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.
The Favorites: Klaas Vantornout
Vantornout stands atop an early European cyclocross podium at Steenbergcross. © Cyclo-Cross Online
Compared to last year, Vantornout has not been riding as consistently as he can. On the other hand, he knows exactly how to perform at the biggest stages. With multiple World Cup podiums, and just as importantly, the current Belgian National Champion, Vantornout defines grace under pressure.
His struggles in the smaller C1 and C2 UCI races have seen Vantornout drop to seventh overall in the rankings, but that is still good enough for a front row call-up.
