As the 2015 Elite Women's World Cyclocross Championship is practically open for the taking by a large number of racers, the folks here at Cyclocross Magazine won't be making any hard-and-fast predictions, but we will be highlighting ten favorites as well as some outside contenders. With the weather now verging on the likelihood of snow the day before the Elite Races, the fast course of Tabor will also provide a few areas that will likely cause some spills, especially if the notorious Czech ice comes into play.
Also, don't miss our Elite Men's Preview of Tabor.
The Favorites: Eva Lechner
Eva Lechner took an early lead and stayed away for a great World Cup win at Hoogerheide. © Thomas van Bracht / Cyclocross Magazine
Only a fool would dismiss the Italian National Champion on the big stage. Last year, Lechner found herself in second after Vos took the win at Worlds, and this year, she followed it up with a victory at the last stage of the World Cup. The plus side here is that her timing is flawless, and she is peaking at the right moment. On the negative side, however, the two finishes we just described were on the same course: Hoogerheide.
Lechner has only made a World Cup podium in one other event: last year in Rome. The real question will be how well she can fare on a course that doesn’t play to all of her strengths. If the course thaws into a mud-fest at Tabor, and Lechner breaks away early, the smart bet is on her, but if the course stays hard and fast for the road-focused athletes, she might be content just to find a podium spot.
