Stephen Hyde has emerged this season as one of the best cyclo-cross racers in the US. He knows he's up against a strong challenge from his friend, mentor, and defending champion Jeremy Powers, but he's excited to test himself against the competition and a tricky course at the US cyclo-cross championships in Asheville.
Hyde previewed the course on Thursday and told Cyclingnews he came away impressed with the level of difficulty in the circuit designed by promoter Tim Hopkins. "It's pretty awesome. There's a lot of diversity in the course - last year in Austin, the real diversity came from the rain, that was it. If it hadn't rained, it would have been a really boring course. But this - there are power sections, some really technical climbs, and, weather permitting, there could be runs. There are lots of off-camber, sweeping turns, and technical mountain-bike-style descents. It's going to be interesting for sure."
The route compares somewhat to Jingle Cross in Iowa City or the one used for the Pan American Championships in Kentucky, but when wet it could be as hard as the World Cup in Namur. "It's not a course to be underestimated. Everyone is going to have to be on their best behaviour on this course. It begs for someone to make a mistake. There are a lot of difficult sections, more than we usually see in the US. I think the winner will make the fewest mistakes and clean each section."
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With three national championships under his belt, Hyde is looking forward to finally coming into the race without health issues. "My first one was the last year in Madison (in 2013), which was like my fourth UCI race ever. Those are hard conditions. Then Boulder, where I had a knee injury, and Austin where I had a blown out back and a torn ligament in my foot. So this year I'm going into nationals with the best condition I've ever had coming in. The form is definitely there."
Hyde has been butting up against the dominance of Powers all season and is the only one to get the better of him - twice, at the Derby City Cup in Louisville. It has put him in the unique position of coming into the race as one of the favourites, but he's all right with that.
"I always feel pressure, even if my goal is top 10 in the race," Hyde said. "Obviously winning a national championship is a lot different. There is a lot of pressure from me, and from other people. There are a lot of people encouraging me. But that's how you make it, you're able to deal with the pressure. I have some good people on my side and a good support network, so it's good - I'm ready."
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