European Cross – Week 9 Predictions

Posted on November 9, 2012 by

Francis Mourey wins Supercross baden. Photo: radsportphoto.net/Steffen Mussiggang.

After a wild week of racing, things calm down a bit in Europe this week. After a few weeks off, thanks primarily to two World Cup rounds, the Toi Toi Cup continues in Kolin, Czech Republic. On Saturday the Soudal Classics continue with Jaarmarktcross Niel, Belgium, while the Superprestige series continues on Sunday in Hamme-Zogge. On Sunday there are two UCI C2 races, one in Germany and one in Switzerland. Here’s how I expect things to shake up this weekend:

Toi Toi Cup – Round 5 (C2)

The Winner

Martin Bina – after finishing second in the first round of the Toi Toi Cup, Bina has rattled off three consecutive victories. Look for him to solidify the overall with another victory on Saturday in Kolin.

The Podium

Petr Dlask – Dlask has only landed on the podium once this season in a Toi Toi Cup race, but I expect that to change this weekend. Dlask has had success in the past in Kolin and that should translate to a podium finish on Saturday.

Michael Boros – the young Czech rider is always a podium threat. He’s in a tight battle with Dlask for second in the series and looks poised for another podium finish.

Soudal Jaarmarktcross Niel (C2)

The Winner

Sven Nys – Eric De Vlaeminck, Bert Vermeire and Roland Liboton have all won Jaamarktcross five times in their historic careers. On Sunday, Sven Nys should join that list when he picks up his fourth straight victory in Niel. The only other four-time winner is Bart Wellens, who admitted this week that even he thinks Nys will win.

The Podium

Niels Albert – the Albert/Nys show reached a crescendo last week in Zonhoven with one of the most exciting last laps in recent memory. What will these two do for an encore? My guess is a tight race with similar results as last weekend. Albert should keep it close, but I expect Nys to pull away and take a solo victory.

Aurélien Duval – I rarely take risks, but I’m going to give Duval a shot. The French National Champion had one of his best weeks ever last week and looks to continue that in Niel. If he rides like he did on the Koppenberg, a podium shot is not out of the question.

Rider to Watch

While New Zealander Alex Revell has received a lot of attention this season for his trials and tribulations in Belgium, another non-European rider will be joining him as Yu Takenouchi heads to Europe. The Japanese National Champion raced in Europe three times last year, with his best result being a 33rd place finish at the seventh round of the World Cup. Takenouchi proves that cross is global and is a rider I’ll be keeping an eye on.

Superprestige – Hamme-Zogge (C1)

The Winner

Sven Nys – after bailing on the Nys train the past few weeks, I’m going full bore into this weekend. Nys is undefeated through the first two rounds of the Superprestige series and I think things will remain that way. Last year he was pipped at the line by Kevin Pauwels (Zdenek Stybar took a solo victory) and had to settle for third. The won’t happen this year.

The Podium

Niels Albert – I actually like Albert’s odds on Sunday in Hamme-Zooge. The problem is Nys’ odds are just a little bit better in my mind. After another good battle, Albert will have to settle for second or third.

Kevin Pauwels – Pauwels has struggled this season for a variety of reasons, including bad luck and crashes. But when he is on, he’s capable of winning any race out there. I expect a good battle from the young Belgian, but I think he’ll have to settle for a lesser podium spot.

Entega City Cross Cup (C2)

The Winner

Johannes Sickmueller – with the absence of heavy hitters such as Christoph Pfingsten and Philipp Walsleben, Smickmueller becomes the favorite on Sunday in Lorsch, Germany. He has the most experience of any rider in the field and has had a solid start to the season. Look for him to win on Sunday.

The Podium

Michael Schweizer – the German U23 National Champion has slowly risen through the ranks and could pick up the win on Sunday. I think Sickmueller’s strengths outweigh Schweizer’s, which is why I’m giving him the edge on Sunday.

Ole Quast – after moving up to the elite ranks, Quast has struggled a bit outside of Germany. However, things appear to be turning around for the 24-year-old German. Look for him to podium on Sunday.

Internationales Radquer Frenkendorf (C2)

The Winner

Francis Mourey – Mourey has struggled a bit this year outside of France, but is always in contention at smaller races. I expect the former French National Champion to win in Switzerland on Sunday, but it could be a tough battle.

