Not too sure about the style of course but here goes.

If it comes down to a small group I'd have to go with Vervecken in a sprint, but.......maybe.....

ON THE BOX

1. Nys ( he deserves it )
2. Wellens
3. Franzoi ( the most underrated guy out there )
4. Vervecken
5.Vanthourenhout

I think Nys will do it... He's never won one (I think), and he's been unstopable this season.

Honestly, I think Ben Berden is a better bet that Franzoi, although I really like Franzoi.

I'm trying my hardest to be there in person... Not sure if it will happen, but as a true cross nut, it's silly not to try when its only about 5 hours drive.

I agree with Sven Nys as World Champ. He is definitely on a roll this year. What hasn't he won.
I'd like to see Jonathan Page place top 10 this year also.

Anyway here's my top 3 picks: 1) Sven Nys
2) Sven Vanthourenhout
3) Erwin Vervecken

It's interesting that Nys owned Wellens when they were coming up through the ranks but when they hit elites Wellens reeled off two world championships and Nys is still looking for his first.
Also, while watching Overiise the other day I noticed that both Nys and Wellens have bigger upper bodies than the average elite cyclist. I wonder if they do upper body weight training in the off season and if it helps in cross.

I agree that Wellens has been the better rider in the Elite catagory up until this year. But since Nys had that back problem checked out after Worlds last year he's been tearing the legs off everyone else.
From cyclingnews.com:( His mysterious cramps during the World Championships were a result of "a blocked back" which was in turn caused by a number of crashes last December. After having physiotherapy, Nys is confident that he won't suffer this problem again)
As for them both with muscular upper bodies, I agree with you about hitting the weight room in the off season. Obviously this works for these 2 exceptional cross riders.
Wellens has not had a great season so far but I have noticed since his injury and layoff, that his momentum is picking up and he might just be in peak form for the Worlds.