US Cyclocross Nationals – Day 3 & 4 Predictions

Posted on December 11, 2010 by

Photo by Dave Roth, http://www.dmroth.com/cycling.html

Day two of nationals was a day for the juniors and masters riders. By days end, ten National Titles were awarded. After a decent start yesterday (7-13), day two completely destroyed my record. Only threeof my choices won their respective races making me 3-10 on the day and 10-23 overall. The worst part, three of my predicted winners finished second, so I wasn’t too far off, but it hurts none the less. Hopefully this weekend will yield better results.

Speaking of this weekend, Saturday and Sunday may feature some of the best national championship races. In addition to the Elite Men’s and Women’s races, the Collegiate races make Sunday the day to watch. On Saturday, the bulk of the Master’s Men’s titles will be awarded. I expect the 40-44 race to be the best masters race of the year. In addition, the U23 Men’s and Junior Male 17-18 race will provide a great look at the US future.

It promises to be an exciting weekend in Bend. We will have our editors picks for the Elite Men’s race along with a preview of both Elite races. Below are my predictions for the rest of the titles that will be on the line this weekend.

Day 2 Results:

  • Women 13-14 – Tiziana DeHorney (4th)
  • Women 10-12 – Ashley Zoerner (Winner)
  • Women 17-18 – Emile Shields (2nd)
  • Women 15-16 – Sarah Huang (2nd)
  • Men 10-12 – Matteo Jorgenson (Winner)
  • Men 13-14 – Gavin Haley (10th)
  • Men 15-16 – Logan Owen (Winner)
  • Women 30-34 – Kristin Gavin (7th)
  • Women 35-39 – Barbara Howe (2nd)
  • Men 45-49 – Jonny Bold (3rd)

Day 3 (Saturday) Predictions:

  • Men 50-54 – Kevin Hines
  • Men 40-44 – Roger Aspholm
  • Men 17-18 – Jeff Bahnson
  • Men U23 – Zach McDonald
  • Men 35-39 – Jonathan Baker
  • Master 30-34 – Matthew Pacocha

Day 4 (Sunday) Predictions:

  • Collegiate Female – Kaitlin Antonneau
  • Collegiate Male D1 – Braden Kappius*
  • Collegiate Male D2 – Ryan Leech
  • U23 Women – Coryn Rivera

*Zach McDonald is on the start list, but if he wins the U23, who knows what will happen.

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US Cyclocross Nationals – Day 2 Predictions

Posted on December 9, 2010 by

PHOTO BY JED KORNBLUH

The first day of racing at US Cross Nationals featured thirteen different national title races. The bulk of the racing was Masters Men and Women. There were five national titles awarded for the Master Men and six for the Women. In addition, the first ever Single-Speed National Championships were awarded.

Masters are usually a bit easier to predict, especially in the more experienced age groups. I went seven for eleven in the Masters races. A mathematical error had me give Flo Leibowitz the win in the 55-59 category, when in fact, she was over the age of 60. My worst prediction was Paul Curley, who finished fourth.

As far as the two single-speed races, I clearly dropped the ball on the men’s race, my predictions didn’t account for a potential DNS in the women’s race. As a result, I got both wrong. Obviously Adam Craig was a great pick, but I kind of wrote him off for no real reason. That brings the day one total to 7-13. Not as good as I was hoping, hopefully tomorrow will be better. Below is a breakdown of my day one predictions, followed by day two’s predictions.

Day 1 Predictions/Results:

  • Men 60-64 – Glen Norton (Winner)
  • Men 65-69 – James Wagner (2nd)
  • Men 70-74 – Erik Nordenson (Winner)
  • Men 75+ – Walter Axthelm (Winner)
  • Women 55-59 – Flo Leibowitz (n/a)
  • Women 60-64 – Martha Iverson (Winner)
  • Women 65+ – Julie Lockhart (Winner)
  • Women 45-49 – Karen Hogan (Winner)
  • Women 50-54 – Kris Walker (Winner)
  • Women 40-44 – Gina Hall (2nd)
  • Men 55-59 – Paul Curley (4th)
  • Men Single-Speed – JT Fountain (2nd)
  • Women Single-Speed – Tricia Sandstron (DNS)

Day 2 Predictions:

  • Women 13-14 – Tiziana DeHorney
  • Women 10-12 – Ashley Zoerner
  • Women 17-18 – Emile Shields
  • Women 15-16 – Sarah Huang
  • Men 10-12 – Matteo Jorgenson
  • Men 13-14 – Gavin Haley
  • Men 15-16 – Logan Owen
  • Women 30-34 – Kristin Gavin
  • Women 35-39 – Barbara Howe
  • Men 45-49 – Jonny Bold
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US Cyclocross Nationals – Day 1 Predictions

Posted on December 8, 2010 by
2010 Portland USGP - Amateur Men

Photo by Dave Roth, http://www.dmroth.com/cycling.html

On Thursday, December 9, the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships will kick-off in Bend, Oregon as the Old Mill District will play host to the National Championships for the second consecutive year. 1,400 cyclists of all ages and abilities will line up to battle each other, and mother nature, in a festival-like atmosphere that features BikeYoga classes, a warm-up area with LeMond Revolution trainers, and the Cross Culture: Art & Bike Festival, among other things.  In all, 36 titles will be awarded.

