The Crosscast

In Episode 2 of Season 8 Neil and Matt are joined by Spectra’s Xan Crees fresh from her complete set of Hope Supercross finishes.  They reflect on how the series has quickly become established and has attracted riders from across the world to the joys of Yorkshire Cross. They highlight who is standing out as starting the season on form and who has more to give. 

In the Laatste Ronde they preview the awesomeness that is the Three Peaks coming in a few days.  Xan gives her top tips on what to expect as a rider supporter, and Neil gives his thoughts on his entry.  It’s wide open again but there are some fresh faces racing it for the first time who are serious contenders. 

The National Trophy kicks off in a few days - don’t forget your entries! (and don’t forget to support the new fun race 😃). Round 1 is back to Derby, one of the most popular venues of the season.  Listen in for all the latest and have fun out there!

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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! Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events, and both support the DonnyChainGang.

In Episode 1 of Season 8, Neil and Matt look forward to the 2024-25 Cyclocross Season.  It is a very strange one in terms of calendar that will come in a series of distinct chapters  

September is all about Yorkshire.  We kick off with the Hope Supercross series of 4 UCI C2 races in the UK in a short block - a must for anyone chasing the UCI points.  Then there is the diversion westwards for the Three Peaks which Neil is returning to… listen to Episodes 2 and 3 for his plans and whether they worked!

The National Trophy is fairly standard this year, back to it's tried-and-tested weekend race schedule and kicking off in Derby, and running through to January, visiting tried-and-tested venues.  There is the new fun race (sponsored by Grity) which gives opportunity for racing to those who might be otherwise occupied on the Saturday, rather similar to the fun race at the National MTB Series that has been a great success.  Get your entries in and give it a go!

After the European Champs, we get the first World Cup which accelerates into an ultra-packed two months of action that could be awesome, with some FAN-tastic double-header weekends, and an opportunity for global riders to base themselves in Europe and compete for the entire series, although there are no races any more than about 1000 km from Full Speed Events' studio near Limoges - i.e. 100% EU.

The finale of the season will come from the National Champs from Cyclopark and the World Champs from Lievin, France, at which we will be having the annual Crosscast Podium Picker competition!

Stay tuned for what promises to be another cross-tastic season.

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! Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events, and both support the DonnyChainGang.

In Episode 12 of Season 7, Neil Mansfield and Matt Payne are joined by Ian Field to review the 2024 World Championships that came from Tabor, Czechia.  The weekend started with a compelling team relay where strategy was key, and where GB were just pipped to the line by France.  Surely this race needs to be covered in full with dedicated graphics to make it more accessible to the less obsessive CX fans out there?

They talk through how day 1 saw Gery take her second jersey of the weekend and how the race with Ferguson could have unfolded differently in a different universe.  U23 men and Elite women's races went to form, with Van Empel's huge win being the biggest gap for years... this caused Neil's Crosscast podium prediction score to be scuppered - yes he is still gutted.

A badly timed puncture meant Sparfel could not make it 3 golds for France but gifted the win to wobbly-wheel Viezzi.  The predicted but no less impressive dominations from Backstedt and Van Der Poel give Ian, Matt, and Neil plenty to talk about, not least of which was Matt's impromptu invitation to / unintentional gatecrashing of Zdenek Stybar's family party.  

The biggest take-aways from the weekend are that we have worthy winners of the jerseys, France are on the up with a mega strong squad 12 months from a home World Champs, and that each of Ian, Neil and Matt were shown up by their family members in terms of predicting the podiums.

One more show, and then it's season's end.  See you then.

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! Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events, and both support the DonnyChainGang.

In Episode 11 of Season 7, Neil and Matt are joined by cyclocross talent, coach extraordinaire, and commentator on Discovery+, Ian Field.  They review the 14th round of the World Cup that came from Hoogerheide and query whose form is peaking when... some were at the end of a training block to prepare for the World Championships, and others seem to be coming along just nicely potentially challenging for a jersey next weekend.

