Nystrom: From the streets of Costa Rica to making cyclo-cross Worlds history

Felipe Nystrom (Costa Rica) after the World Championships in Arkansas
Felipe Nystrom (Costa Rica) after the World Championships in Arkansas (Image credit: Cyclingnews)

On lap five of the elite men's race at the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, seconds before the arrival of eventual winner Tom Pidcock (Great Britain), the slight figure of a man the red jersey of Costa Rica was flagged down by the race official and pulled from the race before he could be lapped.

While most riders would be disappointed to have a forced early exit from the biggest race in cyclo-cross, 38-year-old Felipe Nystrom was the exact opposite. He let out a whoop of elation when he learned he would be given an official placing and radiated pure joy as he rode away from the course in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.