Thalita De Jonge wins Zolder elite world championship

The first day of the 2016 Cyclo-cross World Championships in Zolder, delivered the complete Belgian experience with heavy rain, mud and cold winds pushing riders to their extremes as they battled the elements and their fellow competitors.

Thalita De Jong (Netherlands) wins her first elite world championship (Rob Jones) Source: Rob Jones

Thalita De Jonge of the Netherlands (above) took the title ahead of Caroline Mani (FRA), while local favourite Sanne Cant (BEL) finished third.

Australia's Josie Simpson (Rob Jones) Source: Rob Jones

Australia's Josie Simpson finished in 37th place immediately followed by countrywoman Therese Rhodes. Lisa Jacobs failed to finish.

Evie Richards of Great Britain wins (Rob Jones) Source: Rob Jones

The under 23 women, a category racing for the first time at the Cyclo-cross world championships with Evie Richards (GBR) claiming the title ahead of Nikola Noskova (CZE) and Maud Kaptheijns (NED).

Australia's Stacey Riedel in action (Rob Jones) Source: Rob Jones

Stacey Riedel was the only Australian in the category and rode on to finish 42nd overall.

Mickael Crispin, Jens Dekker, Thomas Bonnet (Rob Jones) Source: Rob Jones

The junior men's race was won by Jens Dekker (NED), the pre-race favourite easily took the rainbow jersey, ahead of French riders Mickael Crispin and Thomas Bonnet.

Australia's Ben Walkerden (Rob Jones) Source: Rob Jones

Ben Walkerden of Australia finished 56th while team-mate Noah Barrow rolled across the finish in 58th place.