The sport in the UK, and Wales in particular has been decimated by Covid. Forest rallying won’t start in England until the end of September.
There are events planned for Wales later this year – it all depends on the Welsh parliament giving the green light for outdoor sporting events.
I haven’t been out spectating since last years Cambrian Rally in February 2020 – so I’m desperate to get out and watch.

One wonders how/why they made their equipment choices.

Last year with Trinity Racing I think he was on an Epic, with Sram and RockShox forks. It was assumed, as Pinarello don’t have a MTB, he’d use an unbranded Epic, but with Shimano groupset.

However, when they released the testing coverage, it was all change; BMC bike, with Suntour forks/shocks, plus Shimano XTR groupset, and Continental tyres.

Hopefully along with Evie Richards he’ll raise the profile of XCO racing as well.

We really need a round of the XC World Cup in the UK – it’s been far too long without one. And a CX World Cup as well……

Just need to find backers with the money – and a venue.

He has stated he wants to won as much as he can – and across various disciplines….I doubt he’d have signed for Ineos if that wasn’t allowed.

While yesterday was impressive, it wasn’t full of the top racers with only Carod of the top 10 present.

Will be interesting to see were he ends up after starting right at the back on Sunday; he’s aiming for top 16, which enables him to get in the Short track for Nove Mesto the week after.

Slightly off topic, but for all the ‘rivalry’ between MvdP & WvA, I think he’s got a 70% win record v Wout. However, there is a cyclist that he has a losing record against…..

A few years ago on the BBC Bespoke podcast he was called “the best cyclist you’ve never heard of; the one and only N1no.

Wasn’t a fan of the course – but Worlds courses don’t tend to be super technical, or have lots of climbs/descents. Think this is the third in a row which has been mainly flat, with a few bridges thrown in – and very little technical sections.

Agree about an earlier post about the commentary; makes you realise how good the Red Bull TV MTB coverage is, and Rob’s enthusiastic commentary.
I get fed up of them going on about how great CX is for road racing…..

Somebody mentioned it above about the lack of mainstream coverage following another British World Championship win; well I hate to say this, but the mainstream aren’t interested. They already cover cycling, it just so happens it takes place on the road. Most of the cycling journalists are ‘old school roadies’, anything else which involves ‘off road’ doesn’t count.
And I say this as somebody who watches road, as well as MTB, and Cyclocross.
The winner of last Sunday’s Tour of Flanders won 3 XCO MTB World Cup races last year, but they very rarely mention his MTB success….just he came from CX.

As above; rain is tolerable, and so is cold – with modern clothing it’s not too much of a problem. In fact, when its cold and crisp, and blue skies, it can be genuinely a pleasure out on the bike.

However, wind is just relentless. I can put up with a breeze, and even a bit of wind, as it toughens you up. But the recent ‘storms’ are another matter.
It’s bad enough in perfect conditions riding on the road – but in these winds, its just a ‘no no’. You do see some people still riding, but getting blown all over the road isn’t clever; sometimes its better to not bother.

In fact, I’ve taken to walking for about 45 mins a few times a week after evening to get some exercise while this garbage weather carries on.

Another mainly flat & featureless course for a major championship – I hope this is not a trend. I want to see riders tested by the course; technical sections, climbing, descending, etc not just who has the horse power – we have TT/Track for that.
I know they expect some rain – but if a course needs rain for it to be a test, then it’s not very good.

Of all the places in Switzerland, and they choose an airport……..dumb!!

No TV/streaming for a national Champs is pretty poor. What are BC doing with our money? Other countries seem to manage. Not fit for purpose. Shambles….

When my membership is up, I’m not renewing…. and switching to Cycling UK.

What about the Yamaha pair; the Super Tenere or the 700cc Tenere which gets decent reviews.