For the first time ever, men’s and women’s singlespeed titles will be awarded (on Thursday). This year’s course will be longer and a bit more technical then last year’s course. Finally, with the exception of the elite, U23, and collegiate categories, riders will have the option to earn start spots based on results in the individual time trial completed the day before their race. All-in-all it promises to be an exciting four days in the heart of the Northwest.

For the third consecutive year, I will attempt to predict the winner of all 36 national titles that will be awarded this year. (We will have a more detailed preview and predictions for the elite races.) Below I have listed my predictions for all the races on day one (Thursday). I will post my other predictions as the week goes one–along with a quick review of how I’m doing with my thus far. Feel free to add your own or comment on my excellent–or poor–choices. Best of luck to everyone in Bend!

Day 1 Predictions:

  • Men 60-64 – Glen Norton
  • Men 65-69 – James Wagner
  • Men 70-74 – Erik Nordenson
  • Men 75+ – Walter Axthelm
  • Women 55-59 – Flo Leibowitz
  • Women 60-64 – Martha Iverson
  • Women 65+ – Julie Lockhart
  • Women 45-49 – Karen Hogan
  • Women 50-54 – Kris Walker
  • Women 40-44 – Gina Hall
  • Men 55-59 – Paul Curley
  • Men Single-Speed – JT Fountain
  • Women Single-Speed – Tricia Sandstron
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US Cross Week 1 – Preview

Posted on September 7, 2012 by

Photo Courtesy of CyclingCaptured.com

The 2012/13 cyclocross season officially kicks off this weekend with a pair of UCI C2 races in Rochester, NY at Rohrbach’s Ellison Park Cyclocross. Not only is cyclocross back, but so is Pavé’s cross coverage. We’ll be covering, arguably the biggest cross season in US history with our usual insight and analysis. We’re also going to unveil some new features, including a computerized ranking system and my attempt to predict the winner of every UCI race this season. So, without further ado, here’s my predictions for week one of the US cross season:

The Winner

Nicolas Bazin – the defending champion has crossed the pond again this year and looks keen to start his season off with a victory. This time, he’s bringing his fellow countryman Flavien Dasonville, a young racer on the rise. Whether or not he can help secure Bazin’s victory remains to be seen.

The Podium

Justin Lindine – all eyes will be on Lindine whose breakout 2011/12 season has made him a  marked man. I suspect he will podium both days and if he’s on form, he could put a halt to Bazin’s attempt at a repeat.

Jonathan Page – the real fireworks could come from Page, who had a poor season last year and looks to rebound with a strong start in the US. I think Page will finish on the podium both days and wouldn’t be surprised if he made a bid for victory, something he failed to do last year.

The Wildcards

The absence of the usual American heavy hitters should allow riders like Jeremy Durrin, Adam St. Germain, Craig Richey and Troy Wells to score a handful of UCI points as they all look to start off their seasons on the right foot. Any of these riders could make a run at the podium, but I suspect they’ll be battling for fourth.

Dan Timmerman – Timmermans name should ring a bell for diehard cross fans. In 2009, Timmerman stormed through New England and the mid-Atlantic en route to a top-10 at Nationals. Then, before the start of the 2010 season, he retired. Last year Timmerman stayed local and was a perfect six-for-six. Is this the return of the “bearded wonder”? I for one cannot wait to find out.

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US Cross – Week 9 Predictions

Posted on November 2, 2012 by

Ben Berden. Photo: Todd Prekaski.

After a few weeks of smaller, UCI C2 races, action in the US heats up as the season rolls into November. The Cincy 3 Day cross festival returns for another year featuring a pair of UCI C2 races and a C1 race on Sunday. Most of America’s top cross racers are headed to Ohio to capture valuable UCI points. Meanwhile, the oldest UCI cross race in the country enters its 22nd season in Northampton, MA. The Cycle-Smart International will play host to rounds five and six of the NEPCX. Here’s how I expect the weekend to shape up:

Cincy3 – Darkhorse Cyclo Stampede (C2)

The Winner

Ben Berden – last weekend Berden split wins with Ryan Trebon and I expect the same to happen this weekend in Cincinnati. Look for Berden to get the upper hand on day one.

The Podium

Ryan Trebon – Trebon has been riding very well this season and is always a podium threat. While I’m giving the edge to Berden, it wouldn’t surprise me if he landed on the top step.

Jamie Driscoll – Driscoll rode to a solid second place finish last year at this race. I expect much of the same and look for him to wind up on the podium.

Cincy3 – Lionhearts International (C2)

The Winner

Ryan Trebon – last year Trebon picked up the victory at Lionhearts ahead of Tim Johnson and Jeremy Powers. Look for Trebon to repeat on Saturday.

