Every year about this time the nights grow longer, leaves change colors and seemingly normal people take to hopping off their bikes in crappy weather. Yes, it is time for cross racing once again. If you have never followed the cyclo-cross season then now is as good a time as any to begin. There is a new crop of young talent ascending the ranks in both Europe. This is not to say the old guard have disappeared, but the world champ is 23 and a mighty strong lad. The names Vervecken, Nys, and Wellens will still grace European results pages but they will now be among the names Boom, Stybar, and Albert.

The US calendar will have 40 UCI races this year where all the best talent will appear. The gigantic duo of Ryan Trebon and Bary Wicks will try to step over the competitors in their way, but Jeremy Powers and US champ Tim Johnson should put up a great challenge. Jonathon Page is already winning races this year and looks to challenge on the Euro circuit again after a tumultuous season with Sunweb Projob last year.

I am really pumped about cross racing and I encourage everyone to make an attempt to see a cross race this year. It might be at your local park and the atmosphere is awesome. I doubt you will come away dissapointed. What better way to start your addiction with Cross Vegas on the 24th!