International Cyclocross Power Rankings – Week #17

After yesterday’s report, here are this week’s very Belgian-dominated International Cyclocross Power Rankings, with each racer’s ranking from last week in parenthesis.

1. Neils Albert (1). Albert is on a tear. His loss to Pauwels notwithstanding, he looks to be the strongest rider right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if his winning streak takes him all the way to the World Championship.

2. Zdenek Stybar (2). Stybar’s had an odd season – he got off to a strong start, being nearly unbeatable and winning five World Cup races before a training crash left him with a nagging injury that forced him to...Continue Reading

International Cyclocross Report & Power Ranking: Weeks #12 & 13

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Belgium,

not a creature was stirring, except for dozens of cross riders.

Their bikes were all clean and their bags were all packed;

The skinsuits were ready, the wheels were all stacked.

Sven Nys is once again king after four more podium appearances and a pair of wins over the last two weeks.  It all started at the Rouwmoer round of the GVA Trophy in Essen, Belgium where Nys and Klaas Vantornout were able to capitalize on a Niels Albert mechanical. Vantornout went toe-to-toe with Nys, but was unable to beat the Belgian National Champion and...Continue Reading

Domestic Cyclocross Report & Power Ranking: Final

It took less then 30-seconds on Sunday for Jeremy Powers to lose his shot at a national title. His crash midway through the race left many scratching in disbelief. Meanwhile, Todd Wells collected himself, remounted his bike, and took-off in pursuit of a third National Championship.

The 2010 US Cyclocross National Championships were billed to provide one of the most exciting and interesting Elite Men’s races in the event’s history. Over 100 riders toed the start line in Bend, Oregon with hopes of winning the nation’s most prestigious race and title. But in the end, the muddy course would prove troublesome...Continue Reading

International Cyclocross Report & Power Ranking – Week #11

With Zdenek Stybar opting to skip Round 4 of the World Cup, all eyes were on last week’s winner Niels Albert—along with the rest of the Belgian contingent. Needless to say, Albert didn’t disappoint as his solo victory in Igorre, Spain gave him complete control of the World Cup. In addition, Stybar will miss the Kalmthout round in Belgium on December 19th, meaning that everyone, especially Albert, will be able to make great strides in distancing themselves from the World Champion. In fact, both Albert and Kevin Pauwels jumped over Stybar this weekend, while Francis Mourey and Sven Nys are...Continue Reading

Domestic Cyclocross Report & Power Ranking – Week #12

The weekend before Nationals is always one of the best weekends of racing in the US. Everyone going to Nationals races and they bring virtually everything they have in anticipation of the following Sunday’s showdown in Bend, Oregon. This weekend featured great racing on both coasts with the NBX GP (the Verge NECCS series finale) in Rhode Island and the USGP finale in Portland, Oregon. Both events provided a pair of UCI races and both of their respective overall titles were still up for grabs.

In Rhode Island, Adam Myerson came out on top at Day 1 of the NBX Grand...Continue Reading