"Last year," said Lars Boom, "I was not happy with second."

On Saturday, the young Dutchman made up for that disappointment by finally winning the under-23 title at the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, in his final year as an espoir.

Belgium's Niels Albert took the silver and Roman Villa of France the bronze, while defending champion Zdenek Stybar (Czech Republic) could manage no better than fourth.

The race started blazingly fast, with Boom and Albert heading straight to the front of the 63-rider field. By the end of the first lap the race was shattered, with Boom, Albert and Villa clear of a chase group of 10, including Stybar.

Albert gave it his best, but conceded that Boom was stronger

Photo: Graham Watson

A lap later, Boom was on his own, some 10 seconds in front of Albert, who could not match the Dutchman's pace. Villa dangled just behind Albert, while Stybar had shed the rest of the chasers and was starting to move up.

But the three chasers were in a race for the remaining two podium spots, since Boom was in a league of his own. Each lap the gap grew, eventually topping a minute and a half, until on the final go-round Boom was able to slow down and wave to his fans, celebrating with half a lap remaining.

"After the descent (on the first lap) I saw some gaps forming, so I went hard." explained the new world champion. "I went hard in all the places that it was possible to go fast, and I think that made the difference."

It wasn't just the "fast" places — Boom was noticeably quicker plowing through the man-made sand pit at the far end of the course, an energy-sapping 50 meters that forced many riders to dismount.

"I came to win, but he was better," said Albert. "Today I had a normal good day, but I needed a super day to beat Lars."

Race notes
Top North American was Jamey Driscoll of the USA in 36th place, the only North American not to be lapped by Boom.

American Chance Noble finished 39th, one of the last two riders to be lapped by Boom. "I felt good, I had a good start. But it has been a long season, and I can definitely feel it, I feel a little burnt out. I was hoping for top 40, but I guess I'm a little disappointed that I got lapped. But I'm a first year (espoir), so I'll be back."

On the run

Photo: Graham Watson

UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships
Under-23 men
1. Lars Boom (Ned), 53:53.0
2. Niels Albert (B), at 1:22.5
3. Romain Villa (F), at 1:44.0
4. Zdenek Stybar (Cze), at 2:29.0
5. Philipp Walsleben (G), at 2:49.0
6. Lukas Kloucek (Cze), at 2:56.0
7. Jonathan Lopez (F), at 3:04.0
8. Rob Peeters (B), at 3:10.0
9. Rafael Visinelli (I), at 3:23.0
10. Ricardo Van Der Velde (Ned), at 3:30

Complete results