Intro:

The finale of the UCI Cyclo-cross season in Nommay, France on Sunday saw Lars Van Der Haar and Katherine Compton win the men's and women's titles respectively.

Script:

The cyclists on the UCI Cyclo-cross tour were asked to grind through a muddy thriller as the season reached its finale in Nommay.

Overall leader in the women's event, Katherine Compton, had to withdraw from the event due to a flare up of her asthma - but it didn't take Marianne Vos long to put her stamp on the race, despite an early fall while climbing the steps.

Vos holding on for the victory, a result that meant Compton held onto first place in the standings to win the overall title.

In the men's event, German Phillip Walsleben pulled away to an early lead.

Yet a determined chase from Tom Meeusen and local favourite Francis Mourey reeled the German in and set up an exciting sprint finish.

A tired Walsleben couldn't keep up as Meeusen held off Mourey for the win.

A touch further behind was Lars Van Der Haar who finished fourth, which was enough to earn him the overall tour win.

Van Der Haar's 467 points were well clear of Walsleben who finished second on 409.