Cyclocross Nations Wrap-Up, Part 1

by mattio and Erik

After a weekend of exciting racing across Europe and in the United States, we provide our wrap-up of the 14 national championships the took place over the weekend. While we didn’t outright pick winners, we did hint heavily at who we thought would prevail. As a result, our wrap-up states our “pick,” the actually winner, and what you need to know. We cover everything from lingerie to a 46-year-old podium finisher and everything in between. Read on and enjoy.

Austria

Our Pick: Peter PresslauerWinner: Daniel GeismayrNotes: Our preview focused on Peter Presslauer, who has been the best Austrain by far this season. We also...Continue Reading

Belgium Cyclocross National Championships Preview

by mattio and Erik

All eyes will be focused on Hooglede-Gits in north-west Belgium for the annual world championship preview race that is known as the Belgian National Championships. While Zdenek Stybar has played spoiler to the Belgian party in recent years, the national championships usual provide a sneak preview of who may grace the top step of the podium in a few weeks at Worlds. Furthermore, this is an opportunity for those “second-tier” riders to prove that they belong on the Belgian world championship squad.Sven Nys is once again the heavy favorite for Sunday’s race on a challenging course in Hooglede-Gits. Nys has...Continue Reading

US Cyclocross Nationals Preview

by mattio and Erik

Madison, Wisconsin welcomes the 2012 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships this week. The five-day event gives out 50+ titles to riders from across the country who have invaded the mid-West town. The event culminates on Sunday with the Elite Men’s race, which promises to be one of the most exciting races of the season. Of course, the biggest news is the date change, which moved the race from its December slot, to the more traditional January weekend. The other news, which has been known since September, is the absence of three-time (and defending) national champion, Todd Wells. Wells ended his...Continue Reading

Cyclocross Nationals Preview: Part 3

by mattio and Erik

We continue our preview of this weekends various national championships with our third installment. This will be the final part minus the number one country in the World, Belgium. Like the United States, we will be doing a separate preview for what may be a World Championship preview.Netherlands (2,403 pts.)Last year, Gerben de Knegt was on the best form in years and looked to be a lock for a national title. Unfortunately a minor misstep opened the door for Lars Boom to capture another title. Both men will be on the start line this weekend in Huikbergen. Despite his lack...Continue Reading

Cyclocross National Championships Preview: Part 2

by mattio and Erik

We continue with part two of our weekend preview. Absent from this preview is the United States who are currently fifth in the World with 2,205 points. We will be doing a separate preview for them, so stay tuned.

Spain (966 pts.)

Out of all the national championships, the Spanish one could be the least predictable. One of the problems is that their national series has been dominated by foreigners, who have clearly shaped the races differently then if it were a strictly Spanish race. Javier Ibanez is the defending champion and has had a solid season thus far. However, he...Continue Reading