Cyclo cross "Koksijde"

mentalalex

Anybody raced here?

i know it's sandy

Anyone got any tips etc! apart from the obvious

best way to ride through sand ? all i could fine on google. was to accelerate into it, keep weight back and let the front wheel glide, keep the revs up (cadence).

Also been told it's the hardest out of the World cup series.
Mainly race MTB, so i don't mind technical!

Cheers Alex

Pross

Can't help sorry but congratulations on your selection for the GB squad and good luck. Shame you haven't got time to get down to Merthyr Mawr beach, it would have given you good practice for sand dunes!

Bronzie

Yeah, good luck Alex. Have been across to watch it before and it's a great atmosphere - wish I could go over this weekend to cheer you and the other Brits on.

Some race pics on my Flickr page of the 2007 races:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bronzie/se ... 293206979/

APIII

I'll be there, so good luck, I'll be cheering you on!

lyn1

Good luck Alex.

A leading Belgium pro gave my lads the following advice
don’t grip the bars tightly,
don’t oversteer, effectively let the front wheel go where it wants,
dont try to create new tracks
always pedal ..keep revs up

Also when running, particularly uphill, take small steps and put your feet in exisitng holes...dont make new ones as you sink further.

People will stack it, so dont ride too close or they will bring you down as well.

Once you start to loose momentum, get off and run before you stop and fall off, as it saves time.

Finally, watch the pro men on the practice day.

jgsi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GDof8taxvg

last lap 2009

hammerite

Alex - I don't know if you use Twitter, but you could try tweeting Helen Wyman, Nikki Harris and Gabby Day for tips, they're quite active on there.

mentalalex

Cheers, already follow them i'm under the name alxwelburn

Cheers for that!

Monty Dog

We have deep sand in these parts and to make progress maintaining momentum is critical - try and go as fast and straight as possible, but if the bike wants to run wide, let it go if necessary - heavy steering will wash-out. Be prepared to come to a halt and be ready for a fast dismount and running - chopping your running stride and maintain a high cadence to keep the rhythm going.

Mark Alexander

Well Alex, we're all down playing in the sand at Pembrey on Sunday
http://www.cyclocrosswales.co.uk/eventdetails8.html

I love the sand in cross.
Good luck see you on twitter

BeaconRuth

Best of luck Alex - I'm sure you're in for a fabulous experience. Enjoy it!

Ruth