Rochester Cyclocross Preview

Trek USCX Round 2 This Weekend in Rochester, New York

We are in Rochester, New York, for Rochester Cyclocross, the second round of the Trek USCX series. The Rochester track’s first half is technical with iconic features such as double-trouble, the half-pipe and the new cobbled section that will test riders’ skills. The back half is the speed zone, with long grass sections that culminate in a set of stairs that lead into the final sprint.

Here’s Owen Brenneman and Andrew Strohmeyer taking you through one lap of the course.

Elite Women

On the women’s side, last week’s double winner at GO Cross, Helene Clauzel (Van Rysel Racing Team) may be the favorite but all eyes will be on Maghalie Rochette (Canyon) who has won Roche(tte)ster eight times. We are also keeping our eyes on Manon Bakker (Crelan-Corendon) to see if another week in the U.S. and a flatter course may work in her favor.

Much like last weekend, we also expect to see Caroline Maní (Groove Off Road) and Sidney McGill (Cervélo-Orange Living) near the front.

With apologies to Helene Clauzel, my picks are: (1) Rochette, (2) McGill (3) Bakker

Elite Men

In the men’s field, we jumped the gun on the last Cyclocross Radio thinking Eric Brunner would be at Rochester. Looks like we won’t see him until next week at Charm City Cross in Baltimore.

Without Brunner, all eyes are going to be on Andrew Strohmeyer (CXD Trek Bikes), who swept GO Cross last weekend. We should see Kerry Werner (Groove Off Road), Scott Funston (Cervélo Orange Living), Curtis White (Steve Tilford Foundation), Owen Brenneman (CXD Trek Bikes) and Marcis Shelton (Bear CX) back up at the front trying to find a way to slow Strohmeyer down.

The darkhorse of the weekend, who we are hoping throws a big road-find wrench into the works, is Tobin Ortenblad (Santa Cruz). Coming off a strong race at Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, Ortenblad is bringing a lot of power, if not necessarily dialed in cyclocross skills into the mix.

Finally, keep your eyes on the freshman class. Miles Mattern (CXD Trek Bikes) coming off a podium at Englewood and Henry Coote (Comp Edge) capitalizing on a strong mountain bike season will be looking to bully their way on to the wide angle podium.

My picks: (1) Strohmeyer, (2) Werner, (3) Funston.

Weather

There is a chance of thunderstorms Saturday afternoon. If they happen it will make the course wet but not necessarily muddy. It should be sunny on Sunday. Temperatures will be around 80 degrees fahrenheit.

Course

The new cobbled section has not received great reviews from riders. We heard reports of several broken rims on the section. Organizers received a lot of feedback on the obstacle, so we will see in the morning if the UCI decides to keep the section in the race.

We love that organizers are always looking to try new things and hope Rochester continues to innovate, but this iteration of the cobbles may not be ready for prime time.

Coverage

There is no livestream. However, Wide Angle Podium will be providing Instagram stories and live updates throughout the elite races. Make sure you are subscribed to @wideanglepodium and check in througout the afternoon.