International Cyclocross Power Rankings, Week #12 – K-Pau!

2. Sven Nys (1) - but for a flat tire we’d likely have seen another Pauwels-Nys duel to the end in Igorre. Their duel is likely to continue.  

3. Tom Meeusen (3)  - Meeusen won several big races last year but is still waiting to break through this year. He’s built form admirably and is slugging it out and reeling in podium results. 

4. Bart Aernouts (5) - if Stybar’s difficulties and Albert’s absence make life easier for anybody, it’s for Meeusen and Aernouts, who have been regularly and reliably fighting each other for the final spot on the podium. 

5. Francis Mourey (6) - Mourey gets...Continue Reading

North American Cyclocross Power Rankings, Week #13

2. Tim Johnson (3) – Now, TJ went to LA to pick up a win and a second place, which follows nicely on the heels of his season’s first win the weekend before in Iowa. The question remains, though – does TJ have what it takes to contend for the victory against a full field of the nation’s top riders?

3. Ben Berden (9) - Ben Berden is staring at the close of his US racing season, planning to head back to Belgium. His win in LA, pouring on a half minute over a chasing Tim Johnson and others, is a nice way...Continue Reading

International Cyclocross Power Rankings, Week #11

1. Sven Nys (3) – the Cannibal from Baal is back on top, unseating his younger rival with a pair of victories this weekend. Nys used every trick in his deep playbook. It included a bit of skullduggery, but also sandriding, technical skills, and a fearsome sprint. He’s not to be trifled with.

2. Kevin Pauwels (1) – from our perspective, Pauwels traded some of his fearsome sprinting ability from last year for an engine that can ride away from the field on occasion. It’s served him well up until now, but it seems that if he can’t ride away from Nys or...Continue Reading

International Cyclocross Power Rankings, Week #10

1. Kevin Pauwels (1) - A two-win weekend, and the Belgian is looking increasingly difficult to beat. He builds a big lead in the GVA Trophy, and pulls himself to within striking distance in the Superprestige. Combined with his lead in the World Cup, Pauwels is firmly and formidably on top.

2. Zdenek Stybar (2) - If anybody can beat Pauwels it’ll be the great Czech hope, who’s charged to a victory of his own in recent weeks and is steadily the best of the rest. He was a bike throw away from victory on Saturday. 

3. Sven Nys (3) – The Big Four we...Continue Reading

North American Cyclocross Power Rankings, Week #11

1. Jeremy Powers (1) – After a weekend off from racing, Jeremy Powers headed to Belgium to compete in this weekend’s World Cup race at the infamous sand dunes of Koksijde. Two USGP wins a week and a half ago indicate that he’s pretty close to firing on all cylinders, but Koksijde won’t be a fitting test of his Euro prowess – Powers will need more experience in the sand before he can truly compete, but it will be good experience for him before the 2012 World Championships.

2. Geoff Kabush (2) -Outside of Powers and Trebon-minus-his-crash, the most impressive performer two weeks...Continue Reading