several decades ago i rode both series now dd1 (15 yrs) is changing codes from cross country/ fell racing ( top 5 in country) to cycling and been fit fast and fearless she fancies xc.. where should she be aiming to race?
There are regional series and then the national series (British XC series) & the national champs.
Where are you based?
north west/ manchester
Nutcracker series is nearest thing to NEMBAs and uses some of the same venues. Entry numbers for seniors are much smaller than back in the day, but youth / junior class is still pretty popular. National BC races have good youth fields.
Also midweek madness races in NW but quite small / low key / friendly.
Midlands regional races are well attended.
Regional / National cyclocross races would be a good place to start over winter (probably more racers than mtb). Google NWCCA. Hoghton Tower course on Saturday is reasonably technical.
thanks for that Mick.. we went to the 1st round of the yarkshire series at the weekend.. surprised not to see one mtb racing in the early 90's half the field were on mtb cross bikes were seen as old hat!only time i dragged my cross bike out was for 3 peaks..
Just turn up early and have a pre-ride round one of the CX courses to see what she thinks. Can enter on the day if then fancies a go. MTBs are common at regional CX (I could lend you some CX tyres if she has a 29er and wants to make it a bit lighter / roll faster).
Shame the Rossendale round has been cancelled – that was pretty much an MTB course anyway.