Driscoll makes way in Elite ranks

Jamey Driscoll took a major step in his cyclo-cross carrier with a top-30 performance in the Elite Men's World Cup round in Zolder, Belgium. The American, who raced last year in the Under-23 ranks, battled for position with the likes of Sven Nys and eventual winner Thijs Al.

"It was kind of a scary start because it was so long and everyone was in the wind. There were a lot rims touching and people slamming breaks, but it was too darn fast to be sketchy," Driscoll, 23, said to Cyclingnews.

Earlier this month Driscoll finished an impressive second in the USA nationals before coming to Europe with his Cannondale / Cyclocrossworld.com teammate Jeremy Powers. In Belgium, he found that positioning was even more important than usual. "It is such a deep field and you have a lot of people gunning for the lead. Especially on this course, you needed to be up in the lead."

Driscoll came to the line as first US finisher just behind three-time World Champion Erwin Vervecken to take 26th place despite a small crash on lap six. It was without consequence and he will be back to battle Monday in Middelkerke, Belgium.