In Episode 5 of Season 9, Neil, Xan and Matt review the European Championships in which Xan brought home a top 20 for GB in the Elite Female category, and had two totally contrasting races for the Elite Men and Elite Women. Xan gives the inside story of how the race went, and just how tough the course was.

They also talk through the two bike frames that took some of the limelight from being a chimera Orbea for title-winning Aerts, to a UCI DQ for a frame that was... apparently... approved the day before the racing.

Round 4 of the National Trophy is reviewed, a race in which Neil was competitor, team manager, pit crew and shopkeeper. It was Hard Work for everyone behind the scenes after a dumping of rain before the race, but the course itself was decent - challenging skills, fitness and pit crews, and it delivered close racing.

They return again to the tricky question of what the future of the National Trophy should look like, as it becomes more of a challenge for organisers.

In the Laatste Ronde they look forward to the opening of the World Cup, with races in Tabor and Flamanville. Xan will be racing both rounds and so listen in for her throughts, and come back next time to hear how she gets on.

Neil finishes up getting very over-excited about some new Grity kit that has arrived just in time for Christmas shopping! Pop over to www.grity.co.uk to check out the new kids long sleeve jerseys and their Full-Send sale!

Support the show

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To support the show pop over to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crosscast to make a donation towards our hosting fees - every little helps!

You can watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheCrosscastCyclocross

Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil Mansfield @crosscastneil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt Payne @mattfixerpayne runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events. Xan Crees @xancrees races for OGT USE.

In episode 4 of season 9 Neil Xan and Matt kick off with a few memories of how important Lars van der Haar has been to cyclocross racing across the world, now he has announced that this season will be his Laatste Ronde, his final season.

The look back on Clanfied Cross, that finally proved its potential after a tough start last year. Neil and Xan talk about their own races, and in true CX-tradition, talk tyres. They also touch on the form of race winners Ffion Drake and Thomas Mein who are looking to take a clean sweep of the series if they can keep it going.

The quick decisions taken by comms regarding application of the 80% rule is covered, whilst trying to avoid the endless depths of the 'to 80% or not to 80%' generic debate.

They also look back on Koppenbergcross, a race that was 'just right' on the 3-Bears Scale in terms of conditions. Not too dry, and not too wet. And just right for Nys and Mason who took a confident and controlled 2nd place.

In the Laatste Ronde they look forward to Round 4 of the National Trophy, coming from a new venue with 'Sand' in its name. Sandwell Valley is new to all of the Crosscast Trio but they give as much info as possible, and hope that it gives some of the fun that can come from similarly built venues.

They also look forward to the European Championships to come from Middelkerke. Xan Crees is on the start list, alongside a mega-strong and mega-deep British Squad. Good luck all of you racing, supporting, pitting, and spectating. Enjoy the beach.

Support the show

--
To support the show pop over to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crosscast to make a donation towards our hosting fees - every little helps!

You can watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheCrosscastCyclocross

Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil Mansfield @crosscastneil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt Payne @mattfixerpayne runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events. Xan Crees @xancrees races for OGT USE.

In episode 3 of season 9 Neil Xan and Matt review the Falkirk National Trophy with its tough course, and wet conditions. Neil reflects on his experiences, and how the racing unfolded over the weekend. Meanwhile Xan returned to Sweden where she had a successful series of 4 races, with a win and two further podiums... a first UCI win in the National Champs jersey.

They return to the topic of race entry field size, and the viability of the National Trophy series in its current form.

In the Laatste Ronde they look forward to Round 3 of the National Trophy, coming from Clanfield. The course itself has had minor tweaks, and keeps its character with purpose built features, another wall to keep those studs polished, and places to test out your skills. With sponsorshop from AVA washers, you don't even need to lug your washer (unless you want to)!

They also look forward to two of the classic contintental courses - Overijse, a full-on 'trail mix' with a bit of everything, and Koppenburg the iconic course on a small piece of land that has become so steeped in cycling history.

Support the show

--
To support the show pop over to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crosscast to make a donation towards our hosting fees - every little helps!

You can watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheCrosscastCyclocross

Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil Mansfield @crosscastneil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt Payne @mattfixerpayne runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events. Xan Crees @xancrees races for OGT USE.