Belgium's Bart Wellens gave another display of his current state of form by taking the opening race of the Cyclo-cross world Cup in Germany on Sunday afternoon.

After clinching victory in the Jaarmarkt Cross two weeks ago, as well as in Round three of the "Superprestige Trophy" last Sunday in Belgium, Wellens completed the hat-trick in the "GP Germany" disputed in Frankfurt, by finishing ahead of rivals such as compatriots de Clercq and title holder Sven Nijs, who made an all-belgian podium, plus Holland's Richard Groenendaal that ranked fourth.

Crowd favorite Hanka Kupfernagel took second in the ladies competition, marked by a Dutch victory.

GP GERMANY: Results (Top 10 Places):

1. Bart Wellens (Belgium) - 27.33 km. in 1h02'07"

2. Mario de Clercq (Belgium) - at 13"

3. Sven Nijs (Belgium) - s.t.

4. Richard Groenendaal (Holland) - at 17"

5. Erwin Vervecken (Belgium) - at 54"

6. Jiri Pospisil (Czech Rep.) - at 1'01"

7. Tom Vannoppen (Belgium)

8. Vaclav Jezek (Czech Rep.)

9. Sven Vanthourenhout (Belgium)

10. Gerben de Knegt (Holland)

Cyclo-Cross World Cup : GC after Round 1 (Top 10 Places):

1. Bart Wellens (Belgium) - 60 points

2. Mario de Clercq (Belgium) - 50 points

3. Sven Nijs (Belgium) - 45 points

4. Richard Groenendaal (Holland) - 40 points

5. Erwin Vervecken (Belgium) - 35 points

6. Jiri Pospisil (Czech Rep.) - 30 points

7. Tom Vannoppen (Belgium) - 28 points

8. Vaclav Jezek (Czech Rep.) - 26 points

9. Sven Vanthourenhout (Belgium) - 24 points

10. Gerben de Knegt (Holland) - 22 points

Women Race (14 Kilometres - Top 4 Places):

1. Daphny van den Brand (Holland) - 38'01"

2. Hanka Kupfernagel (Germany) - at 37"

3. Laurente Leboucher (France) - at 54"

4. Hilde Quintens (Belgium) - at 1'28"

Cyclo-cross World Cup: Dates and Races:

November 24, 2002 - #1 (Frankfurt, GER )

December 22, 2002 - #2 (Kalmthout, BEL )

January 5, 2003 - #3 (Lievin, FRA)

January 19, 2003 - #4 (Wetzikon, SWI)

February 16, 2003 - #5 (Hoogerheide, HOL)