Every time we tried to put features like that in a course here, the riders started whining. That’s why a lot of the races in the mid-00’s were like crits instead of steeplechases. And don’t give me that UCI acceptable crap. It’s supposed to be dirty and tricky. I’m sorry if you can’t wear your white kit.
i’m just saying…. my comment means nothing. but i got this from one competitor/roadie at last years state cx “normally i don’t like sand up my ass” referenced from pinch flat news
Notice that they are able to ride it. A good cyclocross race should have technical stuff like this, but that doesn’t mean “jungle cross” IMO. Last year my favorite courses were Hudson, Velodrome, and State CX races, because they both had an array of short, technical elements. I don’t like long runups or singletrack sections (i.e. bottlenecks) because these single features tended to split the race up. It’s still should be mostly about riding your bike, with the added challenge of how smooth you can handle the transitions in the technical stuff.
Some riders did carry on that downhill. A few in the men’s race, lots more in the women’s race. Just because some of the world’s highest horsepower riders find it rideable doesn’t mean it’s rideable. Katie Compton could manage it though. Wish I had her horsepower.
My complaints about Koksijde are that it’s at the end of a local train route so it takes a long time to get there from Gent. And the course is a couple of clicks from the station, with no bus service. The race itself is a gas, lots of Brits stop there on their way to Gent to catch the weekend racing at the six day. You need sharp eyes but there is a youtube of the last lap where I can pick my kid and me out of the crowd.
If you ask Bob Williams he’ll tell you to go to Gavere on the weekend prior. A week later most people at the six day have been shorting their sleep and aren’t eager for the trip. Maybe I should be a little disquieted by how easily my 12 year old daughter adapted to rolling in at 2AM each morning.
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10 Responses to “Koksijde Sand Pit”
is this cyclocross or golf, i don’t like sandtraps….
It’s shocking I know. I’m surprised you were not consulted on this before they put this Belgian course together.
I can only assume that all the local cross race promoters have been in contact with you to assure that each course meets with your approval.
get a load of those spectators. sheesh.
Every time we tried to put features like that in a course here, the riders started whining. That’s why a lot of the races in the mid-00’s were like crits instead of steeplechases. And don’t give me that UCI acceptable crap. It’s supposed to be dirty and tricky. I’m sorry if you can’t wear your white kit.
i’m just saying…. my comment means nothing. but i got this from one competitor/roadie at last years state cx “normally i don’t like sand up my ass” referenced from pinch flat news
I’m just ranting.
I was somewhat surpised to not see Hollywood when the camera panned the crowd
@baba: That whining should be a badge of honor Baba. Put that sand trap back in for 2008!
Notice that they are able to ride it. A good cyclocross race should have technical stuff like this, but that doesn’t mean “jungle cross” IMO. Last year my favorite courses were Hudson, Velodrome, and State CX races, because they both had an array of short, technical elements. I don’t like long runups or singletrack sections (i.e. bottlenecks) because these single features tended to split the race up. It’s still should be mostly about riding your bike, with the added challenge of how smooth you can handle the transitions in the technical stuff.
Some riders did carry on that downhill. A few in the men’s race, lots more in the women’s race. Just because some of the world’s highest horsepower riders find it rideable doesn’t mean it’s rideable. Katie Compton could manage it though. Wish I had her horsepower.
My complaints about Koksijde are that it’s at the end of a local train route so it takes a long time to get there from Gent. And the course is a couple of clicks from the station, with no bus service. The race itself is a gas, lots of Brits stop there on their way to Gent to catch the weekend racing at the six day. You need sharp eyes but there is a youtube of the last lap where I can pick my kid and me out of the crowd.
If you ask Bob Williams he’ll tell you to go to Gavere on the weekend prior. A week later most people at the six day have been shorting their sleep and aren’t eager for the trip. Maybe I should be a little disquieted by how easily my 12 year old daughter adapted to rolling in at 2AM each morning.