Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

Interesting (to me) Velonews article and follow up discussion on complete failure of disc brake pads in certain muddy conditions in a US race where riders pads were being worn out in 2 laps of the course requiring a bike change.

Race report

http://velonews.competitor.com/2013/01/news/bright-future-for-disc-brakes-fades-briefly-under-a-coating-of-verona-mud_271112

Follow up discussion with readers. Apparently motocross bikes use solid discs in muddy conditions so the pads have more of a squeegee effect to wipe the mud off the disc. Slotted pads let the mud lie in the disc itself and pads die as

The holes or slots in a rotor give the mud a place to be pushed into, the heat from braking cooks the moisture out of the mud, and it becomes baked into the holes or slots and the rotor is now an abrasive disc

http://velonews.competitor.com/2013/01/bikes-and-tech/technical-faq/technical-faq-ideas-for-disc-brakes-in-wet-conditions_272308