The long and short of Niels Albert's misfortune in Gavere is that Sven Nys has lost of the prime contenders for his crown as the best rider in European 'cross - for two weeks, anyway.
It's been refreshing for spectators, commentators and observers that Albert has arrived as a major challenger to Nys in '08-09. Other competitors have welcomed the pique in interest provided by the young Belgian's performances, and many were upset to see him exit the scene for a temporary spell on the sidelines following his crash and consequent broken spleen last weekend.
