With the start of the UCI Cyclocross World Championships just days away, Canada's Magalie Rochette is restless in her rented house in Arkansas. Rochette, along with her husband David and their dog Mia, have been in Arkansas for three weeks training.

"We had a big block of training, rest, and isolation. It's been really painful and fun and I can't wait to get in the zone to push harder," the two-time Pan American champion told Cycling News via video chat.

Like fellow North American Clara Honsinger, Rocchette missed the final round of the World Cup.

For the past three weeks, the 28-year-old from Quebec explored Arkansas' famous gravel roads and trails, and Rochette raved about her road riding. She even had the opportunity to train on a race course. But with the constant need to isolate and avoid exposure, she is ready for race day and to meet friends and family. Although she is not American, this championship feels like a home race for Rochette.

"The American scene in cyclocross is the community I grew up racing with. These are people I know. And in a field that is predominantly European, I think the spectators know me and will cheer me on because we are part of the same community. I think that way I have a home-court advantage, but without the pressure."

Rochette is coming off her most consistent European season to date, including podium finishes at the World Cup Besançon and Val di Sole.

"There have certainly been some disappointing results, but I am very happy with the consistency," she said.

She even says it was a bit of a breakthrough season, and not just in terms of results.

"I finally figured out how to be comfortable in Europe. Like it or not, you have to be in Europe if you want to succeed. I enjoyed the races, but I always struggled around them. This year, I finally learned to get comfortable and actually enjoy my time there," she revealed.

Thus, Rochette heads into Saturday's race with a career-best result and full of confidence.

"I'm definitely chasing rainbows. No Canadian has ever been on the podium of a cyclocross world championship, and Canada is not known as a cyclocross country.

And despite the fact that more than 26 riders participated in Fayetteville, Rochette said that for her at least, support from the federation was non-existent.

"For me, if I could achieve [a podium finish], it would mean a lot to me.

"Going into the race, I absolutely know that I am not the favorite. But my wife and I have done everything we can to do our best. So all we have to do is give it our best on the day. I'm really looking forward to it."