The Podium

Enrico Franzoi – the strong Italian rider has found great success this year in Switzerland and could very easily win on Sunday. While I’m giving the edge to Mourey, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Franzoi on the top step of the podium.

Simon Zahner – Zahner has had a very strong season thus far, including a top-ten finish at the first World Cup round. He’ll have his handsful on Sunday, but should be able to finish on the podium.

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Cross Top 25 – Week 9

Posted on November 7, 2012 by

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Jeremy Powers takes the top spot for the seventh consecutive week in our Top 25 Rankings. The American won two races this past weekend which helped keep him number one according to the computer. However, the lower field quality of those races allowed riders such as Sven Nys and Niels Albert to close that gap. The fact that Powers was number three in the polls helped him maintain that top spot.

With the European season starting to heat up, Sven Nys remains second overall, but moves from fifth to second in the computer rankings. Nys was number one in the poll a head of Albert, Powers, Ryan Trebon and Dan Timmerman. As a result, the gap between Powers and Nys is a fraction of a percent.

Powers maintains the number one spot in terms of UCI points, while Jonathan Page continues to have the number one strength of schedule and field quality. This is due to the fact that he’s racing a European schedule. As a result, Page maintains the 11th overall spot and is the highest ranked rider without a win.

Bart Aernouts makes the biggest jump this week moving up eight spots to the number ten spot. Justin Lindine dropped out of the rankings as did Adam Myerson, which means everyone in the Top 25 has UCI points. Jamie Driscoll’s win in Cincinnati helped him jump to the number five spot and puts three Americans inside the top five. The computer doesn’t like Timmerman (42nd), but his fifth place finish in the poll keeps him inside the Top 25.

Week 9 Top 25

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Cross Predictions – Week 9 Wrap-Up

Posted on November 5, 2012 by

Jeremy Durrin. Photo: Todd Prekaski.

What a wild week of cross it was this past week. In Europe, Sven Nys dominated and is starting to look like the Nys of old. Kevin Pauwels struggled to find the form and consistency that made him the most dominant rider last season. Finally, Niels Albert is riding extremely well, but remains one step behind Nys. Stateside, Jeremy Powers overcame a variety of obstacles to pick up a pair of UCI C2 wins, while Jamie Driscoll picked up a big victory in Cincinnati.

My predictions went well this past week, with my biggest blunder being Sunday’s Harbin Park International. Steve Chaniel and Kevin Pawuels proved to be my worst podium picks, finishing in eleventh place on Thursday. I correctly predicted the podium on day two of the Cycle-Smat International race and the International Radquerfeldein GP Lambach/Stadl-Paura. However, I got the order wrong for the later. Here’s the full breakdown of how I did:

European Cross

Bpost Bank Trofee Round 2 – Koppenbergcross (C1)

1. Sven Nys – 1st
2. Niels Albert – 2nd
3. Kevin Pauwels – 11th

Points: 4

Cyclocross International de Marle (C2)

1. Francis Mourey – 1st
2. Steve Chainel – 11th
3. Aurelien Duval – DNS

Points: 3

GP de la Region Wallonne (C2)

1. Niels Albert – 1st
2. Radomir Simunek – DNS
3. Rob Peeters – 5th

Points: 3

Superprestige Round 2 – Zonhoven (C1)

1. Niels Albert – 2nd
2. Sven Nys – 1st
3. Kevin Pauwels – 4th

Points: 2

International Radquer Hittnau (C2)

1. Enrico Franzoi – 1st
2. Marcel Wildhaber – 8th
3. Simon Zahner – DNS

Points: 3

National Trophy Series Round 2 (C2)

1. Jody Crawforth – 9th
2. Paul Oldham – 6th
3. Oli Beckingsale – 3rd

Points: 1

International Radquerfeldein GP Lambach/Stadl-Paura (C2)

1. Ondrej Bambula – 2nd
2. Tomas Paprstka – 1st
3. Filip Adel – 3rd

Points: 3

Total: 19/35 (54%)

US Cross

Cincy3 – Darkhorse Cyclo Stampede (C2)