They discuss whether Belgian Cyclocross is going through a rough patch with few of the podium places at the race or series going back to the country, with the Netherlands taking home most of the prizes this year in the World Cup.  They talk through whether 14 rounds is too many, or whether reducing it would undermine the concept of a series and allow riders to just dip in for part of the season and still take the series.  They also agree that the points in the U23 competition are plain silly daft, and should be fixed for next year - an easy change that will make it fairer.

In the Laatste Ronde they preview the biggest weekend of 2024, CX WORLDS coming from Tabor, Czechia.  They talk through the course and each category in detail.  This is unmissable listening for anyone wanting to get the most out of the World Champs or just impress your friends with your detailed knowledge straight from those who have raced there multiple times, or at least worked in the pits 😁. 

Neil, Matt and Ian make their predictions... can YOU do better?  Join in at the Annual Crosscast Competition that you can find here.  Please share with your clubs, teams, friends and family to see who can do the best.

https://forms.office.com/e/s5bWfqRaLL

Enjoy the weekend!

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! Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events, and both support the DonnyChainGang.

In Episode 10 of Season 7 Neil and Matt look back on a fabulous Falkirk National Championships with its perfect January weather, superb location, awesome atmosphere and cracking course. They talk through each of the UCI category races, with Mason defending his jersey and Kay taking the title for the first time.  Both were popular wins with the local crowd for Mason and Kay having been a CX pro for a while, and the win coming 5 years after her first time on the National elite podium.  

 They talk through the action from further down the elite field, things that were not shown on the TV coverage.  The juniors saw Ferguson have an impressively dominant ride worthy of someone ready to take on the World's best with her imminent movi to Movistar, and first year Oscar Amey took the Junior Men's title meaning that the jersey will be on show next season.

 They talk through the National Champs from other nations including the Netherlands and Belgian races with a host of winners coming with season back-stories.

 Benidorm World cup is reviewed, a race that saw a huge amount of grit on show for all of the podium finishers, none of whom had an easy ride, with Alvarado repeatedly chasing down the dynamic duo at the front, and even Van der Poel showing that he can have a bad day.  

The big question remains... if the commentator's curse is real, should Matt take some of the blame/credit for Van Aert's tumble on the hurdles that delivered even more action at the race finale?

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! Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events, and both support the DonnyChainGang.

In Episode 9 of Season 7, Neil and Matt pull together a bumper show as a special for those of you who have long drive to Falkirk to watch or even race at the British National Cyclocross Championships.

The final round of the 23-24 Trophy is reviewed, a race that came from Tong where a respectably rideable course was a great achievement for a race that coincided with serious floods and waterlogged ground across much of the UK.  They also talk through what makes an event a success... and agree that it is much more than just a race course.

They finally open the can of worms reviewing practicalities of the National Trophy, geeking out over numbers and asking whether the drop in competitors this year is the next step in a multi-year decline and question why.  Neil quizzes Matt on whether he can guess which 4 National Trophies have had the highest and lowest entries over the last 7 years (go on... can YOU work it out?!).

While much of the show is a deep dive into organisation, there is also plenty of racing covering the World Cups from Hulst and Zonhoven, and also a bit of Baal with a side of Koksijde.

In the Laatste Ronde they look forward to what is set to be an enthralling National Championships from a spectacular venue with hugely competitive fields across all categories.  Will the favorites bring home a jersey or could some wildcards spring a surprise?... 

Can Imogen Wolff challenge for an U23 podium riding up from Juniors or could she be battling with Nikki Brammeier (who was on the U23 podium the year Wolff was born)?  And listeners, we hope that you take careful note of the family battles... can younger brothers get the better of the older in the Askey, Barnes, Chilton, and Amey households?

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! Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events, and both support the DonnyChainGang.

In Episode 8 of Season 7, Neil and Matt are joined in the studio by cycling icon, Canyon SRAM sports director, and expert pit crew Magnus Bäckstedt.  

They review the first half of the kersteperiod that has featured fully loaded A-Z of start lists (Alvarado to Zoe Bäckstedt) a featuring World Cups with the sand of Antwerp and the mud of Gavere.  They talk through a great edition of Zolder with Van Aert clocking up a hat trick of consecutive Zolder wins, and the annual excitement of Diegem.

