Marianne Vos skips Overijse World Cup following form issues

Marianne Vos began her cyclocross season in late October at the Nacht van Woerden, but the World Champion has struggled since, not having the form she expected, and will be skipping today's Overijse World Cup round as a last-minute absence.

After yesterday's Superprestige Merksplas race, she commented: “I really cracked when Ceylin [Del Carmen Alvarado] took over. From that moment on I had to go at my own pace and it really became work.” She rode to a 10th position after a holeshot start, seemingly cracking after the initial effort. A particular reason was not given but fatigue and form are likely to be the justification.

Vos opened her season with a second place, finished 6th in Maasmechelen and 5th on Beekse Bergen showing her competitive level, but at the tougher crosses she rode into 9th in Namur and 10th in Merksplas, revealing that there are gains yet to be made. The Hoogerheide World Championships will take place in early February however and there is still considerable time for the veteran to get back to her best level.