World champion Erwin Vervecken won the finishing sprint at today’s C2 race in Aalter, Belgium. He came across the line just in front of Rabobank rider Sven Vanthourenhout, and cross phenom Niels Albert. At age 23, Albert is considered to be the great hope in Belgian cross, and I’m sure we’ll see him dethroning the masters sooner rather than later. American Jon Page finished the race in 5th place, just 12 seconds down from the leaders.
Sven Nys DNF’d after a spectator allegedly hit him with a stick, causing him crash into the barriers and break his bike (pictured right). Sustaining injuries to his leg and wrist, he gathered himself and promptly punched the spectator. Nys intends on pressing charges, stating:
My career could have ended right here! The guy who did this was drunk, there was no doubt about it.
No word as to whether the wrist injury was from the crash or the punch. Later, the spectator claimed to be a Nys supporter and that it was a total accident. You can read more about this on svennys.com
Full results at cyclingnews.com
Update: First reports of the incident indicated that Nys was hit with a stick, but it looks like a barrier was actually pushed into Nys’ path. I’ve confirmed this on cyclingews and svennys.com. Thanks Eugene!
dog4aday on 
I don’t understand where you got that he was hit by a stick…a barrier was (possibly inadvertantly) pushed out in front of him.