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 Other Americans:
Jonathan Page gave chase to Powers after his flat tire. 2015 Cyclocross National Championships – Elite Men. © Cyclocross Magazine
Jonathan Page: After suffering a flat tire at Nationals, Page impressively stayed in the hunt, but was left at the end of the race wondering what could have been. As the only Elite male rider to step foot on the podium at Worlds, Page is always a big contender for the Red, White and Blue. He was the lead American finisher at the Milton Keynes World Cup, and followed that up the next day by standing on the podium at the same venue.
Jamey Driscoll: The Raleigh Clement rider’s season played out just like his day-to-day racing: starting off conservative and ending on a high note. Our featured rider in Issue 26, Driscoll knows how to stay competitive throughout the whole race. He won the Pro CX Standings with an impressive late-October to December run, including wins at Cincinnati, Jingle Cross, Waves for Water, and CXLA. He is also the second-highest ranked U.S. rider, sitting at 31st in the world.
Stephen Hyde: Hyde had a break-thru season with the JAM Fund this year. Among his wins, his victory at the KMC Cyclo-Cross Festival ranks up there as his best. He also got his first taste of Europe this season and should have a mid-grid call-up on Sunday.
Zach McDonald: Many American eyes will be on McDonald this year. After pulling out early in Hoogerheide, many were disappointed in his performance in 2014. In Austin, he showed the nation that he could finish well by sheer will and suffering. Will he be able to match this effort if he is not in the hunt for the lead?
