Gallery: Critical points on the course for the 2013 UCI Elite Cyclocross World Championships

A long, fast, paved start/finish straight will be crucial in deciding the podium. On such a tight, twisty course, being in the top 10 or 15 places going into the first corners and run-up could make or break a race. For the Americans, crossing the finish line for the final time at the first UCI Elite World Cyclocross Championships held on American should be a special feeling, no matter the outcome. Chris Case | VeloNews.com

After a long starting straightaway, a few grassy sweepers and two grassy lumps, the course's first potential bottleneck could come at this first run-up, which comes just after a slow, 180-degree turn. Chris Case | VeloNews.com

The smaller staircase, with its closely spaced steps, is not rideable. With the world's best charging hard into this tight run-up, it will be important to stay near the front and out of trouble. Chris Case | VeloNews.com

It's a delicate balance between finding the right rut and sliding out on this delicate off-camber section. A smooth transition from high to low will help a rider gain precious seconds. Bobble, slip or fall, and the race will ride away from you. Chris Case | VeloNews.com

Already rutted, this off-camber section could also prove decisive. The slow, 180-degree entry drops you down and onto a greasy slope that some riders were struggling to clean smoothly. It's on the north side of the slope, which won't help it dry out, and it could get slicker throughout the weekend. Chris Case | VeloNews.com

The limestone staircase is wide enough, and deep enough into the course, that it shouldn't cause a bottleneck. Whether Jeremy Powers or anyone else tries to ride it come race time will likely depend on conditions and traffic. Most Europeans have been content to charge up it on foot. Chris Case | VeloNews.com

The limestone staircase was where most of the European journalists collected. Thursday was the first time most of the Europeans had been on the course, and few were trying to ride the staircase (none succeeded). Given the conditions, it seemed faster to run, and that may prove the case over the weekend as well. Chris Case | VeloNews.com

Sven Nys looks good on U.S. soil. Here he runs up the limestone staircase, where most of the European journalists collected; this was the first time most of the Europeans had ridden the course. Chris Case | VeloNews.com

There are two sand pits on course. During training on Thursday, the first, shorter section had defined, easily ridden lines. The second section, which is much longer, was giving even the best riders fits. Chris Case | VeloNews.com

Last year's Belgian domination of worlds in Koksijde, Belgium, showed their mastery of the sandbox. The two sand pits in Louisville could help them separate from the field, though a number of other technical sections also make this course challenging. Chris Case | VeloNews.com

On Thursday, the entrance to the long sand section had two defined lines, at least at the start. Once over the crest of the hill, it was a sea of sand, thick and sticky. Chris Case | VeloNews.com

During training on Thursday, the moist sand was heavy and sticky, and drivetrains were skipping after exiting the section. Friday's high should approach 25 degrees. The weekend looks like it will be a bit warmer. Regardless of the weather, riders able to clear this sand consistently will have a big advantage. Chris Case | VeloNews.com