Cross the globe

Sram cyclocross athletes are again ready to jump the barriers and power through the mud and sand. In Australia, Europe and North America, top athletes will pilot Sram Force 1 and Red 22 drivetrain with HydroR Hydraulic Disc Brakes and mechanical equipped bikes as they fight for the top step of the podium.

In Europe, keep an eye on Wout Van Aert (BEL) of Vastgoedservice-Golden Palace Cycling Team, who brought home silver at the World Championships last season. This season, he confirmed his top standing with a victory in CrossVegas, a Uci World Cup event. Other Europeans to watch are Tom Meeusen (BEL) and Thijs Aerts (BEL) of Telenet Fidea Cycling Team. Meeusen finished last season ranked 5th overall in the 2015 World Cup series while Aerts gained a Junior World Championship title in 2014.

Young Telenet Fidea Cycling Team women’s riders Ellen Van Loy (BEL) and Nikki Harris (GBR) are also set for a big season, as they are ranked 3rd and 6th respectively in the World Cup points chase. Other European stars to track are Christine Majerus (LUX) of Boels-Dolmans, Sophie De Boer (NED) of NNOF Cycling Team, Corne van Kessel (NED) of Telenet Fidea, and Rob Peeters (BEL) of Vastgoedservice-Golden Palace Cycling Team.

Americans, Jeremy Powers (Rapha Focus), Kaitie Antonneau (Cannondale p/b CyclocrossWorld.com) and Elle Anderson (SRAM-Strava) are also looking to take on the Europeans on their home turf. Each will be competing for points at select World Cup races. Perennial fan favorites Ryan Trebon (USA) of Cannondale p/b CyclocrossWorld.com and National Champ Powers (USA) will do battle in the US. With radically different riding styles, expect these riders to use their strengths to attack the other’s weaknesses.