The heavy hitters of the domestic cyclocross scene converge on Cincinnati, OH this weekend for a double header at the Cincinnati International Cyclocross Festival.
The a festival features a UCI C1 race on Saturday at Kingswood Park, a venue well-known for Niels Albert’s 2013 appearance and subsequent win. Racers then take to the line on Sunday for the Pan-American the Continental Championships hosted at Devou Park in Covington, Kentucky, just over the Ohio River.
Jeremy Powers (Aspire Racing) looks to earn the Pan-American title, and his stateside dominance so far this season makes him the man to beat. It won’t be easy for Powers, as he will square up against the Cannondale p/b Cylocrossworld.com trio Stephen Hyde, Ryan Trebon and Curtis White, who have given Powers a run for his money and many races this year. Jamey Driscoll (Raleigh-Clement), Geoff Kabush (Scott-3Rox), and Danny Summerhill (Maxxis-Shimano) are sure to be in contention, and will be extra motivated by the allure of the Pan-American Champion title.
Last year Elite Women’s Pan-American champion, Katerina Nash (Luna Pro Team) will not be in attendance. Nash previously told Cyclocross Magazine that she will be racing an abbreviated ‘cross schedule this year, as she eyes Olympic mountain bike glory at the 2016 Rio games.
With Nash not in the picture, the Women’s field is wide-open, with many strong contenders taking the start line. Katie Antonneau (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) has turned in career best results this year, and will be one to look out for. Katie Compton (Trek Factory Racing) has gotten a slower start than years previous, but seems to be building form and is always a threat for the victory.
Check out our in-depth race preview, and be sure to tune in to the live stream, both Saturday and Sunday.
Coverage begins Saturday for the 17-18 Elite Juniors at 2:45pm EST and runs through the end of the Elite Men’s race at 6:30pm.
For Sunday’s Pan-Am Championships, coverage begins at 11:45am EST prior to the Women’s Youth U23 race and runs continuously through the end of the Elite Men’s race at 5:15pm.
