A brief note: the North American season runs from September through December. While we realize there are UCI races every weekend, we are going to focus on the C1 races. Our goal is to provide a bit of insight into the course, the riders and our predictions.
The traditional kick-off weekend of US UCI racing, Rochester takes place the weekend after Deschutes Brewery’s GO Cross. However, Rochester is still host to the first UCI C1 race on Saturday. It will be the focal point of the top North American racers as they begin their season in ernest. Virtually everyone in our POWER RANKINGS will toe the start line on Saturday.
This year, Rochester will unveil a new course that is sure to challenge riders and produce the great racing that it has been known for. This year’s course features a lot of grass mixed in with some pavement and wooded sections. It’s peppered with punchy climbs and descents along with several obstacles that most riders will be able to hop over, but will provide a challenge nonetheless.
Last year’s race came down to a three-way battle between Stephen Hyde, Jeremy Powers and Rob Peeters. Peeters, who is from Belgium, managed to finish second behind Hyde, with Powers coming in third.
With the first two rounds of the World Cup being in the US, another international field is expected. While Peeters will not be there, fellow Belgian Yorben van Tichelt is on the start list, as is Frenchman Matthieu Boulo. Powers, Hyde and Kerry Werner are also returning to Rochester.
Predictions
- Stephen Hyde
- Kerry Werner
- Tobin Ortenblad
Dark horse: Spencer Petrov
