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Who's #1? 11/02/09

November 2, 2009

Another big weekend of 'cross is crossed off the calendar and we've got the latest batch of rankings, hot off the press! If you missed last week, here's the scoop. Every Regional, National, and International governing body has some form or another of ranking the best riders. At cyclingdirt, we think their rankings are stupid, so we're doing our own. We're at more Elite level 'cross races on this continent than anyone else in North America. We've seen first hand and talked to more riders about their race then you could imagine. Our rankings are cut and dry: If everyone raced eachother next weekend, this is how we think they'd stack up. In the first rankings of the New Month, we've got some big changes across the board. Eight new men and four new women make the list. And new this week, U23 rankings!

Scrutinous as we may be, it is possible we've missed someone you're positive should be listed here. For such matters, refer to the comment section below.

Elite Women 11/02/09

1. Katie Compton (1) | Back in the US this past weekend at Boulder NACT races. She was a gun in a knife fight. Destroyed everyone. 90 days until World Champs...

2. Katerina Nash (2) | Left for Europe after Louisville USGP and raced Euro Champs this weekend. Finished 4th. She'll get a crack at Compton this weekend at the World Cup in France. And yes, we know she's Czech. But she lives in California.

3. Georgia Gould (3) | Rode to a strong second place at day one in Boulder, then was a DNS the following day. She's been consistently better then the rest, but the rest are getting better. And she seems stuck in the same gear.

4. Amy Dombroski (4) | She was off the first day in Boulder, but continued her hot steak Sunday finishing second to Compton. Had Gould been in the race, it would have been close. She'll come out swinging in NJ with a new team and super light bike.

5. Alison Dunlap (5) | She seems to find that extra 1% every weekend. Two 3rd's in Boulder are another step in the right direction. If things fall into place, she could win a UCI race before the end of this year.

6. Meredith Miller (-) | The roadie made a big splash in her season opener this weekend in Boulder. 4th place both days. She was in the mix until the last couple laps each day. A few more weekends, and she'll be right there at the front. Could make worlds team.

7. Alison Sydor (6) | As far as we know, did not race this weekend. A little time off and some refocused training could put her at top form for the last month of the season.

8. Mary McConneloug (-) | The mountain bike olympian flew under the radar with a strong showing last week at two UCI races in Maine. It looked to be a one time thing, but she showed up again this weekend, this time in NJ. 1st and 2nd was the result. If she decides to keep the season going, she could be a real threat to the podium at USGP's.

9. Mo Bruno (8) | A win and a second in NJ this weekend for Mo. And still, she's down a spot in the rankings!? It hurts that she doesn't have the budget to travel and race the countries best week in and week out. I think this ranking is accurate now, but the lack of travel in her legs could pay big in Portland and Bend come December.

10. Kelli Emmett (-) | While Cross Vegas was her actual first race of the season, the Boulder NACT's were the start of what will now be a full season of cyclocross. She showed the effects of 6 weeks away but still managed 5th both days. She'll keep getting better.bsp;

11. Sue Butler (7) | Sue Butler falls four spots this week with the addition of some new blood to the scene. She stayed local this weekend, got sick, skipped Saturday, then won the Cross Crusade on Sunday. I hope she proves this ranking wrong at NJ's USGP's.

12. Kari Studley (9) | Another one who didn't do a big race this weekend. Like we said last week, she is on the verge of having a career season. She gained some early UCI points which are paying off now, allowing her to take a weekend off to train.

13. Laura Van-Guilder (14) | Another respectable weekend for Van-Guilder with a 3rd and 4th in NJ's MAC UCI races. You know she could beat half the women on this list, especially on a fast course, she just hasn't done it yet...

14. Deidre Winfield (15) | She and Van-Guilder have gone back and forth all season as they did this weekend, taking 3rd and 4th on opposite days. They will both have a good shot at big rides with the USGP comes to their neck of the woods in two weeks.

15. Barbara Howe (-) | A 6th and 8th at Boulder's NACT races just sneak her on this list. She was the first one dropped from the chase group both days. That said, she still managed to make the chase group both days.

U23 Men 11/02/09

1. Danny Summerhill | The former World Junior silver medalist started his cyclocross season in Boulder this weekend with a bang! Two bangs actually. 7th place both days and top U23. Things could get scary as he starts to find top form for Dec/Jan.

2. Zach McDonald | The defending Junior National Champion also made his return to top level racing this weekend in Colorado. 9th on Saturday in sloppy conditions was the highlight. He's got skills on a cross bike that make everyone else look like little girls.

3. Luke Keough | Another first year U23, Keough is primed for a big season both domestically and abroad. He's raced only occasionally this season, but when he has, he's been brilliant. He'll get his first crack at Danny & Zach in NJ, two weeks from now.

4. Jerome Townsend | This ranking is based on 40% results and 60% potential. He was blazing fast in Gloucester and Providence, but can't seem to make it a regular thing. 11th and 6th this weekend at MAC UCI's. 3rd and 1st for U23's. Seems to always have the legs to go when there's something on the line.

