Cyclocross Weekend Preview 9/30

Photo: Natalia Boltukhova/Pedal Power Photography/2010

North America

NEPCX – Gran Prix of Gloucester (C1/C2)

The cross collective will focus all of their attention towards Gloucester, MA for two days of UCI racing in the heart of New England. As usual, the “New England World Championships” will host one of the strongest fields in the country. The European invasion continues with Belgians Tim Van Nuffle and Ben Berden. Swiss National Champion Christian Heule will be out along with his countryman, Lukas Muller. Many-times Danish National Champion Joachim Parbo (Challenge Tires) will be making his return to Gloucester and the UK’s Ian Field (Hargroves Cycles) will try to add another win to his already successful US trip.

Not to be out done by the Europeans, it’s virtually a who’s who of North American talent. Canadian Mike Garrigan (Lapierre Canada) will be there along with Americans Ted King (Liquigas-Cannondale), Adam Myerson (SmartStop/MOB p/b Ridley) and Justin Lindine (Bikereg.com/Joe’s Garage). The battle between Tim Johnson and Jeremy Powers continues, with both riders bringing troops for the fight. Johnson will be backed up by Heule and Jamey Driscoll, while Powers brings Zach McDonald and Chris Jones for some added firepower.

Europe

Vlaamse Insutrieprijs Bosduin (C1)

Kalmthout, Belgium will host the last tune up race before the European season begins in earnest next weekend. All the big names will be there, minus Zdenek Stybar, who is suffering from some knee pain and will not toe the start line. It will probably be an all Belgian affair with the likes of Kevin Pauwels, Niels Albert and Sven Nys taking the start. Fellow Belgians Rob Peeters and Bart Wellens will be in Kalmthout after a successfull early season campaign in the US. It will be a good test to see if their field trip to the States paid off. 

Cyclocross International Prodbrezova (C2), Trofeo Rigoni di Asiago (C2) and Finish National Championships (CN)

The Czech Republic (Prodbrezova ) and Italy (Asiago) will play host to C2 races this weekend. Martin Zlamalik is the favorite in Prodbrezova after picking up a victory last weekend at round two of the Toi Toi Cup. The race in Asiago promises to be an all Italian affair with everyone trying to get a good start to the season. Look for Enrico Franzoi to pick up the victory. Finland will be the first country to crown its 2011/2012 National Champion in Kerava this weekend. All eyes will be on defending champion Kimmo Kananen.