Van Den Brand best in the sand

By Brecht Decaluwé in Koksijde

Daphny Van Den Brand confirmed her great early season form by claiming a second World Cup win of the season in Koksijde today. American Katie Compton, winner of the previous World Cup in Pijnacker, had a good start but lost time after crashing in the sand and was joined by world champion Maryline Salvetat and Van Den Brand on the second lap. This trio turned out to be the strongest in the race.

"I'm surprising myself today," said Van Den Brand at the post-race press grill. "I was suffering with my back during the last couple of weeks and doubted my form as well, so I didn't expect to do so well today. After receiving treatment it turned out that only my back was causing problems."

After the finish Compton wasn't disappointed with second although she might have hoped for more beforehand "I'm happy with second place because I was all over the place in the sand. Damage control was the keyword today and that worked out pretty well," she said.

See the full results, report and photo here.