International Cyclocross Weekend Preview, 10/7

Superprestige Ruddervoorde (C1) - Round One of the Superprestige Series kicks-off this weekend in Ruddervoorde, Belgium. Last year, Sven Nys picked up his tenth overall title and is looking for number eleven. Kevin Pauwels tried his best to spoil Nys’s party, but the pressure and a mechanical meant that he failed to come up with the goods during the final race of the season. With Zdenek Stybar questionable for the first round of the series, it could be a repeat of last season.

Last years podium featured Stybar, Nys and a surprise in the form of Bart Aernouts. Aernouts showed good form at CrossVegas and has slowly transitioned back to European cross. He’s definitely a wildcard to look out for. Belgian National Champion, Niels Albert, would love to pick up a victory to keep his season moving. The biggest surprise could come from Bart Wellens who started off his season in the states and has ridden extremely well over the past few weeks.

Jonathan Page is the lone North American rider and would love to pick up a top-ten in his first European race of the season. Look for Brit Ian Field to take advantage of his front row starting spot and post a solid top-ten result.

Toi Toi Cup in Lostice (C2) - With the absence of round two winner, and second overall, Martin Zlamalik in Belgium, along with round one winner, Zdenek Stybar, look for Peter Dlask to extend his overall lead. Zdenek Miller, currently third overall, has had success in Lostice in the past and would love to pick up a victory as well.

Memorial Jonathan Tabotta (C2) - Italy’s cyclocross series continues this weekend with round two at Mount Buja. Last week, Italian National Champion Enrico Franzoi was bested by Cristian Cominelli. Franzoi will surely be looking for victory after loosing in a four-up sprint. Watch out for Fabio Ursi who surprised many in the US in September, he could suprise everyone in Italy this weekend.

National Trophy Seires (C2) - Round one of Britian’s National Trophy Series takes places this weekend in South Shields. Last year’s overall winner Jody Crawforth will be looking to start his title defense off with a bang. Paul Oldham picked up the victory in South Shields last year and after losing the overall by a mere five points, will be looking to best Crawforth early and often.