5. Chance Noble | Haven't sen much of Chance since his big ride in Madison at the first USGP's. Last I heard, he had something like the pig flu. He's got two weeks to get it going.

6. Gavin Mannion | The third first year on the list. Didn't race this weekend, but had two stellar finishes in New Gloucester, Maine a week ago. Like Keough, planning his season for a big push in December and hopefully January.

7. Adam McGrath | 6th and 7th for Newt this weekend in NJ. He is the king of cherry picking when it comes to UCI points. Great ride in Louisville last Sunday was impressive on a fast curse. I want to put him higher, but who does he replace?

8. Dave Hackworthy | 1st and 3rd U23 at Kentucky USGP's last week. Looked great, but can he do it again? We'll see at the Next USGP's in two weeks when he'll face everyone on this list.

9. Travis Livermon | Came out to test the waters in Louisville last weekend and passed with flying colors. 2nd U23 both days and inside the top 20 overall. Backed it up this weekend with top 10's at MAC UCI races.

10. Nick Keough | On his way back from being sick. Held ground at MAC races this weekend, but still not the Nick we're used to. If he can shake what's holding him back and get some quality rides back in his legs, he could find himself as high as 1st on this list.

Elite Men 11/02/09

1. Tim Johnson (1) | Two for two in Boulder this weekend. He made it look easy, too. When your own teammates are your biggest competition, life's not so bad. It's a shame we wont see him race Page until December. Johnson is in top 10 Wold Cup form right now.

2. Jeremy Powers (5) | Powers got over the bug that had him down last weekend, and showed great form in Boulder with 2nd place both days. Not bad for someone who notoriously sucks at altitude. And he still has room to get faster.

3. Jonathan Page (2) | Page came down with a cold this weekend and missed Sunday's race in the Netherlands. We'll se how much it took out of him this coming weekend when he lines up for the World Cup in France.

4. Ryan Trebon (3) | Took the weekend off and sat at home with his dog. Probably got some good training in, too. His spot here is purely based on his day one victory in Louisville last weekend. At 100%, he's the fastest North American, hands down.

5. Jamey Driscoll (4) | Double 3rd's in Boulder for Jamey. His rise to the top has been the best story of the season so far. He'll be looking forward to a string of racing back on the East Coast in the month of November.

6. Geoff Kabush (6) | Missed Saturday in Boulder with flu like symptoms. Came back sunday and picked up right where he left off: Just off the podium. I wonder if he's got anything better to come or if the mtb season has left him drained.

7. Danny Summerhill U23 (-) | In the process of smoking the the U23 field, Danny rode his way to two 7th place overall finishes in Boulder. His next test will be NJ's USGP's where he'll come down from altitude and face a complete U23 men's field.

8. Chris Jones (7) | Chris has given a lesson in consistency this season. 6th place Sunday in Boulder. Props for traveling to race the best every weekend when he could be cleaning up at the B-list UCI races instead.

9. Adam Craig (-) | It only took one race to get Adam in our top 10. To be fair, it was a pretty spectacular race. 4th place Saturday in Boulder and he was in the mix for better. Sunday, he rode like a small child, but we'll ignore it. He's a full time cross racer for the rest of the season. You wont see him on any "official" rankings for weeks. That's why we think they're stupid.

10. Barry Wicks (8) | Skipped out on the UCI races and took back to back wins at the Cross Crusade weekend in Astoria, Oregon. With no real competition in the race, it's hard to tell just how good he was going. The wins should give a needed boost to his ego.

11. Jesse Anthony (11) | With each passing week he gets closer and closer to that podium. 6th place on Day one in Boulder might have been his best ride of the year.

12. Nick Weighall (12) | Can't quite figure him out. One day he's winning a UCI race, the next day he's loosing almost a minute to guys at the bottom of this list. Reminds me of Ryan Trebon racing Short Track. Like Ryan however, he's proven he can do it when it counts. I expect him in the top ten in Bend.

13. Dan Timmerman (9) | Took the weekend off after a string of domination up and down the East Coast. I wish someone would pay this guy enough money to travel. Luckly, the big races come to him this month. VERGE in MA, USGP in NJ, NACT in NY...

14. Davide Frattini (10) | I don't know what it is about Davide, but he seems to get no recognition for being one of the top guys week after week. Did I miss somthing?

15. Troy Wells (15) | 5th place on Saturday was exactly the ride we've been waiting for out of Troy. Then Sunday, he went back to average. Maybe we're being too hard on him?Stays at 15, but with two new guys ahead of him. We can call that improvement.

16. Andy Jacques-Maynes (-) | Accedentally left AJM off the lis last week, hence the "(-)" He would have fallen somewhere around 10. Another weekend off, and he slips down to 16. Does he have anything left, or have we seen the last of him this season?

17. Zach McDonald U23 (-) | With a handful of local wins and a solid ride at a B-list Canadian UCI race, I wanted to put him up here last week but couldn't back it up with anything. 9th place Saturday at the Boulder NACT takes care of that.