1. Ben Berden – 3rd
2. Ryan Trebon – 1st
3. Jamie Driscoll – 2nd

Points: 3

Cincy3 – Lionhearts International (C2)

1. Ryan Trebon – 1st
2. Ben Berden – DNS
3. Jamie Driscoll – 2nd

Points: 4

Cincy 3 – Harbin Park International (C1)

1. Ryan Trebon – 2nd
2. Ben Berden – 5th
3. Tim Johnson – DNS

Points: 1

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

Day 1

1. Jeremy Powers – 1st
2. Adam Craig – 6th
3. Dan Timmerman – 5th

Points: 3

Day 2

1. Jeremy Powers – 1st
2. Adam Craig – 2nd
3. Justin Lindine – 3rd

Points: 5

Total: 16/25 (64%)

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Cross Top 25 – Week 8

Posted on November 2, 2012 by

Jonathan Page bunnyhops the barriers at Rohrbach Ellison Park Cyclocross. Photo: Brian Boucheron

Despite dropping out (and we use that term loosely) of this past weekends World Cup round, Jeremy Powers remains number one in the rankings. Powers is still number one according to the computer, despite dropping a few spots in all categories except UCI Points. Powers was voted number two in the polls, which helped him maintain his number one spot.

Sven Nys was once again the number one rider in the polls followed by Powers, Paul Mumford, Niels Albert and Kevin Pauwels. Sadly, for the rabid Paul Mumford fans who voted in this weeks polls, he sits 162nd in the computer rankings, making him 126th overall.

Nicolas Bazin slips down to the number three spot, but still remains number two in the computer. Niels Albert slides into the number four spot after finishing fourth in the polls and sixth in the computer rankings. Like Bazin, Martin Bina continues to hang on to a high placing due to early season success.

Ryan Trerbon becomes the only American besides Powers to remain in the top ten, slipping to eighth  Jonathan Pages jumps to the eleven spot as the computer ranks him number one in strength of schedule and race quality. Page is also the highest ranked rider without a win this season.

Aitor Gutierrez (61st in the rankings) won his first, and only, race of the season making him number one in terms of winning percentage. Finally, Adam Myerson drops two spots to 23rd, but remains the only rider in the top 25 without any UCI points.

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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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European Cross – Week 8 Predictions

Posted on November 1, 2012 by

PHOTO BY BALINT HAMVAS | CYCLEPHOTOS.CO.UK

The eighth week of cross in Europe features eight races spread across the continent including a round of the Bpost Bank Trofee (formerly GVA Trofee), a round of the Superprestige series and a national championship. Smaller events will take place in Luxembourg, France and Switzerland, just to name a few. The week starts off with Koppenbergcross on Thursday and ends with the second round of the Superprestige on Sunday. Sweden will become the second nation to crown its national champion this season in Sunne. Here’s how I think the weekend will play out:

Bpost Bank Trofee Round 2 – Koppenbergcross (C1)

The Winner

Sven Nys – despite his poor performance in Plzen on Sunday (due to a crash), look for Nys to once again be the king of the Koppenberg. Nys had seven consecutive wins heading into last year’s race, when Kevin Pauwels snapped that streak. I expect Nys to once again reign supreme atop the Koppenberg and put that crash behind him.

The Podium

Niels Albert – despite a seventh place finish last year, I expect Albert to podium on Thursday. The World Champion proved he’s on good form with a commanding victory in Plzen. A new section of the course should make the race an even more technical affair, which gives the edge to Albert. However, I think Nys will be too strong.

Kevin Pauwels – Pauwels will try to maintain his one second lead over Albert on Thursday. The Koppenberg traditionally causes big gaps, so all eyes will be on the Pauwels-Albert duo as they battle for the overall.

Cyclocross International de Marle (C2)

The Winner

Francis Mourey – Mourey has struggled a bit this season, but always seems to do well in France. I expect him to rebound from a poor October and take home a victory on Thursday.

The Podium

Steve Chainel – last years runner-up may have to settle for the same spot in Marle. Chaniel came across the line nearly a minute behind Mourey last year and only seven seconds ahead of third place (John Gadret). There should be smaller gaps this year, but I still give the edge to Mourey.

