US Cross – Week 7 Predictions

Posted on October 19, 2012 by

Justine Lindine, with Adam Myerson closing in, at a muddy Downeast cross in 2011. Photo: Dave Chiu.

This weekends racing features two pair of UCI C2 races on opposite sides of the country. After a bevy of C1/C2 weekends, the racing settles down a bit as the worlds top riders head to Europe. The New England Cyclocross Series continues in New Gloucester, ME, while Spooky Cross invades Pomona, CA. New Englands top riders will be in Maine looking to take control of the NECX series and pick up some valuable UCI points. Meanwhile, the west coast hosts it’s first UCI races of the season in Pomona. That race is usually dominated a rider who’s looking for UCI points (last year Trebon won both days). Ben Berden has raced Spooky Cross in the past and, if he shows, could dominate. Here’s who I think will win:

 

Downeast Cyclocross – NECX Rounds 3 & 4 (C2)

The Winner(s)

Justin Lindine – after an early season injury, Lindine has been battling the world’s best, much like the rest of New England, over the past few weeks. With some of the bigger names off to Europe, look for Lindine to return to the top step of the podium as he makes a stand for the NECX overall.

Dylan McNicholas – much like Lindine, McNicholas has been forced to take a backseat over the past few weeks as America’s top cross riders invaded New England. I expect McNicholas to pick up a victory this weekend as he and Lindine continue to battle for the NECX crown.

The Podium

Jeremy Durrin – Durrin could battle for victory this weekend and it wouldn’t surprise me if he does land on the top step of the podium. However, I’m going to say he podiums both days and will walk away without a victory.

Spooky Cross Weekend (C2)

My apologies to the West Coast and Spooky Cross. Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with a lot of the riders who are racing this race. In the past, a rider like Ryan Trebon, Zach McDonald or Ben Berden usually show up and dominate. Since no such rider is on the start list (as of this writing), I’m going to simply give you three riders to watch. If you’ve got the inside scoop, feel free to let me know.

Riders to watch:

Mitch Hoke – Hoke’s a pro cross racer and a top notch mountain biker. Last year he raced cross all over the country and in Europe. His best result was a third at Granouge.

Kevin Noiles – a mountain biker by trade, Noiles raced three UCI cross races last season, finishing inside the top-ten in all of them.

Aaron Schooler – Schooler’s been racing for a while now and is one of Canada’s top cross riders. He proved that last year, with a third at the Canadian National Championships.

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US Cross – Week 6 Predictions

Posted on October 12, 2012 by

Zach McDonald battles the mud enroute to a victory in Providence. Photo: Todd Perkaski.

Four the fourth consecutive week, riders in the US have to opportunity to pick up a ton of UCI points with another C1/C2 weekend. After two weekends in the heart of New England, most of the nation’s top riders will fly across the country to Fort Collins, CO for the third and fourth round of the USGP. Last year, the podium featured Ryan Trebon, Geoff Kabush and Jeremy Powers, with Powers and Trebon splitting victories in CO. Sound familiar? The predictor thinks so. Without further ado, here’s who I expect to land on the podium this weekend:

The Smartwool Cup – USGP Rounds 3 & 4 (C1/C2)

The Winner(s)

Jeremy Powers – Powers has won every C1 race in the US this year and, at times, looks unstoppable. With the first World Cup round just around the corner, Powers would love to continue his stateside domination. I expect him to land on the podium both days this weekend, picking up at least one victory.

Ryan Trebon – Trebon seemed to struggle a bit last weekend, but is still one of the strongest riders in the US. Trebon should pick up a victory in Fort Collins this weekend. I usually don’t pick specific days, but if I had to, I’d look for Trebon to win on Saturday. With a bit of rain in the forecast and C1 points on the line, Trebon just may be able to to break Powers stranglehold on C1 races.

