International Cyclocross Weekend Preview: Holy Week Kick-Off

by mattio and Erik

It’s that time of year again, we are a few weeks out from the various national championships, and a little over a month away from the world championships. More importantly, it’s Christmas time, which means an action-packed week of racing, begging Friday, December 23rd and stretching into the new year. Here’s our usual weekend preview, stretched a bit to include next weeks races.

Superprestige – Diegem (C1)

After nearly a month off, the Superprestige series invades Diegem on Friday for some night time racing in the city center. Heading into the previous round in Gieten, Sven Nys and Kevin Pauwels were tied...Continue Reading

International Cyclocross Power Rankings: Week 14

by mattio

2. Niels Albert (nr) - Niels Albert’s apparently been a busy, hardworking racer while he was out with a broken wrist. He returns to competition with two hard-fought second places. 

3. Klaas Vantornout (5) - Vantornout’s gutsy ride in the mud at Namur is good for a bump in the Power Rankings. He’s capable of great results but is still waiting for that big win this season.

4. Tom Meeusen (3) - Eager Tom Meeusen might be slipping  a little bit. He races himself into imprecise riding when he’s at the front and though he’s shown an ability to be competitive, hasn’t yet shown an...Continue Reading

Cyclocross Week in Review: The Americans in Europe

by mattio and Erik

With a solid break in the North American schedule, the top American riders are spread out throughout the world right now preparing for nationals and worlds. Jeremy Powers is spending some time down in Georgia to enjoy the warm weather and get in some solid training before a pair of UCI races in Chicago (Dec. 31 & Jan. 1). Ryan Trebon is back on the bike preparing for what many hope is a strong return to racing following his leg injury. Other riders, like Adam Myerson, Justin Lindine, etc. are spread throughout the country as they prepare for nationals as...Continue Reading

North American Cyclocross Power Rankings, Week #14

by mattio

2. Tim Johnson (2) – this weekend answered our questions about Johnson, his sixth place on Sunday notwithstanding. His season has been built around one long, slow build to form in January. He just might time it to perfection and challenge Powers in Madison.

3. Jamey Driscoll (4) - Driscoll had a huge weekend. Fourth place and second place are great results for a rider who’s used to a few more podium performances throughout the year. He can credit his podium place on Sunday to Summerhill’s wipeout, which let him off the front, but Power is as elusive as being in the right place...Continue Reading

International Cyclocross Weekend Wrap-Up: Nys Guys Finish First

by mattio

Scheldecross (C1)

A last-lap mechanical cost Sven Nys his shot a victory in Antwerpen last year. This year, Nys rode the race to near perfection, taking the victory a head of Tom Meeusen and Dieter Vanthourenhout. Meeusen continues to have a stellar season with another solid ride, while Vanthourenhout surprised many with his podium finish. U23 World Champion Lars Van der Haar rode with the Elite Men for just the third time this season, finishing seventh, 1:10 behind Nys. Finally, Nys showed a bit of brains over brawn by running the barriers on the final lap, rather then bunny hop them...Continue Reading