For three laps Corne van Kessel managed to mix with the favorites for the Cyclo-cross World Championships, but after Tom Pidcock had placed his winning gear, the Veldhovenaar fell through the ice. His goal to finish in the top ten was far from being achieved.
Van Kessel led the race for a few seconds. He pushed on for a while, but there was never a good result. The rider from Veldhoven finished in a disappointing 26th place in Fayetteville on Sunday evening.
During the first three rounds, Van Kessel was still clearly in the picture among all the favourites. After Pidcock’s acceleration, he plummeted out of the top ten and had to let other riders pass. The final 26th place can be called a big disappointment. Van Kessel drove in the top ten all season, so that was a realistic goal for this World Cup. Bad luck may have played a role.
Countryman Lars van der Haar could be satisfied: the European champion came in second.
