Photo by Natalia Boltukhova/Pedal Power Photography/2010
With a week left before Nationals in Bend, Oregon, the final two rounds of the USGP head to the Northwest this weekend. The weather in Oregon was relatively tame this week; it looks like a battle on semi-frozen ground is in store rather than the traditional mud-fest that has made the Northwest famous in recent years. The season-long battle for the USGP overall title has come down to Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com teammates Tim Johnson and Jeremy Powers it will be interesting to see how the two “allies†handle the race. Local favorites and Kona teammates Ryan Trebon and Barry Wicks are both enjoying great form right now and will be in the thick of things on both days.  Other riders to watch include Geoff Kabush, Todd Wells and Chris Jones.
As is usual, I see Powers and Johnson splitting the wins this weekend, with the overall being decided by who’s able to finish second. With Trebon and others riding so well in preparation for Nationals, look for him to be the difference-maker for one of the men in green and black.
My Predictions:
Saturday:
1. Jeremy Powers
2. Ryan Trebon
3. Tim Johnson
Sunday:
1. Tim Johnson
2. Jeremy Powers (USGP Overall Winner)
3. Todd Wells
Moving east, the Verge NECCS also features a two-man battle for the overall title, this time between Justin Lindine and Adam Myerson. Lindine started the season well and continues to find himself on the podium at just about every race. He is seeking his first series victory. Myerson, on the other hand, has been steadily improving over the course of the season, taking his first UCI victory at Downeast Cyclocross in Maine and consistently finishing inside the top-5 since. Myerson, who has indicated this may be his last season racing with the elites, would like nothing more than to win the series for the first time. In addition to Lindine and Myerson, look for Derrick St. John and Nick Keough to be in the mix for victory as well.
My Predictions:
Saturday:
1. Adam Myerson
2. Nick Keough
3. Justin Lindine
Sunday:
1. Nick Keough
2. Adam Myerson (Verge NECCS Overall Winner)
3. Justin Lindine
Who are your picks for the weekend? Share your comments below.