Sven Nys and Klaas Vantornout battle it out in Louisville. Photo: Balint (http://cyclephotos.co.uk/).

As the post worlds bourbon hangover wears off for most American cross fans, racing continues for a few more weeks across the pond. This past Wednesday saw four-time World Champion Bart Wellens pick up a victory ahead of newly crowned World Champion Sven Nys. On Saturday, the European contingent will head to Lille for Krawatencross which also acts as the sixth round of the Bpost Bank Trofee. The Superprestige series continues on Sunday in Hoogstraten.

Last year, both races were won by Tom Meeusen, who is still suspended due to his relationship with a doctor who is under investigation for doping. The Bpost Bank Trofee is all but over as Niels Albert has a commanding, 3:53 lead with three rounds to go. The maximum time a rider can lose in a single race is five minutes, meaning if Albert can put another minute into Kevin Pauwels (currently second), he could actually DNF a race and still win. Klaas Vantornout is third overall, over six minutes behind Albert.

The Superprestige series is a much tighter affair with the top three separated by less than 10 points. Nys leads the overall as he attempts to capture his third straight title and the 12th of his career. With two rounds remaining, Nys leads Albert by five points, while Pauwels sits three points behind Albert in third.

Here’s how I think things will shape up this weekend:

Krawatencross – Bpost Bank Trofee #6 (C1)

The Winner

Kevin Pauwels – after suffering from a dropped/jammed chain at Worlds, Pauwels quickly dropped out of the lead group and was unable to recover finishing a disappointing 12th. Pauwels won here in 2011 and I like his odds of another victory. Albert and Nys are on form as is Wellens, which means it will be a tough race. Since 1999, one of the aforementioned riders has won this race except in 2003 (Arne Daelmans) and last year (Meeusen).

The Podium

Sven Nys – the newly crowned World Champion would love to finish this season in the same dominating fashion he started the season. Wednesday’s race was an anomaly as Nys was suffering from jet lag and partying. While he could win on Saturday, I expect him the land on the podium, just shy of the top step.

Niels Albert – after a disastrous showing at worlds, Albert rebounded with a third place finish on Wednesday. Look for the former champ to keep the pressure on as he begins to wrap up the overall. He can afford to lose a bit of time, but since this series is based on time, he’ll have to keep things somewhat in check. Look for him to podium in Lille.

Superprestige Hoogstraten (C1)

The Winner

Sven Nys – as with most races, Nys is a multi-time winner in Hoogstraten. Since his first victory in 2000, he has won this race six times. Nys has well over 50 Superprestige victories and should use this race to cement his 12th overall title. It should be a good battle, but I expect Nys to reign supreme on Sunday.

The Podium

Klaas Vantornout – after coming up just short of the Belgian/World title double, look for the Belgian champ to challenge Nys like he did in Louisville. In the end, I’m giving the edge to Nys, but if Vantornout can triumph in Hoogstraten, it will become a three-way battle for the overall heading into the final round.

Niels Albert – Albert needs to win, or beat Nys by at least two spots to close the gap in the overall. While I think Albert will rebound from his poor showing in Louisville, I feel like everything is in Nys’ favor right now. Look for Albert to podium on Sunday after making a few bids for a solo victory.

Niels Albert (BEL) – the defending World Champion came to the US directly from the Netherlands two weeks ago. His first race on US soil netted him a victory and helped cement him as a favorite for a repeat in Louisville. The first half of his season saw Albert struggle to win, and sometimes podium. Since mid-December, Albert has become a real threat and is often the man to beat. If his win in Cincinnati is a sign, Albert could be wearing the rainbow jersey for another year.

Sven Nys (BEL) – the “Cannibal from Baal,” is the greatest cyclocross rider of the past decade, and perhaps, the greatest ever. Nys has won everything there is to win in the sport of cross and has won them multiple times. In fact, he’s probably won more races than many riders have actually raced. However, when you look at his palmares (it’s going to take a while), you’ll notice one thing; he’s only won one World Championship. Nys started out his season in true Nys fashion, crushing the competition week in and week out. After suffering from bronchitis in late December, Nys has struggled a bit. If he can find that mid-season form, he’ll be unstoppable on Sunday.

