The Crosscast S7E06 - Steve Grimwood chats Gravesend, Masters World Champs, Flamanville

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 --

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