kosmonooit

Looks like LL is in a league of her own - and the rest fighting for scraps. Which is fantastique but doesn't really make for great racing from a spectator PoV But the Mens Elite seems more open now, after being dominated by NS for so long.

Any sport with a ball is outside my realm of reality... so no comment on the kriket analogy. But talking XCM vs XCO vs CX etc its different for the average recreational mtb cyclist like myself, those events like Sabie, Barberton, Crater Cruise, Lion Man etc were / are a chance to get out of town and have a good day out on a mtb in nature, in parts not normally accessible. Most ride to finish, not for results. I consistently finished at a pace twice that of the winning time, and I was happy with that. XCO racing, whilst I am a fan, I would and do not enjoy, you need to be on very a high level and I don't really enjoy going round in circles, I like an adventure, to go out there and back. Same with CX, big fan but I am not a racer and probably that applies to most cyclists. So what happened to all those XCM events like I mentioned? In my opinion they got too commercial, what with mtb being the new golf, they all became part of a bigger brand and were milked dry to the point of extinction. Once I saw the VIP tents at the start/ finish areas, I knew the end was nigh. Also a certain series turned itself into a dom two day event, that did not work out did it. Around about now used to be the Lion Man in Bela Bela. You are missed. Magalies Monster seems to have survived though, as have a few other grass roots events.

Not to do with the 'new' forum but would appreciate 5 mins to edit postings to fix typos before the post being flagged as 'edited' - others do that, such as YouTube

Rob going on (&on) again about being big & powerful .... It's about power to weight ratio do0d. Speaking of which, Tom is highly impressive, he rides so cleverly as well, was always in touch with the lead and only attacked in the last 1/2 lap. Shame he ran out of gears in that sprint (or so he says) He was also fresh as a daisy at the end, cf MvdP who seemed wiped out. I'm looking forward to his first proper XCO win tomorrow. Loana Lecomte is 50kg and 1.6m, so she must have good power to weight stats as well - pity she fell during the short track but I think we can expect to see a lot more of her on the podiums. Highly impressive. Most of the others are left gasping for breath with her in the lead. She rides so smooth and fluid. Where can you find performance stats like above? Strava?

It's taken a while, but I am getting into this short track racing.

Tom was saying he has a gear problem in that sprint, ran out of gears...

But compare it to something Mont Sainte-Anne with those really tasting technical bits, descents and climbs although La Beatrice has been smoothed over lately, its a favourite with many and I think XCO needs these features to test the riders. Our very own saffa course builder knows a thing or two (Nick Floros) PMB was excellent! The original Rock Garden. He did Rio and Tokyo as well apparently. Perhaps they should get him out to Germany to spice things up there a bit, but Germans are generally very sensible rule followers, although they do have some highways with no speed limits.

I rewatched the Ladies race, the others stood no chance once Loana Lecomte went. Wow. Must be some serious power to weight ratio, any ideas? She looks tiny. Although some good climbing there, I think they have dumbed down Albstadt significantly from a technical pov. Way too easy, wooden ramps and all. That one short sharp decent after that climb used to see a lot of action, now its a gentle roll out. And call that a rock garden? Hopefully some more testing stuff in the Czech Republic this weekend although LL won there last year didn't she? Or maybe there is a UCI memo going around making cycling safe again.

I agree Kate is great, such a good spirited person, and such good sportswomenship with Haley after the race. I think she was a bit aggrieved by being a bit outwitted by PfP on the short track, but hey all is fair in love and war. Crazy to see all the youngsters getting results when just yesterday it was her and her first year in the Elites, I think as she races more she will settle down a bit and hopefully step up on the podiums. Yolanda: I hope it goes well for her, she is also just getting back into the swing of things after that big accident. Anne Terpstra is also one to watch.

Remember Emily doing that race with a broken shoulder? True grit! Sadly though I think her Olympic medal goal ship has sailed, but could be wrong. Hope so.

Mens race was great, ladies .. well one person dominating from the start does not make a great race, for me at least, Which is what MvdP is used to doing in CX, attack early and never to be seen again. Man of the match for me is MF, also what he said at the end about being happy with his place ultimately with a smile, unlike grumpy NS I'm going to have to polish up my German for that commentary, don't know if I can take another season of that hack Rob Walnut. Sure he is popular but so uniformed it hurts. Surely it should be a criteria that commentator have a broad knowledge of cycling and of the athletes. But hey its free, so should not complain should I.

Ladies U23: Kata Blanka Vas podiumed! 3rd Other names I know from CX 7 Puck PIETERSE 30 Fem VAN EMPEL (U23 World Champ)

Whilst PFP (AA) rode in a good position, in contact and pounced when it counted. As she said, its the Roadie in her. She is looking very good in terms of performance. KC might have been disappointed not to be top three but she did well, although perhaps burned one too many matches in the front earlier. Not having raced at this level for a while could be one explanation, but she is still one of the favs imho. Great to see that Catharine Pendrel racing again, she brought her 3 month old child with her!

He won by 3 mins in a Swiss Cup event this last weekend, first outing with the new team,. And he does have great bike skills. Quite a few other CX'ers doing the MTB season, perhaps Olympic spots in mind? Two names leap out on the start lists: Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado racing Elites and Hungarian sensation Blanka Kata Vas in the U23 So pumped for this, the UCI Eilte level mtb events are way too few and far between,

I have a small Metabo router with variable speed that I have used for years, possibly regarded as a trimmer. You only need the big boy for heavy duty, high duty cycle work. Variable speed is NB, you need to spin the small bits fast and the big ones slow. Battery power cordless is very handy but needs to be weighed up with cost. and generally one will be working where there is a power point. Check collet size though - you don't want to be stuck with the small one, and there are spacers to 1/4" - 1/2"

Yea I know that pass intimately, having cycled up there a couple of times. In fact I remember that corner. What was that articulated truck diver thinking ffs? Guess there was no turning back though. I am really enjoying itchy Boot's vlogs on her SA trip, it's giving me impetus and motivation to get my Thumper restomod done so I hit the back roads! its been way too long,

Some really grim faces coming across the line today .... lets hope the TT is more cheerful tomorrow. I would like Woods to take the GC

"Plank based"? Calling someone a plank back in the day was not a compliment, but this must be some other reference. Anyway lots on 'manne' on Avcom.

I don't think they really had a plan without Tom, kinda just threw everything they could at the race. Surely didn't expect Richie to stay away down the road towards the end, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Enjoyed this:

I've had a Makita 18V multitool in my mobile toolbox for a while now, with a bunch of attachments (cheap on ebay) - so very useful at times. Got the headzup on this tool from the Skillbuilder channel Just got 18V Blower in from Toolcraft, that is also going to be very useful - I've toiled with power cords and extenstions long enough. Like on a roof having bored holes for an antenna bracket, using chemical mortar & studs, they really need to be blown out.

And so cool we are going to see him in action on the XCO MTB season this year, and the MTB Olympics apparently.

Big up Tom! So cool to see him take his first big Pro win, and he earned it! Long been a fan, yes he is confident but never overconfident, cocky or arrogant, top bloke.

Well they say bouts of good / bad luck comes in bouts of 3's. Not to take anything away from the Manx Missile... Move over Sammy B?

Last hooray?