The Podium

Zach McDonald – to the average cross fan, McDonald’s win last Sunday was a shocker. However, McDonald is no slouch, especially in the mud. While the weekend doesn’t look super muddy, McDonald is on form and slick conditions on Saturday should favor the Washington native. Look for McDonald to land on the podium at least once this weekend.

Ben Berden – Berden has been in the mix all season, landing on the podium multiple times. Clearly the Belgian rider is on great form and has figured out US racing. I expect Berden to land on the podium this weekend.

It has been a while since I did a riders to watch paragraph, but two riders stand out as potential wildcards this weekend in Fort Collins. Geoff Kabush returns to cross after a few week absence. His performance in Fort Collins last year was fun to watch and surprising to see. I’m sure he’d love to do it again. Fellow mountain biker Adam Craig will show off his cross skills as well this weekend. Craig is one of those riders who could probably be a top-five contender if he raced cross full time. If he can overcome a poor starting position, he could surprise many.

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US Cross – Week 5 Predictions

Posted on October 5, 2012 by

The podium at Gloucester. Will it look the same in Providence? Photo: Todd Perkaski.

For the third consecutive weekend, the US cross scene features a UCI C1 race and a UCI C2 race. This week, the cross collective stays in New England as the countries best riders head to Providence, RI for the Providence Cyclocross Festival (PCF). The PCF also acts as rounds three and four of the NEPCX series, which kicked off last weekend in Golucester. Jeremy Powers and Ryan Trebon are tied on points, so this weekend’s showdown at Roger Williams Park (which hosted nationals in 2005 and 2006) should give someone a clear advantage in the series.

Providence Cyclocross Festival – NEPCX Rounds 3 & 4 (C1/C2)

The Winner(s)

Jeremy Powers – the US National Champion has looked very, very, good so far this season. This weekend marks Powers last weekend at home before he begins a campaign that will see him travel to Fort Collins, CO and then to Tabor, Czech Republic. While you cannot count out the sweep, I expect Powers to land on top of the podium one day this weekend.

Ryan Trebon – Trebon’s return to New England worked out pretty well for the Oregonian as he split the weekend with Powers. The weather has been a bit dryer this week, but this weekend’s forecast is mixed. Add to that Trebon’s victory here in 2006 and I think he’ll be able to beat everyone else one day this weekend.

The Podium

Tim Johnson – I really had high hopes for Johnson at the start of the season, and still do. He’ll get his chance to climb up to the top step of the podium, but right now Powers and Trebon seem unstoppable. This is yet another weekend where TJ will have to play bridesmaid (or groomsmen in this case).

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US Cross – Week 4 Predictions

Posted on September 28, 2012 by

The calm before the storm in Gloucester (2011). Photo by Sasha Eysymontt | flickr.com/photos/sashae

It’s a rare occasion in the United States to have only one-pair of UCI races on a weekend. It’s even rarer to have a UCI C1 race stateside, which is why America’s top cross riders have all assembled on the Gran Prix of Gloucester aka the New England World Championships. In addition to the nearly 2,000 competitors, 90+ riders will take to the start grid in the Elite Men’s race. The list of talent goes deeper than a National Championship and with rain in the forecast, this could be a truly great weekend of cross.

I will honestly admit that picking this weekend’s winner and podium finishers is nearly impossible. I left off a few riders who could easily make a bid for victory including National Champions, former podium finishers and even a past champion of this race. I’m standing by my predictions, but would love to hear yours. So, without further ado, here’s this weekend’s predictions:

Great Brewers International Gran Prix of Gloucester (C1/C2)
NEPCX Rounds 1 & 2

The Winner

Jeremy Powers – while it’s hard to believe that Powers will dominate both days in “glosta”, it’s hard to argue that he won’t. Powers is four-for-five this year with his only non-win being a third place finish at the second round of the USGP. Powers won here last year and would love to duplicate that success.

The Podium

Tim Johnson – Johnson has been knocking on the door all season, but just hasn’t figured out a way to land on the top step of the podium. Look for the first winner of this race (in 1999) to land on the podium this weekend.

