XC tips/info

[DRUM]

hey people,
I've never done XC in my life before and with the Nats (Fellcrag) comin up my friend is pressuring me to come up with him and race XC. I thought this was a sweet idea and Id be able to try my hand at XC./..

so anyways i dont have the faintest of what its like... i'd be entering in the U/15's.

Am I stupid for even thinking about doing this seeing that ive never raced before? :)

Oh, and could someone give me a run down on how the whole XC racing system works ;)

cheers
DRUM

[Cúl-Báire]

Mmmm Crazy? No not really, even at national events they cater for beginers, at least from what I hear anyways.

XC format is basicly a timed race over a set distance, you all start at once, and first to finish is the winner basicly. I wont go into catorgreys or anything like that as you are pretty certian you'll be racing U/15's or Novice... The race itself is basicly a mixture of Fireroads and Singletrack, maybe some technical climbs or DH runs.

It's pretty easy stuff really, the hardest part is to keep going when your completely nakked & not to make mistakes when you can see Elvis or BugsBunny

[Jrad]

I am also thinking of doing fellcrag XC nats...i was the one who suggested the idea to DRUM. Basicially i am already fit cause i have been doing like rides eveyday on XC type tracks as well as 3 days a week gym type work but have never actaullty raced XC but do weekly XC stlye rides whcih go for 3 hours and i am not tired until about an hour after the whole ride finishes.

basically what i need to no is appox how long will the race go? What should i take in the race? how should i pace myself? and what is the competition in U/15s like?

Sorry DRUM to kinda Hijack ur thred with my questions but as were in it together the questions i need to answers to are still probably helpful to u.
Thanks

[DRUM]

Ahh thats cool... I thought you might be released at different intervals which would mean those guys who train XC techniques would have a huge advantage... if we all get released at once least ill have a target of the person i want to take over.

JRAD :I think the average times for U/15's is 20 mins

[Jrad]

whoa...only 20mins that is very acheivable then

[Cúl-Báire]

Maybe I should have explained myself better: These in a different class will be released at a different time; they will have no time ad vantage over you though, as all the classes are timed seperate.

[Grover]

check the schedule closer to the date but from how other races are run you will probably be racing with U17, masters and super masters. there will be a couple of minutes between starts for each category but everyone in the same category starts together. U15 races usually last about 1 hour so one normal sized (750ml) drink bottle should do you. That's about it, have fun.