WC Cyclocross 2004 picks

1. Bart Wellens
2. Mario De Clercq
3. Ben Berden

(Kenny) wrote in message . com...
1. Bart Wellens
2. Mario De Clercq
3. Ben Berden

Wellens (and Nys and Berden) is past his peak but still is able to win
given how great his form is this year, but I don't think he will win
worlds.

If the course is fast as predicted than De Clerq wins due to his
sprint and smart tactical riding (i.e. wheel sucking).

If the course is heavy due to the weather than Groenendaal finally
spoils the Belgian party. He is coming to form just at the right time
following his slow start due to injury.

(Wayne) wrote in message . com...
(Kenny) wrote in message . com...
1. Bart Wellens
2. Mario De Clercq
3. Ben Berden

Wellens (and Nys and Berden) is past his peak but still is able to win
given how great his form is this year, but I don't think he will win
worlds.

Hehe, don't believe that. On advice of his trainer he didn't touch
his bike for a whole week and still managed to win the WC-stage in
Nommay last sunday. So he is definitely not over his peak.

Hehe, don't believe that. On advice of his trainer he didn't touch
his bike for a whole week and still managed to win the WC-stage in
Nommay last sunday. So he is definitely not over his peak.

Sure he is, he's been saying so himself for about a month now. He's
just that much better than all the other riders this year that even on
the down slope of his peak he's still winning. Plus his main
competition of Nys and Berden were also riding better earlier in the
year. Wellens was winning races by several minutes earlier in the
year and is not nearly so dominant now.

(Kenny) wrote:

1. Bart Wellens
2. Mario De Clercq
3. Ben Berden

What's the difference between the Belgian Championship and the WC?
Is there any sense in organizing "World" contests about a specialty that is
nowadays raced at top level in just one country?

(Davide Tosi) wrote in message ...
(Kenny) wrote:

1. Bart Wellens
2. Mario De Clercq
3. Ben Berden

What's the difference between the Belgian Championship and the WC?
Is there any sense in organizing "World" contests about a specialty that is
nowadays raced at top level in just one country?

Don't be so downbeat just because Pontoni is a has been, Franzoi looks
promising for you Italians. Unfortunately I don't think there is
anyone on the horizon for us Americans.

Don't be so downbeat just because Pontoni is a has been, Franzoi looks
promising for you Italians. Unfortunately I don't think there is
anyone on the horizon for us Americans.

How can you say the ITALIAN cross scene looks promising, but that the
US does not? Franzoi is the only rider they have who is any good.
Page has beaten him before, and they usually finish near one another
in races, going back a couple years. Franzoi has had a couple great
worlds/world cup results and is younger then JP, for sure he is a big
talent.

I am not trying to blow JP's horn, he can do that himself. He has had
alot of bad luck (seven broken derailleur hangers this season) but he
has alot more in him, and is progressing strongly each season. He
only turned 27 in September.

Then look at the other US riders, like Trebon, etc. who are coming up.
They can seriously challenge JP, and if they head over to europe and
get past the experience thing, Trebon in particular could easily be a
force in World level cross in say 4-5 years. He would only be 27!!!

Jesse Anthony, Adam Craig, if he focused on cross, Jackson Stewart,
hell, we have a couple of realy good looking Junior riders who, if in
Belgium for a couple seasons, could likely be groomed into big race
winners.

Staying over here racing against themselves, yah, alot of talent wont
develop to that level, but steps are being taken by Proctor and USA
Cycling, etc. to help the younger guys get over there. You have to
get them used to it at 17, 18, 20, whatever. It takes years to
develop success in Europe.

We are not there yet, but things are pointing in the right direction.
Give it a couple seasons before you stick a fork in USA Cross. You
may even still be surprised this season.

J

On 23 Jan 2004 11:26:55 -0800, jerry wrote:
I am not trying to blow JP's horn, he can do that himself.

I had a crew mate who really could do that.
Well, carry on.

From: (jerry)

How can you say the ITALIAN cross scene looks promising, but that the
US does not?

Jesse Anthony, Adam Craig, if he focused on cross, Jackson Stewart,
hell, we have a couple of realy good looking Junior riders who, if in
Belgium for a couple seasons, could likely be groomed into big race
winners.

Add in Konrad Lebas and Toby Marzot.Right behing them is Tejay Vangarderen. In
the future if nothing goes wrong there's Alex Coelho who is the most amazing
young rider I've ever seen.
Bill C

(Wayne) wrote in message . com...
(Davide Tosi) wrote in message ...
(Kenny) wrote:

1. Bart Wellens
2. Mario De Clercq
3. Ben Berden

What's the difference between the Belgian Championship and the WC?
Is there any sense in organizing "World" contests about a specialty that is
nowadays raced at top level in just one country?

Don't be so downbeat just because Pontoni is a has been, Franzoi looks
promising for you Italians. Unfortunately I don't think there is
anyone on the horizon for us Americans.

The french have some future with Gadret, Lefebvre and Mourey. I also
count on Pospisil, Dlask and Jezek for a top-10 place.