Mike Garrigan sprints off the line. Photo: Todd Prekaski.
It’s hard to believe the US season is winding down already. This weekend the USGP wraps up in Bend, OR. Jeremy Powers will not be in attendance, leaving the door open for Ryan Trebon to take overall honors. On the East Coast, the Super Cross Cup is ready to roll in New York after being pushed back a couple weeks due to hurricane Sandy. Here’s how I think things will play out:
USGP Cyclocross – Deschutes Cup (C1/C2)
Day One
The Winner
Ryan Trebon – Trebon has been knocking on the door all season, but just hasn’t been able to pick up a USGP win. It doesn’t help that Jeremy Powers has won five out of the first six rounds of the series. Look for the Oregon resident to pick up the victory on Saturday.
The Podium
Zach McDonald – after a week of wet weather (including more rain today and snow possible for tomorrow), the course in Bend could be a sloppy one. I suspect that McDonald could do really well if things get messy.
Tim Johnson – after a slow start to the season, Johnson has started to turn on the gas lately. Johnson is on my short list for World’s and a pair of podium appearances this weekend could cement that. It would appear that he’s timed it right and is coming into form in the later half of the season.
Day Two
The Winner
Tim Johnson – it’s been a long time since I’ve been on the Tim Johnson train, but I feel like something special may be coming. I’m not going to say it’s a guarantee, but I’m putting my money on the New England native to pick up the victory.
The Podium
Jamie Driscoll – if you’re a Driscoll fan I apologize for picking him. I feel like every time I pick him he ends up off the podium, but every time I don’t he wins. With that said, I like his odds this weekend and think he’ll land on the podium on Sunday.
Danny Summerhill – as if my picks weren’t risky enough this weekend, I’m going all in with Summerhill. A World’s silver medalist, Summerhill has found his cross legs and is highly motivated coming into this weekend. Look for him to podium.
Super Cross Cup (C2/C2)
Day One
The Winner
Dan Timmerman – the “bearded wonder†returned to elite cross this season and hasn’t disappointed. There’s a bit of rain moving through the eastern seaboard, which should soften things up for Saturday. Look for Timmerman to return to the top step of the podium.
The Podium
Mike Garrigan – always a podium threat, Garrigan has been battling with a lot of these guys week after week. He raced well last weekend in New England and I think he’ll capitalize on a smaller field this weekend in NYC.
Dan Chabanov – after quietly working his way up the ranks the past few seasons, Chabanov seems destined to podium. Considering this race is in his backyard, I expect he’ll be looking to make an impact. Look for him to podium.
Day Two
The Winner
Mike Garrigan – after a podium finish on Saturday, look for Garrigan to take the top step on Sunday. I expect the battle for the podium to be a tough one both days, but I like Garrigan’s odds on Sunday.
The Podium
Dan Timmerman – like Garrigan, I think Timmerman will be on the podium both days this weekend. I also think these are the two strongest riders heading into the weekend. Look for Timmerman to podium on Sunday.
Anthony Clark – Clark has quietly been working his way through the ranks this season and is my wildcard for the weekend. He could podium both days, but I think Sunday will be his day. I’m going to give it my best shot to translate incase he reads this: it’s going to be a sikk weekennd and he’s going to shred race weekennd whwha4tt4a sikkk to sik.