18. Carl Decker (-) | 16th and 6th this weekend in Boulder was a great start for Sir Carl. Like teammates Craig and Emmett, he's now a full time 'cross racer through Nationals. If he can repeat the top 10 both days at NJ's USGP's, he's got a spot in out top ten.

19. Luke Keough U23 (17) | Took another weekend off. He's playing his cards close to his chest this season, but all the early sings point to a winning hand. We'll see him at the VERGE UCI races in MA this weekend.

20. Mark LaLonde (13) | Didn't see his name on any results this weekend. Top 10's at the early USGP's had him 13th last week but with each new weekend, there's five guys who can do the same thing. Like some others, he'll likly race Iceman mtb this weekend.

21. Brain Matter (14) | Same story as Mark. The lack of UCI races in the mid west mean these guys will have to travel if they want to prove themselves against the best. Should be strong this weekend at Iceman as well.

22. Jake Wells (-) | 12th at Cross Vegas will be hard to top for the Team Mafia rider who holds down a family and 50 hr/ week day job on the side. He was good in Boulder finishing in the teens, but nothing to write home about. His busy schedule will likely dictate what he's able to accomplish this season. A great Nationals is not out of the question.

23. Justin Lindine (-) | Maybe you've heard of him, maybe not. The young rider from Boston won a local race Saturday (Canton Cup), then decided to drive to NJ Sunday to catch up with the East Coast's best at the MAC UCI races and test his form. The result: a second place finish at the UCI C2 event.

24. Adam Myerson (23) | With seven new names ahead of him on this list, it says a lot that Adam is still in our top 25. A 4th and 3rd in NJ this weekend means things are back on the up swing after a couple down weekends. He puts on the UCI race in Northampton, MA this weekend and should have a great ride.

25. Brandon Dwight (-) | 10th place Saturday at the NACT race in Boulder is good enough to earn him the last spot on the list. He slipped back to the high teens Sunday, otherwise he may have featured higher. We'll have to wait and see what's in store for Brandon this season as he manages a busy bike shop (Boulder Cycle Sport) and that other hobby of his (Doperssuck).

Think we're brilliant? Think we're off our rocker? Make your case below! Prove us wrong and win special bragging rights!

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#10	Colt From Cyclingdirt November 4, 2009 at 1:45am Don Powers said: “Have you seen this, http://cxmagazine.com/north-american-cyclocross-power-rankings-november-3-2009 ? Cyclingdirt has gotten so big, they're making knock-offs! : )” When they go and open a Quiznos next to your Subway, you know what you're doing is on the money. Being the best only counts when there's someone else in the race. reply
#9	Don Powers November 4, 2009 at 1:24am Have you seen this, http://cxmagazine.com/north-american-cyclocross-power-rankings-november-3-2009 ? Cyclingdirt has gotten so big, they're making knock-offs! : ) reply
#8	G Block November 3, 2009 at 8:36pm 1. Trebon 2. Johnson 3. Page Ryan took the weekend off and was crashed out on day two in Louisville but on day 1 he beat Johnson at his best. Trebon will win both days in Jersey. reply
#7	Jonny Bold November 3, 2009 at 7:17pm Thats all we need! I'm in full agreement.....even though you let your mountain bike preference sneak in there. Thats Kevin Hines, CORNER CYCLE reply
#6	Colt From Cyclingdirt November 3, 2009 at 6:58pm Jonny Bold said: “Very nice Colt. When do the Master's rankings come? Maybe we can call it the "Old Guy Rankings".....” 1. Kevin Hines That's all I've got so far. reply
#5	Jonny Bold November 3, 2009 at 6:55pm Very nice Colt. When do the Master's rankings come? Maybe we can call it the "Old Guy Rankings"..... reply
#4	Dave McElwaine From Trailwatch.net November 3, 2009 at 10:01am Excellent rankings. If we were just talking about racing at World Cups, Jon Page would smoke the Green Machine boys for sure. But, racing here in the US....I might give Tim the edge and put Jeremy a strong third. I think Andy Jacques-Mayne is really up around Chris Jones and Jesse Anthony. reply
#3	Nathaniel Williams November 3, 2009 at 5:44am "rode like a small child" - Nice Off Road to Athens quote hidden in there! reply
#2	Colt From Cyclingdirt November 2, 2009 at 10:20pm ... said: “How about Valentin Scherz? He won the MAC race on Sunday and has been podium a couple times. I see he's not USA but he seems to be living here, no?” He is from Switzerland. A U23 I think, too. Unless he's moved here and I missed it, I put him in the same category as Joachim Parbo: Visitor. Also, forgot to mention that Sue Butler will be making the trip over to France this weekend to race the World Cup! reply
#1	... November 2, 2009 at 10:03pm How about Valentin Scherz? He won the MAC race on Sunday and has been podium a couple times. I see he's not USA but he seems to be living here, no? reply

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Who's #1? 11/02/09

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