Photo: Natalia Boltukhova | Pedal Power Photography | 2011
Beacon Cross and HPCX (C2/C2)
The Mid-Atlantic Cross (MAC) series heads to New Jersey this weekend after a weekend off following Justin Lindine’s domination in Granouge. Most of the top New England riders, including Lindine seem to be taking a week off, leading the race in Bridgeton, NJ to be a wide open affair. The heavy favorites have to be the slew of Canadians heading to Southern Jersey, led by Mark Batty. Fellow Canadian Mike Garrigan should be in contention for the win along with Craig Richey. While many will be watching the Swiss stars from the Philadelphia Cyclocross School (PCS), the real surprise could come from Travis Livermon and Ryan Knapp.
With a virtually identical field as Beacon cross, HPCX should provide similar exciting action and results. Typically these races see different winners, but Batty could do the double. Look for Batty, Garrigan and Richey to battle it out for the overall with a few of the PCS riders. Livermon may have better odds at HPCX and could place inside the top three.
Colorado Cross Classic and Victory Circle Graphix Boulder Cup (C2/C1)
With a C1 race on Sunday, some of the nations top riders are heading to Boulder, CO for a weekend of cross racing. Noticeably absent is Jeremy Powers, who looks to be taking a weekend off after his first European campaign. The heavy favorite is Ryan Trebon, who has dominated the early season in the US. However, Tim Johnson is coming off a pair of top-20 World Cup finishes and is hungry for a victory in the states.
National Champion Todd Wells is beginning to wind down his season and will be looking for a victory to cap things off nicely. Swiss National Champion Christian Heule could also pick up a victory if Johnson falters. Canadian Geoff Kabush will also be in attendance and is looking to make a statement after becoming unemployed earlier this week. The real wildcard could be Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, who could easily finish inside the top-five on either day.