Van Paassen victim to CX virus

Sanne van Paassen
(image credit: Hans905 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Dutch off-road star Sanne van Paassen is the latest rider to fall victim to the virus that has plagued the North European cyclo cross scene since before Christmas, forcing her to stay away from the Liévin round of the World Cup this weekend.

Several other riders, including five time British champion Helen Wyman have come down with the chest infection in recent weeks. In Wyman's case, it took longer than fans anticipated for recovery to take place and had a notable effect on her results which dropped drastically from her usual podium finishes.

23-year-old Brainwash rider van Paassen, who finished third at the 2011 National Championships, hopes to be able to return to competition in time for the next round at Hoogerheide on the 22nd of January and for the World Championships in Koksijde on the 28th and 29th.