Lars van der Haar (NED) – after winning a second straight U23 title, van der “Go Haarder” petitioned the UCI to allow him to race with the elites this year. While he hasn’t been able to pull off the big victory, he’s always in the mix and is a constant podium threat. If he can use his incredibly fast start to get a head of the Belgians, and hang on to their attacks, he could find himself in a position to win. Van der Haar has the fastest sprint in the field, so if he comes into the final lap with the leaders, look for him to unleash hell in the final few hundred meters.

Kevin Pauwels (BEL) – Pauwels has an opportunity to make history on Sunday. Pauwels has won a junior and U23 world title and would be the first rider to win one in all three categories. After winning the first World Cup, Pauwels seemed to lose form and struggled to podium. However, during “Holy Week,” he turned things around, winning a World Cup round and several other races. Since then, he’s won a few more World Cups and looks poised to make a bid for victory on Sunday.

JP (USA) – the two JPs (Jonathan Page and Jeremy Powers) will be looking to pull of the upset on Sunday. Page knows what it is like and what it takes to podium at Worlds (he finished second in 2007). Page’s season started out slow, but he has turned it on lately, including winning a fourth national championship a few weeks ago. If he can keep that form, combined with some good luck, we could see a 2007 repeat.

Powers’ season has been the opposite of Page’s. He started out incredibly well with multiple victories and a top ten at the first World Cup. Since then, his season has tailed off a bit and he hasn’t seen the front end of a race in while. However, if last weekend’s third place (behind Albert and Wieste Bosmans) is any sign, Powers could have refound his form just in time.

Marianne Vos leads the charge in Namur. Photo: Balint.

Marianne Vos (NED) – perhaps the greatest female cyclist ever, Vos continues to impress across the various disciplines of cycling. In addition to being the defend champion, Vos captured a road world title, olympic gold, a national track title (in the madison) and won the Women’s Road World Cup in 2012. This cross season, she has won all but three races she’s entered, including the final three rounds of the World Cup.

Katie Compton (USA) – Compton has proven unbeatable on US soil and would love to continue that trend on Sunday. She’s arguably the greatest US cross racer ever and became the first American to win the World Cup this season. She’s been on the podium at Worlds before, and knows what it takes to win. If she can put it all together, she could easily be the World Champion in Louisville.

Katerina Nash (CZE) – Nash delayed her start to the season to recover from a long mountain bike season. This has proven very effective thus far, as she has podiumed in all but three races she’s entered. She hasn’t been able to top Compton or Vos just yet, but is always in the mix. One of her biggest advantages is that she spends most of the season racing in the US. Thus, she’s familiar with the course, the travel and the fans.

Helen Wymann (GBR) – the European champion has had one of her best seasons ever which has seen her become the second ranked rider in the world (in terms of UCI points). Wymann started her season by crushing the competition in the US and was one of a few riders who did the USGP in Louisville to get a feel for the course. If Wymann rides the way she’s capable of and has good form, she could become the second Brit to stand on the women’s podium.

Sanne Cant (BEL) – at 23-years-old, Cant is one of the youngest riders in the field, and could be the most surprising. She’s been in the thick of things with all the aforementioned riders and has proven to be a true threat. After winning the Belgian National Championships, she slipped a bit at the final World Cup round, leaving a few question marks about her form. With that said, she’s the fourth ranked rider in the world for a reason and will have every Belgian fans support on Sunday.

French U23 Champion Julien Alaphilippe. Photo: Balint.wies

Wieste Bosmans (BEL) – last year’s runner-up, Bosmans is a heavy favorite for Saturday’s race. The Belgian U23 Champion won the U23 World Cup this year and recently finished second to Niels Albert in Cincinnati. Bosmans isn’t unstoppable, but he rarely finishes off the podium and appears to be on great form.