The Podium

Ben Berden – Berden finished just off the podium last year after a hard fought battle. I expect him to land on the podium and defend his Cross After Dark series lead.

Jamie Driscoll – look for Driscoll to land on the podium this year after finishing fifth last year. If Driscoll can escape early, he may be able to hold of Trebon and Berden, but I expect those two to prevent that from happening.

Cincy 3 – Harbin Park International (C1)

The Winner

Ryan Trebon – Trebon skipped the World Cups and hasn’t managed to pick up a victory in a C1 race this season (as has everyone else not named Jeremy Powers). Look for the tall Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com rider to pick up an important victory at Harbin Park.

The Podium

Ben Berden – if you haven’t noticed a trend yet, Berden and Trebon will dominate this weekend. In my opinion they’re two of the top three riders in the US. Look for Berden to continue his strong season with another podium appearance.

Tim Johnson – with C1 points on the line riders like Johnson and Zach McDonald are making the trip to Cincinnati for Sunday’s race. After two World Cup rounds, and a bit of travel, Johnson may be a little tired. However, the experience of World Cup racing is invaluable and I expect him to podium.

The Cycle-Smart International – NEPCX Rounds 5 & 6 (C2)

The Winner

Jeremy Powers – despite not being on the start list, I have been told Powers will be in attendance this weekend. Hands down, Powers is the best rider in the US. Even though he may have some jet lag and be tired from his European foray, he will still be the man to beat.

The Podium

Adam Craig – fresh off two UCI C2 wins, Craig has reminded us all how good of a cross racer he once was and still is. He’s riding so well right now, I expect him to podium both days. I also wonder how good he would be if he went back to racing cross full time.

Justin Lindine – Lindine continues to have a solid season even though he hasn’t hit the top step of the podium much. I expect him to podium one day this weekend.

Dan Timmerman – in what really should be called a comeback season, Timmerman continues to surprise me with how strong he really is. He should podium this weekend in Northampton.

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US Cross – Week 8 Predictions

Posted on October 26, 2012 by

Adam Craig celebrates his win at DECX Day 2 (2012). Photo: Todd Prekaski.

This weekend, the US plays host to three UCI races. Round six of the MAC series will take place on Sunday with HPCX, near Rutgers University in New Jersey. Meanwhile Boulder, Colorado plays host to two C2 races, the Colorado Cross Classic and Victory Circle Graphix Boulder Cup. HPCX will feature the mid-Atlantic’s best riders along with an invasion of New England riders in what could be a mud fest if hurricane Sandy makes landfall on Sunday. In Boulder, the story could center around the return of Todd Wells as he makes his 2012/13 cross season debut. Here’s what I expect to see this weekend:

 

 

Colorado Cross Classic (C2)

The Winner

Ryan Trebon – although he’s not on the start list, I can’t imagine him only racing on Sunday at the Boulder Cup. Trebon won this race last year and should repeat. He’ll have his hands full with some strong local and international talent, but I expect him to get the job done.

The Podium

Ben Berden – Berden finished fourth here last year, less than a minute behind Trebon. While he could pick up the victory, I’m going to give the edge to Trebon and say that Berden should podium in what promises to be an exciting race.

Todd Wells – the three-time US National Champion returns to cross after a stellar mountain bike season that saw Wells crisscrossing the world, including a great performance at the Olympics in London. The transition back to cross is always tough, but I expect big things out of Wells as he gets his season started.

Victory Circle Graphix Boulder Cup (C2)

The Winner

Ben Berden – after finishing on the podium on Saturday, look for Berden to pick up his second victory of the season on Sunday. Berden beat a similar field last year that saw him edge out a four-man lead group in a dash to the line.

The Podium

Ryan Trebon – the runner-up last year, I’m sure Trebon would love to go two-for-two in Boulder. If he gets away early, he could take the victory, but for some reason I expect him to split the weekend with Berden.

Todd Wells – this is a tough pick for me. Wells is a proven veteran and could easily land on the podium both days. However, my day two picks usually seem to miss the mark. I’m going to stick with my gut and say Wells lands on the podium again on Sunday.

Believe it or not, the riders to watch list is pretty lengthy. Guys like Danny Summerhill, Jesse Anthony, Brad White and Tristian Schouten could play spoiler this weekend in Boulder.

HPCX (C2)

The Winner

Adam Craig – after picking up a victory last weekend in Maine, look for the mountain bike star to cross the line first on Sunday. With a 60% chance of rain and 30mph winds in the forecast, I expect sloppy conditions and Craig is one of a couple of guys who could capitalize on that.

The Podium

Justin Lindine – the last time Lindine visited the mid-Atlantic he swept the weekend at Granogue. Lindine should be in the hunt for victory, but in this case I’m giving the edge to Craig.

Dan Timmerman – if you go all the way back to my week one preview, you’ll see Timmerman as a rider to watch. In six UCI races this season, he hasn’t finished outside the top 15 and has been in the top five in half of those races. If conditions turn to a complete mess, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Timmerman on the top step, but I’m going to stick with a podium prediction for him.

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