Just a week out from Worlds, the best cyclocross racers on the planet are descending on…Cincy?

Reigning World Champion Niels Albert brings his Euro-buddies to the cycling hotbed of Ohio this weekend looking for a final tune-up before trying to defend his rainbow jersey. The Cincinnati Kings Cyclocross race will bring in equal prize money, former and current national champions, and the U-23 champs from across the map.

Albert is the biggest name confirmed for the weekend, but keep an eye out for the very dangerous and very Czech Radomir Simunek, along with Julien Taramarcaz, the Swiss champion. All the familiar American names will start, but the most interesting result with be Jeremy Powers. After being “irrelevant” (thanks, John Leach) at US Nationals, seeing his reaction to a poor showing will be key. He remains quite possibly the best American option, though new US Champion Jonathan Page will certainly be looking for a solid ride in the top ten.

The Women’s field includes Helen Wyman, kolo t.c. dream woman Katarina Nash and the American contingent of Meredith Miller, Georgia Gould and Amy Dombrowski. It should be a great race, though without Compton and Vos, it won’t offer perhaps the best scoop on Worlds in Louisville.