With the United States just days away from hosting its second UCI Cyclocross World Championships, all eyes are on homegrown hero Clara Honsinger.

Following in the tire tracks of compatriot Katie Compton at the 2013 Cyclocross World Championships in Louisville, Honsinger has American cycling fans excited. She could win another medal in her home country.

When Honsinger ended Compton's 15-year national championship streak in December 2019, it was only the beginning. Now, after two European breakthroughs and successfully defending his national title in his home country, Honsinger has made that star-spangled jersey his own. Not only has he consistently finished in the top 10, but he has often been in contention for the top spots, reaching the podium in two World Cup races and winning the iconic Koppengloss in dominating fashion.

It should also be noted that he barely missed the World Championship podium last year with a fourth-place finish, and he was on the podium at the Fayetteville World Cup earlier this season with Dutch stars Denise Bessema and Lucinda Brand.

However, the 24-year-old Oregonian is quick to avoid any expectations or references to her being a strong contender in the race. [I think the favorites to win the race are the ones who have been winning races all season, like Lucinda and Marianne Vos. The reputation they've built is really strong, and it's hard to imagine it getting tight," Honsinger told Cycling News.

"But this is a one-day race, and what really matters is what happens when the starting signal turns blue. I don't think the rainbow jersey is expected, but I don't think it's impossible. I think it is achievable."

At this championship, held at home, the pressure is not on her to perform, but to be a good host.

"This is a very unique event for us North American players and especially for me. I think as a country and as a federation we feel a lot of pressure. The pressure is not so much to perform, but to be a really gracious host to the world." [Honestly, it's like having a very nice guest in your home. I want the Europeans who come in to think, 'What a nice atmosphere, how smoothly it's run.'"

Of course, most of the buzz leading up to the World Championships was, and continues to be, about the infection and safety of COVID-19. Honsinger himself chose to miss the final round of the World Cup and return home early to avoid complications from COVID.

"It would be really nice to cross the Atlantic and not have to race the next day. But whether you're coming from Europe or Portland, Oregon, it's pretty much the same in terms of staying healthy and not getting COVID and counting the days so you don't get sick," she said.

Getting to the starting line is a challenge in itself, and for Hongsinger, it is her top priority.

With Oregon cycling fans traveling to the South in droves, along with her family, Honsinger knows that a home win is likely to be a once-in-a-career event. And she intends to enjoy it and feed off of it.

"Most of my family has never seen a cyclocross race. They recognize this moment and are excited about it. I'm so happy and honored that they do."

"Of course I want to do my best in front of my home country and I am looking forward to hearing the cheers in English and from people I know along the way. It will definitely boost my performance and probably make me go a little deeper than I otherwise could."

Honsinger will warm up his legs in Friday's team relay test event and explore the course at race speed. No jerseys or titles will be awarded in this event.

The women's elite race will take place on Saturday, January 29 at 3:30 p.m. ET, with official UCI World Championships broadcasters including Eurosport, GCN, Sporza, and Telenet PlaySports. Cycling News will provide interviews, news, and results from the race weekend on its online and social channels.