The 2018 Pan-American Championships take place this Sunday in Midland, Ontario, Canada at the Silver Goose Cyclocross race. It marks the firs time the event has taken place outside of the United States. Much like the European Championships, the Elite Mens race has only taken place since 2015. Stephen Hyde is the two time defending champion and looks to be competitive after returning to racing last weekend. The only other person to hold the title is American Jeremy Powers, who won it in 2015.
As one would expect, the start list contains only American and Canadian riders. The field is virtually an even split between the two nations. Only one Canadian has ever landed on the podium, which Michael van den Ham last year in Louisville. Hyde is the only rider to be on the podium all three years.
The Silver Goose course features a variety of surfaces, including pavement, grass, and sand. Grass sections vary from hard packed, to extremely sloppy in wet conditions. The course also features some some stairs, steep run ups and a double ramp flyover. Interestingly, it appears that there are no planks (barriers) on the course. With that said, it still looks like a very challenging course.
Last year, Hyde dominated the Pan-American Championships after putting in a punishing attack midway through the race. That attack split a lead group that included the likes of Powers, Kerry Werner, van den Ham and Tobin Ortenblad. In the end, Ortenblad and van den Ham separated themselves from the chase group. Hyde would win by nearly 90 seconds, with Ortenblad second and van den Ham another ten seconds back in third.
Predictions
- Kerry Werner
- Michael van den Ham
- Stephen Hyde
Dark horse: Jamie Driscoll
