Great Britain’s Nikki Harris just missed out on the podium at the 2015 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in Tabor, Czech Republic on Saturday, finishing fourth as France’s Pauline Ferrand-Prevot took the world title.
Mid race, Harris joined an elite group including Ferrand-Prevot, world cup winner Sanne Cant of Belgium and outgoing champion Marianne Vos, keeping pace with the front runners as the race headed for its climax in snowy conditions in the Southern Bohemian town.
On the final lap, a crash for home rider Katerina Nash saw Harris move from fifth to fourth, the Derbyshire rider eventually crossing the line six seconds adrift of third-placed Marianne Vos, with Cant taking the silver medal spot.
Compatriot Helen Wyman finished seventh, one minute and 21 seconds back on the winner. Wyman, who took bronze in the 2014 event, began with a characteristically fast start but was overtaken, first by Frenchwoman Lucie Chainel Lefevre, before the lead group established itself at the head of the race.
Wyman tried to regain contact with the front runners but with Ferrand-Prevot driving the pace at the front, the Hertfordshire rider was unable to get back on terms.
Happy with that, 7th, aimed for a rainbow but left everything on the course. Thanks to @konaworld for another great season.
— Helen Wyman (@CXHelen) January 31, 2015
Britain’s 17-year-old sensation Amira Mellor finished an impressive 28th, four minutes and 49 seconds behind Ferrand-Prevot with fellow Brit Hannah Payton five minutes and 38 seconds down in 34th.
Earlier, in the junior men’s event, Great Britain’s Will Gascoyne took an excellent 14th place, two minutes and 18 seconds down on winner Simon Andreassen of Denmark.
It was a standout result for the 17-year-old from Derbyshire, coming through from a gridding of 43rd to break into the top-twenty amid a world-class field.
Arthur Green was 28th, three minutes and 36 seconds adrift, with Josh Waters and Alfie Moses 32nd and 35th respectively.
The championships continue tomorrow with the under-23 men’s race at 10am UK time followed by the elite men’s event at 1pm.
Reports, results and images will appear on the British Cycling website.
You can also follow British Cycling on Twitter @BritishCycling for updates.
Results
