Sven Nys and Marianne Vos took the win of the night cross in Woerden/Netherlands in the men's and women's category, respectively. Nys won ahead of Gerben de Knegt and Thijs Al, while Vos, clad in bankrupt DSB Bank colors, beat Sanne van Paassen and Helen Wyman.
Nys did not have to contend with his strong Belgian compatriots, who did not make the trip across the border. He rode together with de Knegt all the way until the the final lap before separating himself from his Dutch rival and solo home for his second victory of the season.
But Nys said it was a planned move. "I quickly realized I was much stronger than Gerben," he told Sporza. "But on this fast course it is better to ride with someone else rather than alone. On the technical section I was able to accelerate away."
Nys' win moved him from 127th spot to sixth in the UCI ranking, which should help greatly getting better starting positions and easier racing than in the first races of the season.
In the women's category, Vos followed the same tactic, attacking in the final lap and winning her first cross in her first appearance this season.
Interesting in Vos' win was her outfit, spotting the DSB Bank colors - a team that ceased to exist. "I rode for them for four years, so I can continue a little bit longer," she said to ANP. "DSB came through with all their responsibilities this year." Vos said that if she is asked to stop wearing the jersey she will comply. "Advertisement for a company that no longer exists does not make much sense anyway."
DSB is a Dutch bank that went bankrupt last week, after many investors withdrew their money overnight. The bank also sponsored AZ Alkmaar, a soccer club in the highest Dutch League. It is expected that the soccer club can continue, while the speed skating team is in trouble. The cycling team was already informed in September that the sponsorship will stop at the end of the 2009 season.