World champion Sven Nys (Rabobank) won the fourth round of the UCI cyclo-cross World Cup on Sunday in Wetzikon, Switzerland — but the victory didn't come easily.

Groenendaal always does well in these conditions...

Photo: Graham Watson

The Belgian had to come from behind to take the win over Netherlander Richard Groenendaal and Belgian Bart Wellens, who crossed second and third, respectively.

Nys flatted while answering an attack by Italian Enrico Franzoi and had to make up a deficit of more than two minutes on Groenendaal, who had taken the lead. Wellens and Groenendaal tried in vain to shed themselves of Nys, but the world No. 1 proved far superior to his rivals on the extremely difficult course.

Peter Dlask

Photo: Graham Watson

"It was a true cyclo-cross," Nys said afterward. "After two laps, my bicycle weighed 10 kilos more because of the mud."

It was the fourth World Cup win in four outings for Nys, and his 14th ’cross win overall this season.

Enrico Franzoi

Photo: Graham Watson

Americans Jonathan Page and Ryan Trebon finished in 13th (at 2:32) and 32nd (at 4:20) respectively.

The fifth round of the World Cup is scheduled Thursday in Milan, Italy.

Wellens is looking strong at this point in the season

Photo: Graham Watson

Results
1. Nys Sven (B), Rabobank 1:00:36
2. Groenendaal Richard (Nl), Rabobank, At 0:08
3. Wellens Bart (B), Fidea Cycling Team, At 0:23
4. De Knegt Gerben (Nl), at 0:35
5. Franzoi Enrico (I), Lampre - Caffita, At 0:45
6. Vanthourenhout Sven (B), Rabobank, At 0:45
7. Vervecken Erwin (B), Fidea Cycling Team, At 1:33
8. Vannoppen Tom (B), Mrbookmaker - Sports Tech, At 1:38
9. Gadret John (F), Jartazi Revor, At 1:45
10. Van Gils Wilant (Nl), Team Skil - Moser, At 1:47
FullResults