Great Britain’s Ian Field just missed out on his goal of a top-twenty finish at the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in Czech Republic on Sunday, finishing 21st as Dutchman Mathieu Van Der Poel took the world title.
Field was in the fight for 14th place coming into the last lap before a slip on the greasy Tabor course spoiled his chance of achieving his pre-race ambition.
In a pre-race interview Field had targeted a top-twenty placing following a strong season which saw the 28-year-old from Ashford take the National Trophy and British titles.
Thanks for the massive support on here, really crazy reading it all!!!! Huge shouts out on the course as well!! Thank you Brits !
— Ian Field (@FieldyCX) February 1, 2015
The result, finishing four minutes dead behind Van Der Poel, was nonetheless a strong one for the British champion, who wasn’t on top form following a three-week break due to illness in December.
It was Field’s seventh appearance at the world championships and a considerable improvement on his 29th place at Hoogerheide a year earlier.
Thanks for all the support out there today! Was in 24th 2nd lap moving forward then snapped my shoe! #badluck #nothappy #justhangon
— Jack Clarkson (@jacksplats) February 1, 2015
Jack Clarkson was the best of the British riders in the under-23 race, finishing 30th, four minutes and 13 seconds down on solo winner Michael Vanthourenhout of Belgium.
Nicholas Barnes was the next Brit home in 36th, while Ben Sumner was 41st.
Results
