The SRAM CX1 group was installed on a few riders’ bikes. Not yet released, the single-ring or “one-by” group has a long cage and roller bearing clutch mechanismRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Front view of the SRAM CX1 rear deraileur, which uses a straight parallelogram instead of the standard slant parallelogramRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The SRAM CX1 rear derailleur is matched to this single chain ring with obvious wide-narrow teeth and no form of chain guideRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The USA’s Elle Anderson tops the run-up with her green Specialized CruX fitted with SRAM CX1Robin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Anderson’s SRAM CX1 single front ringRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The place every rider was aiming to reach first over the weekendRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Lars Van Der Haar during practice. The so far unnamed Shimano disc wheels he’s been riding all season seem to have gained C35 decals, although they could be unofficial additionsRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
There was an early crash in the men’s juniors race. At the foot of the carnage were one Czech and two French riders, two rolled tubulars and two broken chains!Robin Wilmott / Future Publishing
The junior race saw a Belgian clean sweepRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The juniors competed in some of the muddiest conditions all weekendRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Australia is another relative newcomer to cyclocrossRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The Aussies brought this unusual ‘cross bike from Apollo. The longer seat stays and unusual, kinked top tube supposedly provide more complianceRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Perennial top French performer Francis Mourey’s Lapierre bikes – one set up for the road, and one for practiceRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Mourey chooses the one-piece PRO Stealth Evo carbon comboRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Lapierre’s only top-end ‘cross bike is designed to run either cantilevers or discs, with universal cable routingRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
A custom, mechanic-made front cable hanger bolts onto the underside of the stem, and also mounts the Di2 control box. Note the Di2 satellite shifterRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The Lapierre’s unused rear disc mountRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
This American team tool kit includes everything an on-the-road mechanic needs: compact case, trusted tools, electric inflator, lube, water… and Nutella!Robin Wilmott/Future Publishing
GB ‘cross champion Helen Wyman’s Kona fitted with Easton’s EC90 Aero 55 tubular wheelset and Challenge Limus tubsRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Wyman’s disc brake-equipped bikes use different TRP calipers; this one had the SpyreRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Wyman’s other bike on display was set up with TRP’s clever cable-operated HY/RD hydraulic calipersRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Stef Wyman showed us this prototype Challenge tubular with more aggressive side knobs from the Limus mud tyre, and a central strip that is a little narrower than the Chicane, with a larger, grippier file tread. It’s said to roll quickly, and at usual low ‘cross pressures still grip well in a straight line due to the taller side knobs. There’s no name for the tyre yet, but expect to see it on sale before next seasonRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
In spite of SRAM’s hydraulic brake recall, this Swiss rider still raced with three hydraulic disc-equipped Bergamont bikesRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing