Stars head to Toronto International 'Cross

The Cyclocrossworld.com/Cannondale duo of Tim Johnson and Jeremy Powers will headline the UCI C1 Toronto International Cyclocross races at Centennial Park, Toronto, Ontario on November 8 and 9.

Johnson will be making his return to the Canadian cyclo-cross scene, where he last won in 2005. In the meantime, cyclo-cross has grown immensely in the province. Ontario now hosts two of the largest cyclo-cross race series in Canada with a combined total of 27 races from September to the end of November. The crown jewel is the Toronto International Cyclo-Cross at Centennial Park.

Johnson’s teammate Jeremy Powers may prove to be his biggest competition in the two UCI C1 events in Toronto. Powers, the leader in USA Cycling’s cyclo-cross standings, has regularly appeared on the podium this season. Up to the challenge are local favorites including the 2007 Canadian national champion Mike Garrigan (la Bicicletta/Jet Power), Derrick St John (Steven’s Cross) and last year’s Toronto International winner and Southern Ontario Cyclocross series leader Andrew Watson (Norco Evolution team).

A host of highly-ranked North American and international riders will be on hand to challenge for their share of the weekend’s $21,000 in cash. The women’s field is still wide open with last year’s winner and current national champion Wendy Simms (Kona) away racing in Europe. Last year’s silver medallist Natasha Elliott (Steven’s Cross) from Ottawa, Ontario, may be the class of the field, but with registration open until the end of the week, Elliott may still have her work cut out for her.