American Katie Compton won the opening round of the 2014 UCI cyclocross World Cup in Valkenburg, Netherlands after troubles early on. A slow start and a bad bike swap complicated things for the amazingly accomplished American. Here now are great images from the race courtesy of our man Tom Prenen.

Katie Compton had to work very hard for this one, but then again, it is never easy.

Before the start it is all calm and still a bit cool. But there is friendly banter among the competitors.

The field was quite deep in Valkenburg and fans were there in abundance. Here though a moment of silence for Annefleur Kalvenhaar who tragically died in August of this year. .

Intense focus on the start line with Sophie De Boer, Ellen van Loy and Katie Compton from left to right.

Brit Helen Wyman had a good start in Valkenburg and showed fine skills.

Nikki Harris and Elle Andersen try out different lines in pursuit of the leaders. Katie Compton appears in the background barely in the top 10.

Rush hour traffic in Valkenburg.

Helen Wyman charges up the hill in pursuit of Sanne Cant

American Elle Andersen shows fine portaging skills on the way to 5th place in Valkenburg.

This is certainly not easy, but the fans on the course help for sure.

It is very steep and a great spot to watch the action.

Katie Compton was chasing hard and got closer and closer to the lead, but the women ahead were not letting up.

Nikki Harris shows how it is done on this off-camber section.

Hannah Payton has no time for Hamburgers or any other distractions.

Lizzy Witlox from the Netherlands is working this paved section near the finish to avoid being lapped by the front runners.

Katie Compton did it again. She won the race 13 seconds ahead of Helen Wyman and 25 seconds up on Sophie De Boer.

Nikki Harris talks to the media after finishing 6th.