The Crosscast S8E04 South Shields and Koppenburg, and looking forward to Torbay

In Episode 4 of season 8 Neil Matt and Xan look back on the past few weeks of racing. This included Xan’s ongoing adventures in Sweden as well as her return to the Koppenburg.  Matt is back from the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, and whilst the tech remained bug free… he got infected by a virus and so a little croaky today 🦠.

They look back on the south Shields National trophy where both Neil and Xan were racing. The course was fast, but remained a challenge.  It should be a worthy venue for the 2026 National Championships. 

They also talk through the European championships, which gave race after race of action, even if team GB were conspicuous by their absence. But don’t fret - the legend Vic Barnett still brought home a Masters gold medal🥇to Welland Valley. 

They debate the merits of gravel racing and are pretty much in agreement that it’s a good thing for the sport as a whole although riders will struggle to excel in both, if they try to jump straight from gravel into cyclocross without a break. Ask Xan if you need details!

In the Laatste Ronde they preview the upcoming national trophy coming from Torbay, which is expected to be a contrast to what we saw at the first two rounds.  But there might also be a contrast to what we’ve experienced there in the past considering the weather forecast for the next few weeks. Time will tell whether we get another ‘Paignton’ course that will cut up and result in Ton of Pain.  Will we see a repeat with plenty of bike changes or are we going to get something fast and a new experience for racing down in Devon?

Please remember to support the show and support those that support the sport! Pop over to Buy Me a Coffee to help us with Crosscast costs, make sure that you give Xan and her team Spectra pals a shout, and drop by the Grity shop or website to take a look at some riding kit goodness.