Aurelien Duval – look for the French National Champion to figure into the mix on Thursday. I could easily see him winning this race, but for some reason I’m liking Mourey’s chances right now. With that said, it would not surprise me to see Duval on the top step.

GP de la Region Wallonne (C2)

The Winner

Niels Albert – without an available start list and Albert’s form right now, I’m going to give the nod to him for a repeat in Dottignies Mouscron, Belgium.

The Podium

Radomir Simunek – after trying to hold his own the past two weeks in his native Czech Republic, look for Simunek to return to the podium this weekend in Belgium.

Rob Peeters – early this season, I picked Peters to do very well and surprise some people. While that hasn’t been the case, Peeters third place last weekend in Plzen (later DQ’d) shows that maybe I was just too early in my predictions. Look for the Belgian to podium on Saturday.

Swedish National Championships (CN)

The Winner

Magnus Darvell – the defending champion should recapture his crown in Sunne on Saturday. Darvell is the only Swede to really race cross, competing in five World Cup rounds and the World Championships last year. While his results aren’t impressive, it’s the experience that counts and gives him the edge.

The Podium

Jens Westergren – last year Westergren landed on the podium in third place, one second behind second place and twenty seconds behind Darvell. I expect him to land on the podium again this weekend.

Jesper Dahlstrom – at 23-years-old, Dahlstrom could be the future of Swedish cross. He missed the podium last year, but I expect him to have a solid result on Saturday and grab a spot on the podium.

Superprestige Round 2 – Zonhoven (C1)

The Winner

Niels Albert – after a few weeks riding the Nys train, I’m going to switch over to the World Champion. With rain in the forecast (our weather man was fired this week after claiming Plzen would be fast and dry), Albert should be on target for a repeat victory in Zonhoven.

The Podium

Sven Nys – a runner up in Zonhoven last year, Nys should land on the podium again on Sunday. A 12th title is still in the cards for Nys, so expect him to give it his all. Even if he fails to win, as I suspect he will, a podium appearance will keep him in contention for the overall. The fact that he crashed hard in Plzen may affect him, but the rest between Koppenbergcross and Zonhoven should help.

Kevin Pauwels – rounding out the all Belgian podium, should be the current UCI number one rider, Kevin Pauwels. While he has shown signs of the phenomenal season he had last year, he’s still not quite there in my book. He should be in contention for the win on Sunday, but I expect him to fall short and land on one of the lower steps of the podium.

International Radquer Hittnau (C2)

The Winner

Enrico Franzoi – Franzoi has had a solid start to the season, with podium appearances in Switzerland and a solid ride at last weekend’s World Cup round. Look for the Italian to take the top step of the podium on Sunday.

The Podium

Marcel Wildhaber – last year Wildhaber came across the line first in an exciting three man sprint in Hittnau. While he will be in contention the entire day, I expect Franzoi to be just a little bit better.

Simon Zahner – in what should be an Italian/Swiss affair, look for Zahner to give the home country the edge by landing on the podium on Sunday. He’ll have his hands full, but I think he’ll do it.

National Trophy Series Round 2 (C2)

The Winner

Jody Crawforth – after finishing third in round one, look for Crawforth to take control of the National Trophy Series with a win on Sunday in Ipswich.

The Podium

Paul Oldham – The perennial arch-rival of Crawforth, Oldham got the better of him a few weeks ago finishing second, just ahead of Crawforth. With round one’s winner Ian Field in Belgium, Oldham and Crawforth will begin their battle for control of the series in earnest on Sunday. I expect Crawforth to get the early edge.

Oli Beckingsale – despite being 37-years-old, Beckingsale is still a podium contender in Britain. Look for his experience to help him get on the podium on Sunday.

International Radquerfeldein GP Lambach/Stadl-Paura (C2)

The Winner

Ondrej Bambula – Bambula won this race last year by over a minute. Look for the same dominant performance on Sunday as the Czech rider proves he’s a force to be reckoned with.

The Podium

Tomas Paprstka – this young Czech rider has had a solid season thus far. Look for him to step up his game on Sunday and get his first podium of the season.

Filip Adel – last year’s runner up should complete the Czech sweep on Sunday. Like Paprstak, Adel is a young Czech rider and shows the potential to replace riders like Radomir Simunek and Martin Bina down the road. I like his chances on Sunday.

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