Did the 3rd round Bel Ray last year (on a scorching hot sunny day) and found it to be physically the toughest CC event I did. (Can't remember the farm name venue sorry, but was v close to Thundercross park) Course was fast farm riding but more technical than I thought it would be. Some tricky cambers, drops and dips and even some tree roots here and there.
Found it hard to pick good lines cresting some steep spurs - with big gnarly sheep ruts on the other side. The fearless bastards were getting some stomach churningly serious air over one scary ridge in particular.
Main point here is I found I really had to keep concentration up as course hazards not as well marked as GNCC (not really a criticism, just personal view/observation, event was very well run). Course got pretty rough on this particular day, bone dry soil simply fell to bits. Knee deep ruts formed up at couple of bottle necks. Only race last year I seriously considered chucking in towel for final lap, due being megaknackered and sore kidneys from the pounding (whimper, sniff) even though I was up on the pegs most of the time. Very glad I carried on though as (cough) ended up with highest event placing for the year. Well pleased.
Mass start is a blast (shotgun), plus with 'all in' unlike GNCC everyone on exactly the same course means you're able to compare your times to top riders. Pros/experts front row, clubman second/third row. Loved it.
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