Who's number one? It's a simple question. The answer, on the other hand, is anything but. With so many race series, ranking systems, and different regions around the country, it's impossible to properly rank the best cyclocross racers at any given time. That won't stop us from trying! As you start to think of a potential answer, the question only becomes more complicated. Who is the fastest right now? Who has had the best first half to the season? Who is on track to have the best Nationals/ Worlds?


To help clear up any confusion, Cyclingdirt will be doing its own weekly rankings of North America's top 'crossers. Disagree with our picks? We thought you would. That's what the comment section is for. 



Elite Women 10/27/09
1. Katie Compton | Undefeated this season including a world cup win. It's going to be hard for her to slip any lower than the top spot this season. Can she be beaten? 
 2. Katerina Nash | Has been a solid second to Compton every time they have faced. Was untouchable at Louisville USGP's this past weekend. She'll face Katie this weekend in CO.
 3. Georgia Gould | Hasn't had any rides that make you say "wow!" Still, has been a solid podium finisher in nearly every race. Took a couple easy UCI wins in DE and PA.
 4. Amy Dombroski | Her start was nothing off the charts, but with a 3rd and 2nd in Louisville this weekend, she has announced her candidacy for top 10 in the world. 
 5. Alison Dunlap | The 6 time National Champion is right on schedule in her return to top level racing. Her podium appearance at the USGP Sunday was a big step forward. 
 6. Alison Sydor | Fresh off winning her first ever Canadian Cyclocross National Championship. In the big races, can't seem to make the front group.
 7. Sue Butler | Got off to a great start winning the NACT event in washington but has struggled to find those legs ever since. Looked good in Louisville, not yet great. 
 8. Mo Bruno-Roy | Hasn't traveled much, but has been the strongest rider in the North East and Mid Atlantic. Won both UCI races this weekend in New Gloucester, Maine. 
 9. Kari Studley | Has shown glimpses of what could turn out to be a career season. Strong USGP's in Madison and Louisville says she can get it done on the big stage. 
 10. Natasha Elliott | The Canadian has had a strong start, winning UCI races in Vermont and Gloucester. Holds the series lead in the VERGE New England series. 
 11. Amanda Carey | The first year 'cross racer has shown great promise in the discipline, being in the hunt in every race she starts. UCI podium ride at Gloucester NACT. 
 12. Kristen Wentworth | Leading a strong group of women out of the mid West. The Planet Bike rider had two solid top 10's at the Louisville USGP's. 
 13. Andrea Smith | She's the fastest women you've never heard of. New to Cyclocross, she has been inching closer and closer to the top. Finished second at Wissahickon UCI.
 14. Laura Van-Guilder | The road racing legend is having a solid start to her sophomore season of 'cross. Hasn't yet faced the Nation's best. Potential to move way up this list. 
 15. Deidre Winfied | Had a solid start at Wisconsin USGP's before returning back to the Mid Atlantic. 5th both days at Granogue and Wissahickon. Hoping for worlds team.

Elite Men 10/27/09
 1. Tim Johnson | If not for a crash on the first lap of his first race this season, Tim would have a few more wins this year. When he wins, it's by a lot. And he's still getting faster. 
 2. Jonathan Page | Had a strong start to the season in the USA, managing a win at NACT races in WA and MA. Better tactics might have earned him a couple more, too.
 3. Ryan Trebon | Also a victim of an early season crash, but has rebounded well, making every front group, and earning UCI wins in PA, DE, and the Louisville USGP #3.
 4. Jamey Driscoll | The future of the sport has arrived ahead of schedule. His consistent podiums and USGP leaders jersey proves winning Cross Vegas was no fluke. Real Deal. 
 5. Jeremy Powers | Superman one day, Clark Kent the next. Not that it's all been his fault, but the inconsistency has hurt him. Could see the #1 spot if it all comes together for him. 
 6. Geoff Kabush | The newly crowned Canadian National champ has been the fastest guy not on the podium nearly every race he enters. Who cares, he still won Bromont. 
 7. Chris Jones | Not just a roadie anymore. Highlighted by his second at Cross Vegas, Jones has become a consistent member of the second group on the road. Often leading. 
 8. Barry Wicks | After a disappointing MTB season, it's all coming together for the other twin tower. 5 strait UCI podiums and strong USGP's in Louisville mean he's back on track. 
 9. Dan Timmerman | Has yet to appear on the highest stage, but is cleaning up along the east coast making podiums and taking wins at nearly a dozen UCI races this season. 
 10. Davide Frattini | In the mix as he always is. Contending for the podium in the Mid Atlantic, and top ten at USGP. Flies under the radar. Consistently average. 
 11. Jesse Anthony | Fighting back from a bad case of mono. A few awful races to start, but found his legs in Louisville. 4th place on Saturday and was active in the front group. 
 12. Nick Weighall | He's had some average rides, but when he's been good, he's been really good. Started the year leading the field at Star Crossed. Was 7th Sundy at USGP.
 13. Mark LaLonde | Top 10 at USGP's have bumped Marko up the list. Strong competition in the mid West should keep him sharp all the way to Nationals in December. 
 14. Brain Matter | As with mountain bike season, Matter and LaLonde have been neck and neck on the cyclocross bike. He's got his work cut out to make it back to Worlds.
 15. Troy Wells | Has shown some form here and there, but can't seem to pick up where he left off last year. Come on Troy, get your shit together. 
 16. Chance Noble (U23) | Had a couple brilliant rides at Madison USGP's before coming down with a flu and having to miss Louisville. If healthy, he's going to have his best year. 
 17. Luke Keough (U23) | First year U23 rider has stayed low key early this season, not leaving New England. Has quietly managed a few UCI podiums. Watch out in December. 
 18. Gavin Mannion (U23) | Fellow first year U23 is on the same plan as Keough, staying local, and making the elite podium Sunday at UCI New Gloucester. Will be good in NJ.
 19. Adam McGrath (U23) | With the wrenches back in the tool box, Newt has had an impressive start to the season with good rides in Madison USGP's and DE/PA UCI races.
 20. Molly Cameron | Strong rides in Madison and Cincinnati have led to a string of wins at the Cross Crusade. Expect her to keep improving all the way through Nationals. 
 21. Josh Dillion | The Richard Sachs rider has been consistently in the mix at UCI races up and down the East Coast. Made the podium this weekend in New Gloucester. 
 22. Derek St. John | The Canadian has had an average first ha;f to his season. Consistent showings at Canadian Nationals and North East UCI races keep him on the list
 23. Adam Myerson | The season started out with a bang, making podiums at UCI races in VT and PA. Road season fatigue made for some down weeks but seems back on the up.
 24. Wes Schempf | The Pennsylvania rider has been consistently in the mix in the bigger Mid Atlantic races. A big ride at the NJ USGP's would help his ranking.
 25. Will Dugan | With a long season in his legs, Dugan has managed a best ever start to the season. Could beat half this list on any given day. NJ will be his chance to show it. 
                              [Edit: Mixed some things up and forgot to put Andy Jacques-Maynes on here! He would have fallen right between Wicks and Timmerman. He's had a great couple months with top finishes at the first 4 NACT races. 
                               
Updated rankings will be posted each Tuesday through the World Championships. Agree with our picks? Think we're out of our minds? Share your thoughts below.