Dancing On The Pedals said:Just watched the koppenbergcross having never watched a race before, so hoped that the more knowledgeable forum members could answer some questions?
Was todays course unusual in that there was no running/steps etc?
What is the difference between Superprestige, GvA and the World Cup?
Is there much teamwork in a race normally (like on the road) or is it every man for himself?
Finally, does the ladies cx season mirror the mens exactly?
Thanks in advance (and apologies if this is lightly off topic)!
Was todays course unusual in that there was no running/steps etc?
Unusual inasmuch as most CX races have them. UCI rules require certain aspects of a parcours which (I believe) do not apply to this or any other GVA Trofee event.
What is the difference between Superprestige, GvA and the World Cup?
These are different series of events with different sponsors, different prizes, different television coverage and sometimes different applicable sets of rules.
Is there much teamwork in a race normally (like on the road) or is it every man for himself?
Rarely, because the number of riders who can sit on or near the front the whole time and then actually win at this level is quite small. That said, Dieter pulled for Niels today when the latter got stuck in the second group after a bad start. And sometimes a teammate further down a line of riders will let a gap go deliberately. People often forget, but the service point - the 'materiaalpost' - is also part of the essential teamwork. Technical issues can also be 'make or break' for a rider, as I believe it was today. Nys had a lot of bad luck with that last year.
Finally, does the ladies cx season mirror the mens exactly?
The ladies' events have less riders at the highest level, so there is probably as much of a stamina as a skills battle. The gaps at the finish tend to be bigger.