Wout van Aert (BEL) – often in the mix, van Aert is a strong Belgian who could easily make a bid for victory in Louisville. He’s only finished outside the top-5 twice this season and has three victories. The only drawback is that he hasn’t won a big international race outside of Belgium. With that said, he did well at nationals and appears to have good legs a head of worlds.

Mike Teunissen (NED) – despite finishing 13th at last year’s World Championships, Teunissen is a rider to watch. He won several Superprestige rounds this year and was able to take the victory at the European Championships. This season he’s often on the podium and rarely finishes outside the top five. If he does pull on the rainbow jersey in Louisville, it will be the third straight U23 title for the Netherlands.

Zach McDonald (USA) – after finishing fourth at the first World Cup round, McDonald has had mixed results. Stateside he’s ridden well, most recently when he finished second in the Elite Mens race at nationals. However, in Europe, he has struggled to finish inside the top-ten. McDonald will have home field advantage this weekend and if he can find that form he had at Nationals, he could join Tim Johnson as the only American men to medal in the U23 race at worlds.

Julien Alaphilippe (FRA) – after a slow start to the season, the French U23 National Champion has turned it on. He’s podiumed at the last three World Cup rounds, including a victory in Rome. Alaphilippe would love drier conditions (something that doesn’t seem likely), but as he showed in Hoogerheide, he can ride well in any weather. If he’s able to pull off what would be considered a minor upset, he would become the third French U23 World Champion.

Mathieu van der Poel in Ronse, Photo: Balint.

Mathieu van der Poel (NED) – to say that the defending World Champion is a heavy favorite is an understatement. He has won every race he’s entered this year and often posts lap times similar to the Elite Men. Very few riders have been able to keep in contact with van der Poel and he usually wins by impressive margins. As with all Europeans, the jet lag and travel is a question mark, but most of them seem to be adapting pretty well.

Logan Owen (USA) – Owen has proven himself to be a contender after a few stints in Europe. He’s been very competitive this season and hasn’t finished outside the top-five at any UCI race. He finished second overall in the World Cup and should have home field advantage on Saturday. If Owen pulls off the upset, he’ll join Matt Kelly (1999) as the on Americans to win a junior world title.

Martijn Budding (NED) – Budding finished on the podium of every World Cup round, except the first two. Like Owen, he’s always in the hunt for a podium and looks poised to continue that trend on Saturday. In addition to being the second ranked rider in the world, Budding recently finished second to van der Poel at their national championship. With that said, Budding was nearly a minute down to his fellow countryman.

Quinten Hermans (BEL) – Hermans has had a remarkable season thus far and is Belgium best hope at a medal in the junior race. He’s had the unfortunate task of trying to hang on to van der Poel’s wheel; he’s finished second to van der Poel 11 times this year. His results have faded a bit in January, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the Belgians know how to perform when it matters most.

Yannick Peeters (BEL) – after beating Hermans for a national title, Peeters has popped up on a lot of people’s radar. He’s only 17, so this is his first crack at Worlds and only his eight UCI race this season. He could surprise many in Louisville and has to be a super early favorite for next year’s World Championships.

Wietse Bosmans. Photo: wietsebosmans.cz

Wietse Bosmans – winning all but two rounds of the U23 World Cup, he’s the odds on favorite to win the U23 World title next weekend. Last year he was second to Lars van der Haar. Due to a unique rule in which professional riders must race the professional elite men’s race, Bosmans raced with the big boys in Belgium’s National Championship race where he finished 9th.

Vojtech Nipl Photo: cyclingteam cz

Vojtech Nipl – this 20-year-old Czech rider recently finished third behind Stybar and Simunek at the national championships. He’s a solid rider who had several top-ten finishes in the U23 World Cup. While he’s not a favorite to podium, he should do very well next weekend.

