Tim Vanwichelen Photo
North America
Cyclocross LA (C2/C2)
Los Angeles State Historic Park in Downtown Los Angelas, CA hosts a pair of UCI C2 races this weekend. The 3.5km course has a bit of everything and anything and will definilty produce some exciting action. The course features a mix of tight turns and long straights mostly flat grass and hard pack dirt while taking advantage of the natural elevation changes around the venue. Other course features include a fly over, a long stairs section, a set of double barriers and a soft-sand dirt pit section and one dirt whoops section.
As far as the action itself is concerned, look for Tim Johnson to try to capitalize off of his sucess last Sunday in Iowa. Johnson picked up his first UCI victory in Iowa City and would love to pick up wins both days this weekend. Ben Berden should be Johnson’s biggest challenge as the Belgian winds down his US campaign. California residents Chris Jones and Cody Kaiser could surprise a few people and may even make a run at the top step of the podium. Ryan Knapp is making the trip from the mid-west and could factor into things as well. The last rider to wathc is young Zach McDonald, who has had success in SoCal in the past and should figure into mix.
Europe
Grand Prix Julien Cajot (C2)
Last year, this race saw a battle between Lars Boom, Ben Berden and Jonathan Page, with Boom coming out on top. Boom is slated to ride Tom Boonen’s charity race on Saturday and there’s no word on whether or not he will make the trip to Leudelange, Luxembourg on Sunday. Berden is racing in the US this year and Page will be in Iggore. As a result, this years race is wide open.
XVIII Bryksy Cross (C2)
Poland’s sole UCI cyclocross heads into its eighth edition this year. Its UCI C2 ranking could bring some riders from other countries looking to pick up points, especially those left out of the World Cup race in Spain. Poland’s National Champion, Mariusz Gil, is the odds on favorite to win, especially if it’s an all Polish affair.
Frankfurter Rad-Cross (C2)
Many of Germany’s top riders will head to the home of the hot dog on Sunday to battle it out for UCI points. While Germany’s best will be in Iggore, this is a prime opportunity for some of their lesser known riders to pick up valuable UCI points.
Asteasuko XIII Ziklo-Krossa (C2)
The UCI C2 race in Asteasu, Spain provides an opportunity for riders to race on Tuesday before heading back to Belgium for next weekends races. Last year Sven Nys dominated the race, soloing to victory nearly a minute a head of Kevin Pauwels and Niels Albert. The battle between Nys and Pauwels continues to heat up, and after Sunday’s action in Iggore, this race could be even more exciting.