Boom returns to reclaim Dutch 'cross title

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Lars Boom claimed his fourth consecutive elite cyclo-cross title in Heerlen on Sunday, the tenth championship in his 'cross career. Normally, seeing the lanky former world champion don the Dutch championship jersey would not be a surprise, but after Boom chose to abandon his 'cross ambitions for a road career, most counted him out of this year's event.

Yet as second place finisher Gerben de Knegt said, you can never count Boom out, and De Knegt fell victim to his younger teammate's powerful sprint. Thijs Al claimed the final podium spot.

Boom was chasing behind Al and De Knegt, but on the last lap each had a slip-up and Boom was able to catch and then sprint to the win.

"I honestly thought it was over," said Boom to De Telegraaf. "But my friend called out that the two had stopped working and I went full gas."

Al, who had ridden most of the race as clearly the strongest man on the day mis-shifted and slipped on the last lap, giving the advantage went to Boom on the finishing straight. "If Lars can get to the road first, few can follow."

De Knegt admitted he didn't have the best day, while Boom chalked the race win up to luck as much as skill.

"In the last lap Gerben made a mistake first, then Al slipped away. ... This was my hardest fought title," said Boom.

Thijs Van Amerongen and Wilant van Gils were the next riders across the line, just behind Al.