Alex Ravell. Photo: Geert van den Bossche.

Alexander Revell – mustache aficionados will love this New Zealander, who is a celebrity in Belgium. I spent Holy Week with him and must say he’s one of the nicest guys out there. He spent this season racing in Belgium and has shown remarkable improvement as the season has gone on. His long hair and mustache make him easy to identify and he should get a decent call up due to his World Cup points.

Simon Zahner. Photo: Fabienne Van Heste

Simon Zahner – if you weren’t paying attention last weekend, Zahner finished on the podium at the Hoogerhide World Cup. The week before, he finished second to Tamaracz at the Swiss national championships. He’s a wildcard in my book and his size makes him pretty easy to identify. Look for him to make things interesting this weekend.

America’s top riders will also be involved this weekend and I’m not leaving them out for any other reason except that most fans on Saturday know who they are. I will leave you with this though, look for Jeremy Powers to make a statement after a rough few weeks. Also, keep an eye on Jonathan Page, despite winning his fourth national title, he’s still seen as an underdog.

It’s a rare occasion when a race in the US gets more hype and more coverage than in Europe. For the second time ever, the reigning World Champion will race stateside in a race that has, perhaps, the strongest field ever assembled in the US. I’m sure CrossVegas will dispute that claim, but the fact remains, the world’s best will descend on Cincinnati this weekend in a final tuneup before worlds. While there are options in Europe, this weekend will be focused on Cincy, for one last glimpse of a US/European showdown ahead of Worlds next weekend. Here’s how I think things will go down:

Cincinnati Kings International (C2)

The Winner

Niels Albert – While you may think this is a given, there are several factors working against Albert and several other riders this weekend. First is the travel, except for the Rome World Cup, the Europeans are used to driving to races (at most a 2 hour drive), relaxing in their motorhomes and focusing solely on racing. In addition, Albert has never raced in the US, never raced on this type of course and never dealt with American fans. With that said, one last victory before he loses his title (spoiler alert!) is in the cards.

The Podium

Radomir Simunek – this is where things get interesting. The European talent is deep at this race, with about half-a-dozen riders capable of a podium on Saturday. Look for the Czech’s top rider, save Zdenek Stybar, to make a bid for victory and keep things interesting. In the end, I see him on the podium.

Julien Tamaracz – after the Roubaix World Cup, Tamaracz has become a household name (if you can spell and pronounce it). Look for the Swiss national champion to be in the hunt and possibly make the first move in Cincy. In the end I think Albert is a bit too strong, but if the pace is high and the attacks start early, Tamaracz could make things very interesting. Like Simunek, I have him on the podium.

Kings CX – UCI Elite Women

The Winner

Helen Wyman – Wyman has been on a tear this season. After a strong start in the US (she spent nearly 7 weeks here) she returned to England and won the European Championship. She currently leads the Bpost Bank Trophy and is a consistent top-five finisher at the World Cups. Recently she’s struggled a bit, losing to Nikki Harris at the British national championship, but looks poised to rebound for worlds. Look for this weekend to jump start that.

The Podium

Georgia Gould – Gould has had an impressive season and is arguably the second best female cross racer in the US. She’s had a very consistent season that constantly sees here on the podium. Look for her to stay near the front and land on the podium.

Katerina Nash – an outside threat for worlds, Nash has come into from right on time. During Holy Week, she constantly found herself in the mix with the likes of Katie Compton and Marianne Vos. Nash could give Wymann a run for her money, but I think she’ll have to settle for a podium spot.

Cyclo-cross International du Mingant Lanarvily (C2)

The Winner

Francis Mourey – after capturing another national title in dominating fashion, look for Mourey to pick up another victory as his season winds down.

The Podium

Thijs Al – a two-time Dutch national champion, he’s been overshadowed by fellow countrymen Lars van der Haar and Lars Boom. Al has had a solid season and should podium on Sunday.