Ben Berden – despite missing the podium last weekend in Wisconsin, Berden looks very strong right now. He finished fourth on day one and third on day two last year in “glosta”. This leads me to believe he’ll finish on the podium one day this weekend.

Ryan Trebon – Trebon returns to “glosta” this year, a race he’s won three times. Trebon has looked solid this year, and despite not being 100%, he’s clearly a podium contender. I pick him to land on the podium this weekend.

Nicolas Bazin – despite ruling the East Coast this season, I don’t expect Bazin to win this weekend. In fact, I wouldn’t even be surprised if he misses the podium. With that said, Bazin is riding really well and this is his chance to make his mark against a top-notch American field.

One last note: due to an error on my part, I missed the Gateway Cup this past Wednesday. For some reason I thought the race was the last Wednesday in October. My apologies. Now, I could sit here and say that I would have predicted the winner correctly (Ben Berden) and would have picked Jonathan Page to land on the podium (second), but I won’t. Instead, I’ll take a zero (my second this season) and apologize for my mistake.

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US Cross – Week 14 Predictions

Posted on December 7, 2012 by

Mike Garrigan sprints off the line. Photo: Todd Prekaski.

It’s hard to believe the US season is winding down already. This weekend the USGP wraps up in Bend, OR. Jeremy Powers will not be in attendance, leaving the door open for Ryan Trebon to take overall honors. On the East Coast, the Super Cross Cup is ready to roll in New York after being pushed back a couple weeks due to hurricane Sandy. Here’s how I think things will play out:

USGP Cyclocross – Deschutes Cup (C1/C2)

Day One

The Winner

Ryan Trebon – Trebon has been knocking on the door all season, but just hasn’t been able to pick up a USGP win. It doesn’t help that Jeremy Powers has won five out of the first six rounds of the series. Look for the Oregon resident to pick up the victory on Saturday.

The Podium

Zach McDonald – after a week of wet weather (including more rain today and snow possible for tomorrow), the course in Bend could be a sloppy one. I suspect that McDonald could do really well if things get messy.

Tim Johnson – after a slow start to the season, Johnson has started to turn on the gas lately. Johnson is on my short list for World’s and a pair of podium appearances this weekend could cement that. It would appear that he’s timed it right and is coming into form in the later half of the season.

Day Two

The Winner

Tim Johnson – it’s been a long time since I’ve been on the Tim Johnson train, but I feel like something special may be coming. I’m not going to say it’s a guarantee, but I’m putting my money on the New England native to pick up the victory.

The Podium

Jamie Driscoll – if you’re a Driscoll fan I apologize for picking him. I feel like every time I pick him he ends up off the podium, but every time I don’t he wins. With that said, I like his odds this weekend and think he’ll land on the podium on Sunday.

Danny Summerhill – as if my picks weren’t risky enough this weekend, I’m going all in with Summerhill. A World’s silver medalist, Summerhill has found his cross legs and is highly motivated coming into this weekend. Look for him to podium.

Super Cross Cup (C2/C2)

Day One

The Winner

Dan Timmerman – the “bearded wonder” returned to elite cross this season and hasn’t disappointed. There’s a bit of rain moving through the eastern seaboard, which should soften things up for Saturday. Look for Timmerman to return to the top step of the podium.

The Podium

Mike Garrigan – always a podium threat, Garrigan has been battling with a lot of these guys week after week. He raced well last weekend in New England and I think he’ll capitalize on a smaller field this weekend in NYC.

Dan Chabanov – after quietly working his way up the ranks the past few seasons, Chabanov seems destined to podium. Considering this race is in his backyard, I expect he’ll be looking to make an impact. Look for him to podium.

Day Two

The Winner

Mike Garrigan – after a podium finish on Saturday, look for Garrigan to take the top step on Sunday. I expect the battle for the podium to be a tough one both days, but I like Garrigan’s odds on Sunday.

