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Who's #1? 10/27/09

October 27, 2009

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.

Post a Comment

#21	Jonny Bold October 29, 2009 at 5:58pm "What about you Jonny? You making the trip out west this December?" I'll be there Colt. Even though USAC screwed me for finishing 4th last year (no call up). Watch out for Nick Keough, pretty soon he's gonna get his 2008 form back after being sick. Then it will be Luke and Nick along with Jake mixing it up in New England and beyond. reply
#20	Colt From Cyclingdirt October 29, 2009 at 4:30pm bob said: “Where is Travis Livermon he should be mixed in with the rest of the U23's. He killed it in Louisville, is past weekend!” 19th & 16th was a good start for Travis in Louisville, but he doesn't yet have the depth of results of some of the guys ahead of him on this list. I believe he's racing the MAC UCI races this weekend... I'd like to see him get ahead of guys like Adam Myerson, Wes Schempf, Adam McGrath to get on this list. Nick Weighall and Jerome Townsend aught to be strong in New Jersey as well. Mike Broderick and the Keough brothers should also be interesting to watch... reply
#19	Bob October 29, 2009 at 4:14pm Where is Travis Livermon he should be mixed in with the rest of the U23's. He killed it in Louisville, is past weekend! reply
#18	Colt From Cyclingdirt October 28, 2009 at 11:16pm Jonny Bold said: “...In between those two rounds he rode out of his mind at Providence...” You got me! I completely skipped over his Providence results. That's what I get for taking a weekend off! With that in mind, he should have been up here. Top 15 definitely. I won't make the same mistake next week. Wonder if he's racing MAC this weekend? I haven't seen his name on any start lists. What about you Jonny? You making the trip out west this December? reply
#17	Jonny Bold October 28, 2009 at 6:41pm Jonny Bold said: “Skipping Jerome Townsend is a mistake.” I think you're right on that. He was excellent in Gloucester, but I wanted to see him do a little more than 7th and 10th in Maine this past weekend. If he can do a good ride in Northampton, and especially New Jersey, he definitely has a place in the top 25. The U23 race in Bend this year is going to be a good one! In between those two rounds he rode out of his mind at Providence. Trading attacks with Chris Jones and the swedish kid on Saturday and eventually finishing 4th. On Sunday he was on Tim Johnson's wheel after 2 laps and fought hard all day with Timmerman and Chris Jones, and finished up 5th. Both days he crushed Frattini, Anthony, and Weighall, and destroyed Noble, all guys high up on a list he's not even on. I'm just sayin'. That round of the Verge series had the deepest field by far. reply
#16	Miscdebris October 27, 2009 at 11:09pm Also: LVG hasn't faced the nation's best in the women's rankings? What planet are you on? reply
#15	Miscdebris October 27, 2009 at 11:07pm What about Barb Howe for the women? She's consistently beat at least one of the women on your list in every race she's encountered her this season. reply
#14	Colt From Cyclingdirt October 27, 2009 at 8:08pm Jonny Bold said: “Skipping Jerome Townsend is a mistake.” I think you're right on that. He was excellent in Gloucester, but I wanted to see him do a little more than 7th and 10th in Maine this past weekend. If he can do a good ride in Northampton, and especially New Jersey, he definitely has a place in the top 25. The U23 race in Bend this year is going to be a good one! reply
#13	Colt From Cyclingdirt October 27, 2009 at 6:08pm I think you mean this video. (Shouldn't be hard to find. Try the search function for "Katie Compton" or just look under videos, then speekers, then find all Katie's videos...) Katie Compton on Sponsorship Get the Flash Player to see this player. reply
#12	Heythorp October 27, 2009 at 5:25pm Trebon's article is from 2008. My guess is his deal is the same, but maybe not. http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/tech/2008/probikes/?id=ryan_trebon_kona_major-jake08 I was wrong about 7. I guess she needs 5, but I still remember her saying 7 somewhere. There is an interview on here somewhere where she talks about her wants/needs. here is a piece of it. http://cxmagazine.com/katie-compton-talks-about-her-sponsorship-search reply
#11	Marty Coplea October 27, 2009 at 5:12pm Where is this article on Trebon's and KfC's bikes? reply
#10	Jonny Bold October 27, 2009 at 4:44pm Skipping Jerome Townsend is a mistake. reply
#9	Heythorp October 27, 2009 at 4:15pm LOL, no no. I was posting it as; "look how ridiculous point systems are" I read a great article on Ryan Trebon and his bike and sponsor ship. Its really amazing he gets 3 bikes (one for Europe) while KfC gets 7? 2 for USA 3 for EU and 2 for her husband. How does Trebon only get 3? Is he pissed about this? Ask him this weekend. I don't miss an interview, great stuff. reply
#8	Colt From Cyclingdirt October 27, 2009 at 3:56pm heythorp said: “Your competition is showing by the points system, you are way off. Of course points you earned 3 weeks ago does not mean you are the fastest today. http://velonews.com/results/99638” No offence to Mo, but if you think Mo Bruno is the fastest female cyclocross racer in North America and Katie Compton is 4th, then I think the compition's webiste will fit you better. reply
#7	Cd October 27, 2009 at 3:42pm Outside the top 5 or 6, those points mean very little when it comes to who's faster. Tim johnson and dan timmerman both won a uci c2 on suday and earned the same points. Yet we all know Tim would win if they went up against eachother... reply
#6	Heythorp October 27, 2009 at 3:22pm Your competition is showing by the points system, you are way off. Of course points you earned 3 weeks ago does not mean you are the fastest today. http://velonews.com/results/99638 reply
#5	Conor October 27, 2009 at 2:23pm 3rd in the NACT and leading the USGP series should easily bump driscoll over trebon, the other two are a little bit above. I would give Page the nod... everything is accelerated and tougher in Europe reply
#4	Mud&cowbells October 27, 2009 at 2:20pm New England on top! reply
#3	Colt From Cyclingdirt October 27, 2009 at 10:41am RGM said: “I'd say it's a #1a and #1b at this point..” You're probably right. I tent to give the advantage to the guy winning races. Page's results have been good in Europe, but the US is not like it was 5 years ago. A win here isn't easy. The two split the weekend at Gloucester before Page went overseas but Johnson has looked stronger and stronger ever since. Also, it kills me not to put Zach McDonald on the list (last years Junior National Champ, first year U23) He's been crushing the local races in WA, but until he's in a race with all these guys you just can't compare. Expect to see him up here next week after he races the Boulder NACTs. Same can be said for the likes of Danny Summerhill, Todd Wells, Adam Craig, Carl Decker, etc. There are a lot of guys you know can be up there who will officially kick off their season this coming weekend in Boulder. Cyclingdirt will be on-site to catch all the action! reply
#2	RGM October 27, 2009 at 10:08am It's really hard to pick between Johnson and Page. Johnson was hurt when he was going up against Page and still had some good wins against him, but how much do you value pages ride at the World Cup and the euro races? I'd say it's a #1a and #1b at this point.. reply
#1	Dave McElwaine From Trailwatch.net October 27, 2009 at 9:38am Pretty good rankings. I think Natasha Elliot belongs somewhere around 6 or 7. Laura Van Gilder is certainly a top ten racer. Jesse Anthony has been improving so rapidly that I would put him around 7th also. By the way, gorgeous photos on this website. I would like to buy some. reply

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Who's #1? 10/27/09

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