The Crosscast S7E02 - National Trophy 01 South Shields and its new schedule with Oli Akers

In Episode 2 of Season 7 Neil and Matt are joined in the studio by 'CXOli' - Oli Akers - from Ribble Verge cyclocross team.  Oli brings us up to speed on his MTB camp with Trek Future Racing and his speedy start to his season, characterised by his speedy starts. Neil and Oli go into fine detail on their racing in South Shields, how they found the course, and how Oli managed to come on top in a sprint and Neil... didn't (oh come on... it was a photo finish with identical times to the 10th!).  The men's race had a familiar podium with Mein and Barnes Bros taking the 1-2-3 but the women's race had a new winner in Elenor Day (yes, my top tip  😂) followed by Baker and James with a result showing she's back on awesome form and ready to take on the CX season.  Keira Bond finished in a strong 4th, fresh over to the UK from USA, and someone we hope will be able to race the whole season.Matt, Oli and Neil discuss the biggest talking point of the weekend, the change in schedule, which certainly changed the feel of the event... is it too soon to see whether it is better or worse on balance?  In the Laatste Ronde they look forward to next round of the National Trophy coming from a new venue at Thornton Hall.  A course that is described as being either up or down or the pits, and on the same site where you can pick pumpkins can hug a baby goat.  What's not to like?They also preview the first round of the World Cup due to come from TREK's car park at Waterloo.  Could this be the first World Cup win for Nys Jr or will the more established riders pick up where they left off last season.  Since recording the show the start list has been published and it includes several exciting names from the MTB world including former winner Neff, but also has a lot of names missing.  Essential viewing for sure.Support the show--To support the show pop over to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/crosscast to make a donation towards our hosting fees - every little helps!  You can watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheCrosscastCyclocrossFollow us on Insta and Facebook, and share to your networks!  Neil Mansfield @crosscastneil is part of Grity Sustainable Sports Apparel @gritykit, and Matt Payne @mattfixerpayne runs Full Speed Events @full_speed_events. Xan Crees @xancrees races for OGT USE.