The Podium

Dan Timmerman – like Garrigan, I think Timmerman will be on the podium both days this weekend. I also think these are the two strongest riders heading into the weekend. Look for Timmerman to podium on Sunday.

Anthony Clark – Clark has quietly been working his way through the ranks this season and is my wildcard for the weekend. He could podium both days, but I think Sunday will be his day. I’m going to give it my best shot to translate incase he reads this: it’s going to be a sikk weekennd and he’s going to shred race weekennd whwha4tt4a sikkk to sik.

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US Cross – Week 13 Predictions

Posted on November 30, 2012 by

The NBX courses offer challenging features, incorporating beaches and trails in the scenic Goddard Park. Photo: Natalia Boltukhova.

Two of America’s top cross series conclude this weekend on opposite sides of the country. The NBX Grand Prix in Warwick, Rhode Island hosts the finale of the NEPCX with two UCI C2 races. Jeremy Powers has locked up the overall, but the rest of the top five aren’t racing this weekend. That leaves room for a handful of New Englanders to podium in the overall. The Cross After Dark series concludes in Los Angeles, California this weekend. CXLA provides a pair of UCI C2 races, including Saturday’s Cross After Dark finale. Here’s how I think things will shape up:

NBX Grand Prix – Day 1 (C2)

The Winner

Jeremy Durrin – after picking up his first UCI victory last weekend, look for Durrin to make a late charge for a NEPCX podium appearance with a win in Rhode Island. If he can win, that would put him within an earshot of the podium.

The Podium

Dylan McNicholas – another rider who could make a bid for the NEPCX podium, McNicholas rode well here last year. I’m expecting a large lead group to form, so anyone could have a shot at victory. Right now I give the edge to Durrin, but a win by McNicholas wouldn’t surprise me.

Shawn Milne – somewhat of a revelation last weekend in Sterling, Milne has been around the cross scene for a while. Look for him to continue his recent podium appearances with another one on Saturday.

CXLA Weekend – Day 1 (C2)

The Winner

Ben Berden – there’s a lot of top names headed to LA this weekend, but I’m going to give the edge to Berden. Once again, Berden is in a neck-and-neck battle with Ryan Trebon for the Cross After Dark overall. What better way to win the crown, than winning the last race.

The Podium

Ryan Trebon – Trebon rode well in Iowa, minus Sunday’s abrupt disappearance. He took last weekend off and looks poised for some good results. Look for him to land on the podium on Sunday.

Chris Jones – as previously mentioned, there’s about a dozen or so guys in LA who could land on the podium. Look for Jones to continue his strong season with a podium place on Saturday.

NBX Grand prix – Day 2 (C2)

The Winner

Dylan McNicholas – the depth and quality of the elite fields in New England right now is astounding. To be perfectly honest, I could pick half-a-dozen people to win. I like McNicholas in a slower race on Sunday.

The Podium

Mike Garrigan – always a podium threat, look for Garrigan to push for victory on Sunday. He’ll make things interesting, much like he did in Sterling last Saturday. In the end, I expect him to land on the podium, but I feel a win coming in the future.

Jeremy Durrin – last year I was perusing a World Cup start list and saw this American rider listed. Honestly, I had never heard of him. After watching him get a Euro beatdown for nearly a month, I knew Durrin was a rider to watch. I think his time has come. For some reason I can’t see him doing the double, but I expect him on the podium.

CXLA Weekend – Day 2 (C2)

The Winner

Ryan Trebon – after failing to win on Saturday, Trebon should pick up the victory on Sunday. The USGP heads to his native Oregon next weekend and a victory in LA should give him an extra boost for those races.

The Podium

James Driscoll – the “studious one” has had another excellent season. Always a podium threat, look for him the land on the podium with his teammate, Trebon.

Zach McDonald – despite suffering a bit of a burnout, and bad legs, last weekend in Koksijde, McDonald is still a top rider and a podium threat. I expect him to make things interesting all weekend and have him on the podium on Sunday.

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