. Winning the World Cup has made my season and now this is the icing on the cake.”

Ireland’s Roger Aiken took part and placed 53rd, one lap back.

Andy Layhe was also due to compete in the green jersey, but crashed while practicing yesterday and was injured.

“I cracked a rib,” he told Irishcycling.com today. “The UCI doctor advised me not to ride. I’ve to think of the championships next week. It’s frustrating not to ride the worlds.”

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UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships, Tabor (Czech Republic), January 30-31:

1, Zdenek Štybar (Czech Republic) 1 hour 8 mins 58 secs
2, Klaas Vantornout (Belgium) at 21 secs
3, Sven Nys (Belgium) at 38 secs
4, Martin Bína (Czech Republic) at 40 secs
5, Francis Mourey (France) at 56 secs
6, Martin Zlámalík (Czech Republic) at 1 min 2 secs

Irish:

53, Roger Aiken (Ireland) at 1 lap
DNS: Andy Layhe (Ireland)