Jan Denuwelaere – a very strong rider, he became more well-known after Stybar took him out in Essen. He’s one of these riders who is just on the cusp of being one of Belgium’s best riders. Look for him to podium on Sunday.

35th Gran Premio Mamma E Papa Guerciotti AM

Without a start list, we can only venture a guess as to who will be there. This race has a storied past, previous winners include Sven Nys, Mario de Clerq,  and Bart Wellens.

The Winner

Marco Fontana – after winning another national championship, look for Fontana to pick up the victory on Saturday. He received a lot of press after riding well in the Rome World Cup and looks to continue riding well this weekend.

The Podium

Enrico Franzoi – Franzoi has had a very successful season thus far and could win on Saturday. I expect him to make things interesting, but think he’ll have to settle for a podium spot.

Fabio Ursi – despite not racing much this season, Ursi narrowly missed out on a podium spot at the Italian national championships. Look for him to podium this weekend.

Ispasterko Udala Sari Nagusia (C2)

The Winner

Aitor Hernandez – Another race without a start list, I’m going with the Spanish national champion for this Sunday’s race.

The Podium

Javier Ruiz de Larrinaga – always a podium threat, look for him to podium this weekend.

Egoitz Murgoitio – a two-time winner of this race, Murgoitio is obviously a favorite. However, I just don’t think he’ll make it three in a row.

Lars van der Haar out sprints Albert for second. Photo: Balint.

Round #1 – Tabor

Last year’s overall champion, Kevin Pauwels, looked like he was on track for another title with a solo victory in Tabor. He escaped from a strong lead group that included Lars van der Haar (2nd), Niels Albert (3rd) and Klaas Vantornout (4th). The real action was a little further back, where Sven Nys overcame a broken chain to finish fifth and American Jeremy Powers had the best ever placing for an American when he crossed the line in seventh place.

Overall Standings after Round 1

1. Kevin Pauwels – 80
2. Lars van der Haar – 70
3. Niels Albert – 65
4. Klaas Vantornout – 60
5. Sven Nys – 55

Rob Peeters rode well but during one his visits to the pits, he failed to stop. Photo: Balint.

Round #2 – Plzen

One week after finishing third in Tabor, Albert took a commanding victory on a muddy course in Plzen. Albert simply rode away from Klaas Vantornout (2nd) and Kevin Pauwels (3rd) enroute to his first win of the season. The real story was Rob Peeters, who crossed the line in third, but was disqualified for an “irregular pit stop.” American Jeremy Powers crashed in the first corner and eventually left the race after suffering a mechanical.

Overall Standings after Round 2

1. Niels Albert – 145
2. Kevin Pauwels – 145
3. Klaas Vantornout – 130
4. Tom Meeusen – 106
5. Sven Nys – 105

Francis Mourey. Photo: Balint.

Round #3 – Koksijde

The last time the cross world was in Koksijde, Albert picked up a World title and the Belgians took the top-seven spots. Francis Mourey (3rd) attempted to spoil the party, but was quickly overtaken by Albert, who looked poised for another victory on a course that literally bears his name. However, the ride of the day came from eventual winner Sven Nys. Nys slowly rode his way towards the front, catching and passing a dejected Albert during the final lap. More importantly, the World Cup saw three different winners in the first three rounds, leaving things wide open.

Overall Standings after Round 3

1. Niels Albert – 215
2. Sven Nys – 185
3. Klaas Vantornout – 185
4. Kevin Pauwels – 184
5. Bart Aernouts – 158

Julien Taramarcaz had a solid ride in Roubaix. Photo: Balint.

Round #4 – Roubaix

Sven Nys would pick up his second straight World Cup win on a very fast course in France. After Pauwels (2nd), Albert (3rd) and Swiss champion Julien Taramarcaz formed and early lead group, Nys bridged the gap as the lead group swelled to nine riders. Taramarcaz became a household name as he held the lead until the final few laps. In the end, no one could match the strength of Nys as he escaped from the leading foursome in the final few corners, looking like the Nys of old.

