With World Champion Zdenek Stybar out with injury, the hometown favorites at the 2015 World Cyclocross Championship will have to fight their way through the fields if they want a chance at first. We present to you some of our favorite contenders for the Men's Elite Race, with a quick look at all the American racers as well as some international riders to look out for. The weather shows that snow will be likely before and during the Women's and Junior races on Saturday. Only time will tell how much of that will factor into Sunday's U23 and Men's races.
Also, don't miss our Women's Elite Race Preview for Tabor.
International Racers to Look For:
Garrigan will go to worlds as the Canadian hopeful. © Andrew Reimann
Michael Boros: Unlike Dutch Champion Van der Poel, when Adam Toupalik won the Men’s Elite Czech Nationals, he was content to stay in the U23 race at Worlds. As we’ve already mentioned, Stybar is out with injury. Lastly, Martin Bina has had a hard year and will start with bad call-up. Boros will act as the Czech hometown hero for the Men’s Elite Race. His wins include three victories at the Toi Toi Cup Series.
Philipp Walsleben: If this season’s racing has anything to say on the matter, one can be assured that Walsleben will test his legs in the first two laps if he is with the leaders. The German has made his presence felt at almost every race this year, although he was unable to defend his National Jersey.
Francis Mourey: Another fast starter, Mourey will not be able to capitalize like he usually does as he will not be on the front row this year. The Frenchman’s best result on the year was his third place at Milton Keynes. Like Walsleben, he was a favorite going into his National Championship race, and also like the German, he let the opportunity slip away.
Ian Field: The recently re-crowned British National Champion had a relatively light season, with the bulk of his racing coming in November. He will be the only British rider competing in the Men’s Elite Race on Sunday.
Mike Garrigan: The Canadian National Champion leads the northern charge with Aaron Schooler and Mark McConnell behind him. Garrigan is the only Men’s Elite Canadian who will show up at Worlds ranked in the top 100, and will try to work through the field as best he can.
Paul Redenbach: Remember the National Championships back in August? With a month like that, we can only be talking about Australia. Redenbach placed third there, but he has recently been touring Europe since late December while his mates have been back home enjoying the Summer weather. Redenbach will set out to prove that Australia is a perfect breeding ground for the further growth of cyclocross. While he got pulled back at Hoogerheide, finishing on the lead lap would be an accomplishment for the land down under.
