Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

Thanks Andy. Certainly went better than last week at Hog Hill, where I was cornering like a sack of potatoes, crashed 3 times and was riding fairly terribly in conditions I usually fare well in.

Regarding cross training: at first I'd just ride a cross bike in the woods fast. It's more fun than any kind of rigid structured training, is generally a better simulation of a race and will develop your handling skills way quicker. Though obviously learning to dismount, remount and shouldering the bike does take a bit of repetitive practice.

If a tubeless wheelset is an option it's definitely worth considering. If you're big I'd disregard UCI rules and go for 35mm tyres, particularly for intermediate conditions.