Overall Standings after Round 4

1. Niels Albert – 280
2. Sven Nys – 265
3. Kevin Pauwels – 254
4. Klaas Vantornout – 209
5. Lars van der Haar – 197

Sven Nys on one of the many muddy runups in Namur. Photo: Balint.

Round #5 – Namur

On one of the wildest and toughest courses on the circuit, Pauwels picked up his second World Cup victory on a muddy course around the Citadel in Namur (Namen for our Flemish friends). The real action was the battle for second and third. Albert suffered a flat tire during the final lap and almost helplessly watched Nys close a 30 plus second gap and take control of second in the final few hundred meters. A bit further back, Jonathan Page secured his spot for Worlds with a 15th place finish. Page’s final lap times were on par with those of Nys and Albert.

Overall Standings after Round 5

1. Niels Albert – 345
2. Sven Nys – 335
3. Kevin Pauwels – 334
4. Klaas Vantornout – 264
5. Bart Aernouts – 246

Zdenek Stybar leads the chase. Photo: Balint.

Round #6 – Heusden-Zolder

Three days removed from his second place in Namur, Nys put in a solid last lap effort to rid himself of Albert and pick up his third World Cup victory of the season. Zdenek Stybar, who now races cross only during “Holy Week,” edged out a strong chase group for third. Nys’ victory was enough to put him on equal terms with Albert, as the World Cup becomes a two man race.

Overall Standings after Round 6

1. Sven Nys – 415
2. Niels Albert – 415
3. Kevin Pauwels – 389
4. Klaas Vantornout – 301
5. Lars van der Haar – 291

Round #7 – Rome

After a tough few weeks in Belgium, the cross collective escaped to a warmer, dry and faster course in Rome. Pauwels and Vantornout were able to get away from a strong chase group, leaving the likes of Albert and van der Haar behind. Nys, recovering from an illness, was never a factor, finishing 20th. A last lap mechanical for Vantornout left Pauwels all alone while Albert was able to use the opportunity to finish second. Italian Marco Fontana put in a superb ride and finished third. More importantly, Pauwels was able to close the gap to Albert, giving him a chance to capture his second consecutive overall title.

Overall Standings after Round 7

1. Niels Albert – 485
2. Kevin Pauwels – 469
3. Sven Nys – 446
4. Klaas Vantornout – 356
5. Lars van der Haar – 341

Martin Bina leads a snowy, icy race in Hoogerheide. Photo: Balint.

Round #8 – Hoogerheide

Icy, snowy conditions met the riders in Hoogerheide for the final round of the World Cup. As a result of the dangerous conditions, the usual suspects played it safe and really never contended for victory. Martin Bina took the victory ahead of van der Haar and Simon Zahner, marking the first time since 2007 that a Belgian didn’t finish on a World Cup podium. Nys was the best of the rest finishing fourth ahead of Albert. Pauwels finished a distant eighth, locking up the overall for Albert.

Final Overall Standings

1. Niels Albert – 540
2. Kevin Pauwels – 515
3. Sven Nys – 506
4. Lars van der Haar – 411
5. Bart Aernouts – 372

Sven Nys and Niels Albert locked in battle at Koppenbergcross.

Often considered the pre-World Championships, especially after last year when Belgium swept to top seven spots at World’s, the Belgian National Championships return to Mol. The course is a challenging one and because it is wrapped around a lake, it features plenty of sand. Niels Albert comes in has the heavy favorite, while defending champion Sven Nys announced he will be on the start line on Sunday. All of Belgium’s top names will do battle this weekend, including Bart Wellens who is the only rider besides Nys and Albert to win the national title in over a decade.

