Nicole moved closer to a third World Cup title with second place in the Grand Prix Plouay. She was one of a group of four riders that escaped on the first of the final laps three climbs, and though they never established a big lead over the main field they were never caught.

2005 race winner Noemi Cantele was able to drop the other three on the final climb and won by almosty half a minute, but Nicole took out the sprint for 2nd to pick up 50 points. her only rival for the World Cup title Marianne Vos was third across the line in the next sprint 16 seconds back, 7th place giving the Dutch rider 21 points.

That means Nicole will go into the final race of the series leading by 80 points. That would have been enough for her to retain the title however with double points on offer in Nürnberg (150 for first 100 for second 70 for third etc) the 2007 competition may well come down to the final sprint.

"It's not over yet "says Nicole, "but I' was very happy with my result in France and I'm in a good position before the final race."