Cyclocross 2018/2019 - Spoilers

[BSUdude]

First WC this weekend in Madison. C2 Friday. Looks like the event will be unblocked in the US for viewing through Trek's website at the link below:

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/w...oo/livestream/

Not sure if the C2 will be broadcast or not. Sometimes they do a freebie stream unannounced to test their streaming setup...usually comes out on Twitter an hour before. Might be the only hope for the C2.

In other news, apparently WvA has no team at the moment per Velonews. Though its none of my business, I would be interested to hear more of the backstory. Seems this must've been percolating in the background for awhile now... Wish him the best of luck on the cross course and the road. Wonder what jersey he'll wear this weekend?

[j44ke]

Wow. That's a stunning turn of events, though it seemed like there was some fall-out earlier between Nuyens and WVA.

[rabo]

I really don't understand WvA. He could be on the hook for 1 million payback or more.
Lotto Jumbo has held money back for unexpected salary, but not for a million in fines.
If he signed for Lotto Jumbo in 2020 already, which team will buy him out for a year?
He could race on a decent team for a year (Roompot) and probably get into the classics with that team (that will ride for him).
I don't get it .

[j44ke]

Meanwhile Niels Albert - Wonder what his role is in all this?

[rabo]

Niels Albert seems caught in the crossfire.

[Trevor]

Interested to see how this plays out. Good thing he is racing in the world champs kit so it won't look too much different. I'm sure Red Bull will stand by him. Good for him for taking action if he is unhappy and not putting up with BS. Always entertaining to watch someone go rouge. Hope he crushes it this season. Big fan.

[BSUdude]

Hard to find much more on the WvA story (in English anyway). Found this piece at Cyclocrossrider saying that Niels Albert is also out. Guess we won't have as much fun speculating what tires Wout will ride for worlds anymore.

[j44ke]

Hard to find much more on the WvA story (in English anyway). Found this piece at Cyclocrossrider saying that Niels Albert is also out. Guess we won't have as much fun speculating what tires Wout will ride for worlds anymore.

That might be the clincher (no pun) for Wout leaving?

[72gmc]

Niels out is interesting news. My impression of WvA is that he is not the best cross racer in the world, but he is (was?) half of the best racer and coach combination.

[jstonebarger]

If he's not the best WvA is a close second... and a good bet for the first two World Cup races: European cyclo-cross seasons begins in Geraardsbergen | Cyclingnews.com.

[j44ke]

CyclingTips says WVA published this earlier:

[BSUdude]

Ellen Noble....what can you say other than wow? Either she is on another level or 90% of the field had a bad day. I'm hoping for the former. What a confidence booster at the beginning of the season. Things could not have gone better for TREK all weekend. I have to wonder whether Ellen was a bit miffed that Evie went first on Friday so Ellen had to play the teammate and ride wheels, when she may have been able to win the damn thing. That would light a fire for sure.

I am interested to see how the Iowa City results compare to this weekend. Euros will have had a week to acclimatize and shake off jet lag. Probably not much change in the men's race, other than maybe Wout's performance, but it's hard to believe Cant isn't capable of better, even this early. Temps were mild so they can't well blame the heat.

[j44ke]

Richards and Noble might benefit from challenging each other. No resting on laurels etc.

[rabo]

Marianne Vos back for a full season cross in like never.
If you don't drop her, you'll be second.
Hoping for cooler temps and softer courses.

[rcunnane]

Anybody know what happened to Hyde?

[saltland]

Anybody know what happened to Hyde?

Asthma flareup.

[e-RICHIE]

Anybody know what happened to Hyde?

Lars took him out.

[rcunnane]

Lars took him out.

Injured or just crashed out? Hope he's a go for Iowa.

[Britishbane]

Crashed out. Not clear regarding the injury part.

[sanslove]

Anybody know what happened to Hyde?

His Instagram post has some more details and concludes with "Initial medical evaluation suggested that Hyde may not have broken or dislocated it but further tests are pending."