Stateside, nationals return to Madison, WI where cold temperatures and a mix of snow and ice have blanketed the course over the past few weeks. The circuit is similar to last year’s, but the ultimate factor will be the temperature. It is predicted to stay very cold, meaning the course should be frozen and rutted. However, if temperatures rise, it could turn into a muddy mess. Defending champion Jeremy Powers seems poised to repeat as champion, but the usual crew of riders, including Tim Johnson, Ryan Trebon and Jonathan Page will be there to stop him.

Here’s how I think things will shake out:

Belgian National Championships (CN)

The Winner

Niels Albert – in my opinion only Kevin Pauwels could stop Albert’s bid for a second national title. In the end though, I see this as a classic race where Albert attacks and no one chases him down until it’s too late. Pauwels has a shot to stick with him, but for some reason I just don’t think he can pull it off.

The Podium

Kevin Pauwels – despite giving Albert the edge, Pauwels could win on Sunday. His form is starting to come around and, as we saw in Namur and Rome, he’s capable of winning when it counts. While I think he would make a nice champion, I just don’t see it happening.

Sven Nys – despite having “refreshed legs,” I don’t expect any miracles out of Nys. I’m still convinced this season is all about Louisville for Nys, despite what he says. Could Nys shock us all in Mol? Absolutely. Would I be surprised? No. Do I think he will? Probably not.

Ryan Trebon. Photo: Todd Prekaski.

US National Championships (CN)

The Winner

Ryan Trebon – Trebon has kept his head down and his mind focused on Madison and Louisville. While the rest of his competition has been criss-crossing the Atlantic, Trebon has been in California training. In my opinion he comes into this race as a big wildcard. Unlike most years, I’m going for the wildcard.

The Podium

Jeremy Powers – while Powers has dominated this season in the US, I think his luck runs out at Madison. I have this race playing out in my mind where Powers hits the gas early and one or two riders chase him down. Trebon has played this card before as well. If Powers can hold it, I could see him winning again, but I don’t think he will.

Jonathan Page – Page is on a roll lately and has reminded us that he’s still racing at a high level. While I don’t expect a fourth title for him, I do expect another podium appearance. Afterall, he hasn’t missed the podium in over a decade.

Spanish National Championships (CN)

Note: my apologies to our Spanish contingent, I have been using the wrong last name for those riders. From here on out, that has been corrected.

1. Aitor Hernandez
2. Javier Ruiz de Larrinaga
3. Isaac Suarez

Czech National Championships (CN)

1. Zdenek Stybar
2. Radomir Simunek
3. Martin Bina

French National Championships (CN)

1. Francis Mourey
2. Aurélien Duval
3. Matthieu Boulo

British National Championships (CN)

1. Ian Field
2.Oli Beckingsale
3. Paul Oldham

Polish National Championships (CN)

1. Mariusz Gil
2. Andrzej Kaiser
3. Marek Konwa

Dutch National Championships (CN)

1. Lars van der Haar
2. Lars Boom
3. Thijs van Amerongen

Italian National Championships (CN)

1. Marco Fontana
2. Enrico Franzoi
3. Elia Silvestri

German National Championships (CN)

1. Christoph Pfingsten
2. Philipp Walsleben
3. Sascha Weber

Swiss National Championships (CN)

1. Julien Taramarcaz
2. Simon Zahner
3. Marcel Wildhaber

Austrian National Championships (CN)

1. Daniel Geismayr
2. Karl Heinz Gollinger
3. Roland Morx

Croatian National Championships (CN)

1. Jasmin Becirovic
2. Igor Rudan
3. Pavao Roset

Irish National Championships (CN)

1. Robin Seymour
2. Roger Aiken
3. Johnny McCabe

Danish National Championships (CN)

1. Kenneth Hanson
2. Emil Olson
3. Jonas Pedersen

Portuguese National Championships (CN)

Note: this is the first ever championship for Portugal.

1. Vitor Santos
2. Mário Costa
3. Fábio Ribeiro

Luxembourg National Championships (CN)

1. Christian Helmig
2. Gusty Bausch
3. Claude Wolter