Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

Tru dat. Yesterday was the first race this season where I broke out the mud tyres. I could've got away with intermediates too, but wanted the extra grip for the downhill dead turn at the bottom of the course, then the drag back up to the bank.

Well done on the win yesterday, and the overall league win too.

Apparently the Michelin Muds were selected for their ability to resist punctures. Not sure how much difference that'd make but Van Aert certainly seemed to be making more conservative, slower line choices.

http://www.cxmagazine.com/wout-van-aert-green-michelin-mud-dugast-cyclocross-tubulars-2017-worlds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTszyNC5gL4

I know it's an old meme, and has been done to fucking death, but that's brilliant. I especially like the last bit.

Ha

did lol

Never seen that before but funny as!!

Yeah. This is good!

Excellent!

Sent this around my clubs road racing group, love it.

Anyone got a link to the Elite Womens Worlds with the UK commentary?

Oh no problem found it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpPfsB1rwpw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpPfsB1rwpw

Ta :)

Does anyone have a link to the GPX off-road route to Epping from Wanstead Flats? I made my own way there before but I remember seeing a route which goes down towards the roundabout in Redbridge which looked good.

Possibly @Dom 's route?

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/10591399

That looks good. There's a cracking bit of singletrack the other side of Woodford New Road it's a shame to avoid. Also good descents parallel with the North Circular, both on the north and south side. Will have a dig about and see if I've got some routes.

Another great race at Great Walstead School for the LCCA Team Championships yesterday. It was fun to rub elbows with @owlz for once. Shame his expensive bike doesn't like thick mud.

I love that course, so challenging with barely a yard of it where you can switch off, so you're always thinking about line choice, where to overtake etc. I asked Dougie before the race if it was as muddy as last year, he said no. I think he lied.

Oi! Expensive bike copes with mud perfectly well.

Being piloted into trees, less so.

so challenging with barely a yard of it where you can switch off

Being piloted into trees, less so.

See.

I meant to add, it's was good to chat to @Ecunard before the race too. And @fredtc after.

Just really really like that course and event. So much fun and great vibes on the course and on the sides!

New descent was a good addition too, and the mud there always seems to be the right kind of non-clogging mud, no doubt largely thanks to Crawley Wheelers efforts clearing the course.

I echo what everyone above said. I think it was possibly the best course this year. Just the right side of hard, and such differing surfaces from slippery draggy climbs to technical woody descents. A lot of fun was had.

Congratulations to @Jon. and @Ecunard for the wins too. And always nice to chat with @andyp

I have central league and London league transponders I have not returned. Anybody know where I should send them?

cough
Does anyone want a 52cm silver CAADX?
Frame and forks and mini v's and the praxis bb (and the bb30 i think), seatpost x2, tester slam that stem thing.
Pretty much everything bar the cranks, shifters, rear mech.