Two years after the most successful day in American cyclo-cross history, the U.S. National Team is once again preparing to face the world’s best in northern Europe this weekend at the 2009 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in Hoogerheide, Netherlands.
One of the favorites to contend for a world title is Katie Compton (Colorado Springs, Colo.). In 2007, Katie was one of three athletes to contribute to the U.S. medal count, winning a silver medal in the elite women’s category. And if her 2008 campaign is any indication, she will line up in Holland as a marked woman.
Compton recently finished third overall in 2008-09 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup standings – a remarkable honor that was due in part to three victories on the world cup circuit in Koksijde (BEL), Nommay (FRA) and Roubaix (FRA), as well as a second-place finish in Pijnacker (NED). Compton was also mostly recently ranked third in the world according to the latest edition of the UCI rankings which factors in all UCI-sanctioned cyclo-cross races including USA Cycling national calendar events and national championships. On Sunday, Compton looks to cap off her winning season with the sport’s highest honor – a rainbow jersey.
Compton joins a formidable women’s squad which also includes 2008 U.S. Olympic Team member Georgia Gould (Boulder, Colo.), Rachel Lloyd (Fairfax, Calif.), Laura Van Gilder (Pocono Pines, Pa.) and Sue Butler (Portland, Ore.).
In the 58-year history of world championships, the U.S. has managed to win just one gold medal – an achievement only Matt Kelly can claim after winning a junior men’s title in 1999. In addition to Compton and Kelly, only four other Americans can claim they’ve stood on the podium at the world championships: Tim Johnson (1999, U23 bronze), Walker Ferguson (2000, junior men’s bronze), Daniel Summerhill (2007, junior men’s silver) and Jonathan Page (2007, elite men’s silver). On Sunday, Compton can add to both of those tallies.
Fans wishing to watch the action this weekend from Hoogerheide can visit www.universalsports.com for a same-day webcast.