Anyone been watching the Cyclo-cross

1finny

Well-known member
Its been fantastic racing from some super fit cyclists.
The top two went head to head again today

And, looks like we have a star in the making from Scotland - Cameron Mason. He’s having a cracking season.
 
Yes, I've watched most races this winter as usual and put up the odd post, but there don't seem to be many of the cycling folks on here that bother with it. I've always preferred the women's races because they have in previous years seen much closer racing, but the younger generation, particularly Fem Van Empel and Puck Pieters who are only 20, have been leaving the rest struggling behind. The men's racing was closer earlier in the season before the big three arrived in december to take most of the wins.

I missed today's race as I knew Tom wasn't riding after this silly crash the other day which cost him the win. He got a bit full of himself.

And Tom's reaction.
 
Yes, I saw the crash.
Of course, he said he wasn’t being cocky just wanted a fast lap 😳

WVA and VDP are just beasts

Great result for Cameron today
 
Yes, Cameron is having a good season. He started very late after taking time out after a busy road season and has only raced 7 times. His best results have really been 9th and 10th in two World Cup races where nearly all the top riders participate. I think he's got a decent shout at the U23 world title this year if he rides it and not the Elite race.

Zoe Backstedt (Magnus's daughter) is the female star of British cyclo-cross. After taking all the World titles at junior she moved straight into the Elites and has already had two 4th places in World Cup events despite being just 18 and will be riding the road with EF this season..
 
And the Ryedale race out of Helmsley. (y)

I hope Cookson is making a play to be head of British Cycling again. He has vast experience and even his detractors will acknowledge his love of the sport. I'm not sure what's gone on inside BC with living out of the country, but I have noticed a steady decline in the racing calendar and a lack of innovation. Sounds like it definitely needs a shakeup.
 
I know a few younguns who love competing in Road Racing. Their view is the only thing British Cycling is interested in is track.
Funding, training for all else is pretty much not available.
 
I know a few younguns who love competing in Road Racing. Their view is the only thing British Cycling is interested in is track.
Funding, training for all else is pretty much not available.

Mainly because that's where the funding comes from, or used to at least - through track success at places like the Olympics and Commonwealth games.

Any Road Racing talent is hoovered by Ineos and the like, and doesn't really offer a ROI on the BCF (as I still call them) dollars.
 
MVP and WVA s power seem to be rewriting road racing records. Immense pair who will dominate again this year no doubt. Can either of them win the Tour though? That’s the big question. WVA certainly won’t if he continues to be a super Dom in the Tour.
 
Van Aert could possibly win a Grand Tour, but he'd need to devote his season to it. I think Van der Poel isn't likely to ever be good enough on the long climbs. It depends on factors like the number of TTs, climbs and the standard of competition. Tom has a chance.
 
Missed them again - I'll watch the replays. I keep forgetting the races come every couple of days during the festive season. Another good crowd, any excuse for a beer and frites in Belgium.
 
Two dominant performances today in both races on a really tricky course.
Love it when the likes of.WVA, in the pre race interview, describes the perilous descent as ‘exciting’
I’d be cra pping myself
 
Back
Top