The incident involving Matthieu Van Der Poel and Felipe Nystrom is unpacked, with views exchanged on how to keep the front of the race clean, while keeping racing further down the field meaningful. 

They also talk through some great form from Del Grosso, Cant, Mason and up and coming juniors Ferguson and Wolff.

In the Laatste Ronde they look forward to Hulst (fun fun fun), Baal (hmmm), Koksijde (over-rated), and Zonhoven (woohoo!).

They preview Tong National Trophy, the final round for 23-24 season... and Magnus gives a Crosscast Exclusive that Zoe Bäckstedt will not be defending her National title for 2024, as she prepares for the World Champs.

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! Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events, and both support the DonnyChainGang.

In Episode 7 of Season 7 Neil and Matt are joined in the studio by Lars Van Der Haar, simply one of the most successful cyclocross riders of his generation.  

They talk about the cyclocross community and fitting in family with CX, as well as how young riders can be inspired to pursue sport by the pros.  

While chatting through the action from Herentals and Namur they talk through race tactics and how the Van Der Holeshot can be important in keeping a race under control, and of course they mention the fabulous starts from Matthieu Vanderpoel and Ruby James (💪💪💪).  

Lars reflects on how an early puncture at Namur meant he needed to chase for the whole race, although Pidcock was, as expected, in his element on the Citadel.  They also discuss how Alvarado, Brand, van Empel and Pieterse are peaking in form.

In the Laatste Ronde they talk through rider-favorites from the Kersteperiod, and how Lars will be missing Zolder this year despite having a fantastic track record there.

The big question remains... will Lars ever manage to add Richard Groenendaal's autograph to his collection?

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! Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events, and both support the DonnyChainGang.

In Episode 6 of Season 7 Neil and Matt are joined in the studio by legend of cyclocross development Steve Grimwood.  Neil and Steve were both fresh back from the Masters World Championships from Hamburg that turned out to be a proper winter wonderland, giving Val di Sole a run for its money in terms of snow and ice.

Neil reports back on his experiences in Germany, and some of the many memorable GB performances that included titles for John McGrath, Sally Reid, and Luke Mahoney. 

They cover Flamanville that will be remembered for the ducks as much as the racing.  

Val di Sole marked that half-way point in the World Cup and delivered some popular new World Cup winners in Bakker and Nieuwenhuis both of whom showed how to stay chilled under pressure in the snow.  

In extremely changeable conditions Gravesend delivered some new Elite UCI winners in Xan Crees and Ben Chilton, both of whom showed their strengths on a technical and difficult circuit finishing ahead of top class opposition, including the returning Millie Couzens and Isla Short.

Steve, Matt and Neil discuss just how often the unexpected happens in cyclocross, whether it's ducks on the course, fires in the arena, dramatically changing conditions, or the main course inadvertently not being opened after the start loop, and how it must be taken on board by riders and support teams. Steve gives an insight into what must be considered by the organisers when the unexpected happens and quick decisions are needed. 

Before entering the Laatste Ronde they discuss the breaking news that Tong will not be a UCI race, but then go on to preview Namur and consider what races would be good for Pidcock, Van Aert and Van der Poel to make their returns.

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! Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events, and both support the DonnyChainGang.

In Episode 5 of Season 7 Neil and Matt are joined in the studio by cyclocross talent Ruby James, having her best season for ages and doing those Hope Factory Racing colours proud.  They talk through her experiences racing at the World Cups in Troyes and Dublin and how she has worked with the Hope crew to get the best out of her season.

They discuss the Paignton National Trophy that delivered a challenging and fun course, mixing up mud, a bit of running, and some open faster sections.

Neil reports back on his block vising several local leagues (3 cracking venues and totally different in character), in his run up to the Masters World Champs from an icy Hamburg, which is where he will be when the show is uploaded.

In the Laatste Ronde they look forward to Trophy 5 from Cyclopark and the already iconic Ride for Charlie steps, and World Cups from the city of flames (Flamanville) and the valley of sun (Val di Sole).

And most importantly it's great to hear that Matt is recovering well after his scary high-speed crash in France, with a life-saver helmet and emergency transfer to l'hôpital.  

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! Follow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks! Neil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events, and both support the DonnyChainGang.