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2018 North American Power Rankings – Week 5

October 2, 2018

It was an action packed weekend for North American cross racing this past week. JingleCross featured three straight days of UCI racing with a C2 on Friday, followed by a World Cup on Saturday and a C1 on Sunday. In addition, there was a C2 on Sunday in Connecticut at the KMC CrossFest. All of the riders in our top ten were in Iowa for JingleCross, so our power rankings will focus on that. In addition, no one races the C2 on Friday. Instead, the rested for the World Cup and then tried to grab points in Sunday’s C1 race. Once again, two of America’s top riders, Jeremey Powers and Stephen Hyde, were out of action. Powers should be back in action this weekend, while Hyde is out for the foreseeable future as he underwent surgery this week.

Time to see how things shake out:

  1. Jamie Driscoll
    As we have previously mentioned, Driscoll is known for his consistency. He finished right in the mix of North Americans on Saturday and was 15ht on Sunday. He will always be a top ten rider and occasional podium threat.
  2. Lance Haidet
    Haidet drops five spots after a sub par performance in Iowa. Perhaps it was the hilly, muddy course, but we expected a little more out of him. With that said, his results are nothing to scoff at and we expect him to be back in the mix in the coming weeks.
  3. Anthony Clark
    Clark maintains the eight spot after another good ride in Iowa. He’s extremely consistent this year and always a threat to crack the top ten in North American races. It looks like he may be skipping this upcoming weekend, but some rest may be in order as he has literally flown around the world this season.
  4. Michael van den Ham
    The only non-American on this list, we struggled to keep this Canadien off our list last week. His results have steadily improved this season and we think he’s now a regular podium contender. He finished 28th on Saturday and followed it up with a sixth place finish on Sunday.
  5. Curtis White
    White moves up a few spots after another great performance. He has the distinction of being the last person to miss out on the lead lap on Saturday. Only 26 riders finished on the same lap as Toon Aerts, White was 27th. Sunday’s eight place finish proves that he’s on the right track and can put together two solid days of racing.
  6. Jeremy Powers
    Powers should return to action this weekend at Charm City Cross. While it hasn’t been perfect rest and training for the form National Champion, we always get nervous when he’s quiet. Skipping the World Cups may have hurt his top end a bit, but we are still looking for him to podium this weekend.
  7. Stephen Hyde
    Hyde underwent surgery this week for a broken sternum and busted up shoulder. His return is unknown, but we still have him pegged as one of the best riders in North America.
  8. Tobin Ortenblad
    An almost permanent fixture in the number three spot, Ortenblad’s results were a little lower than expect this weekend. Iowa is often considered the hardest World Cup race. The rest of the weekend uses a similar course that truly challenges the riders. We look for Ortenblad to go for the podium this weekend and may even pick up a victory.
  9. Gage Hecht
    Jumping up five places is, Hecht put in the best performance of any American on Saturday with a 21st place finish. Hecht came to Iowa fresh off road worlds and it looks like his form has carried over. While his 16th on Sunday leaves a little to be desired, the long trip back from Europe surely had an effect on him.
  10. Kerry Werner
    Werner maintains the number one spot after posting some great results this weekend. He finished 22nd again on Saturday and sixth on Sunday. He was the top American on Sunday. He will be in action again this weekend, looking to capitalize on some great form after two stand out World Cup performances.

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