Seaside CX Showdown
SRAM Preview for 2019 UCI Cyclocross World Championships
Among the big questions looming over the 2019 UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Denmark is: Will Wout win again?
Belgian Wout van Aert is three-time defending champ in the Elite Men’s race. Last year, he saved his most impressive performance of the season for when it mattered most, at Worlds. Van Aert headlines a strong international roster of SRAM-sponsored racers at this year’s championships in Bogense. SRAM has plenty of other contenders across the two days of racing Feb. 2-3 on a spectacular course in the Danish harbor town.
Elite Men
From top, Stephen Hyde, Curtis White, and Laurens Sweeck.
In the Elite Men’s race Sunday, Belgian Laurens Sweeck (Pauwels Sauzen – Vastgoedservice), ranked fifth in the world, is a key member of the powerful Belgian squad, as is teammate Jens Adams. Three-time American champ Stephen Hyde (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld), who struggled with injury earlier in the season, is back on form. Teammate Curtis White is a young American looking to prove himself at the highest level, building on a successful season that included his Pan American title.
Elite Women
From top, Kaitie Keough, Ellen Noble, Christine Majerus, Nikki Brammeier, Sophie de Boer, and Jolanda Neff.
SRAM-sponsored athletes also are top contenders in the Elite Women’s race Saturday. American Kaitie Keough (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld), built on her remarkable consistency to be ranked sixth in the world this season. Swiss sensation Jolanda Neff (Trek-Segafredo) excels in all things cycling. In cyclocross, she’s off to a stellar start to 2019 winning the GP Sven Nys and the Swiss National Championship. Watch also for Nikki Brammeier (Mudiiita) of Great Britain and Ellen Noble (Trek Factory Racing) of the United States.
U23
Tom Pidcock.
Only 19, Tom Pidcock (TP Racing) of Great Britain has won four U23 World Cup races this season, sealing the U23 World Cup overall title.
Watch also for American Spencer Petrov (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com).
Junior
American teammates Magnus Sheffield and Alex Morton (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) will look to make their mark against the world’s best.
What they’re riding
SRAM RED eTap HRD and Force 1 HRD.
About the 2019 UCI Cyclocross World Championship
When: Feb. 2-3
Where: Bogense, Denmark
The venue: The harbor setting offers dramatic views and racing. The 3km course in central Bogense is spectator friendly and challenging with steep climbs and technical sections while also being designed for speed.
Full SRAM-sponsored Worlds Roster
Elite Men
Wout van Aert (Belgium)
Laurens Sweeck (Pauwels Sauzen – Vastgoedservice) Belgium
Jens Adams (Pauwels Sauzen – Vastgoedservice) Belgium
Tim Merlier (Creafin – TUV) Belgium
Anthony Clark (Squid Squad) USA
Stephen Hyde (Cannondale p/b CyclocrossWorld) USA
Cody Kaiser (LangeTwins / Specialized) USA
Curtis White (Cannondale p/b CyclocrossWorld) USA
Elite Women
Jolanda Neff (Trek Segafredo) Switzerland
Kaitie Keough (Cannondale p/b CyclocrossWorld) USA
Ellen Noble (Trek Factory Racing) USA
Sammi Runnels (Squid Squad) USA
Nikki Brammeier (Mudiiita) Great Britain
Christine Majerus (Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team) Luxembourg
Sophie de Boer (Team Breepark) the Netherlands
U23 Men
Tom Pidcock (TP Racing) Great Britain
Spencer Petrov (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) USA
Sam Noel (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) USA
Cooper Willsey (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) USA
U23 Women
Jinse Peeters (Pauwels Sauzen – Vastgoedservice) Belgium
Juniors
Magnus Sheffield (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) USA
Alex Morton (Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com) USA
Watch for insider insight into our riders, our SRAM techs, and the race from Denmark next weekend on @SRAMRoad Instagram and SRAM.com/stories.
Photos by Cyclephotos Balant Hamvas