1.
SV Competitors at start
0.03

2.
SV Onlookers
0.04

3.
LV Start
0.14

4.
SV Competitors up hill headed by De Vlaemink (32)
0.29

5.
LV Van Damme (31) takes lead across rough country, followed by De Vlaemink, De Clercq (33) and others (2 shots)
0.44

6.
SV Competitors rough ground
0.47

7.
SV De Vlaemink leading followed by De Clercq and Van Damme
0.59

8.
SV Spectators
1.00

9.
SV Other competitors up slope pushing cycles
1.08

10.
LV De Vlaeminck wins
1.18

11.
CU De Vlaeminck - the winner
1.24



Initials JM/V/WH/K


SPORT: CYCLO CROSS

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: At the international cyclo-cross meeting near Brussels today (Sunday) mud was the universal competitor for the field of nearly 50 riders who started in the "Europa Cup" competition. The race, over a distance of 25-Kms (approximately 15 miles), is regarded as an important rehearsal for the World Championship. It was won by a home rider, a member of the Belgian A team - Erik De Vlaeminck (32). Another Belgian rider, Roger De Clercq (33) came second, beating the current Belgian champion Albert Van Damme (31) into third place.

Apart from the two Belgian teams, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, Italy and France were all represented. The current world champion, Longo was not riding however.

Soon after the start, Van Damme (31) was in the lead followed by De Clercq and Wolfshohl (West Germany). Van Damme increased his lead at the end of the first circuit but the couldn't hold on to it, and on the third and final lap De Vlaeminck took up the front running, and was followed over the line by De Clercq and Van Damme in that order.