Interview Xan Crees

On her website, she describes her cyclocross carreer as an adventure, and last season has been quite a big journey for her. She left the British isles almost all season to gain experience at the European mainland. This season she wants to  use this experience to perform even better both domestically and abroad. Xan Crees is a young ambitious rider who would like to set another step forward this Winter, after a Summer where she discovered her capabilities on road & gravel. Get to know a rider that you might recognize on all kind of surfaces in the future.

What attracted you to cyclocross?

It's always been the community and friendly feel that's drawn me to cross. Of course, I love the intense racing, the technical aspect and the challenge but the real buzz comes from being surrounded by friends. When I started at my local cyclocross league it didn't matter if you were first or last everyone was supportive and that's continued to the top level. Even now I have lots of people in Europe who cheer for me and so many friends racing around me!

Last year you raced almost a whole season abroad. Which advice would you give to young riders who want to do the same thing?

Remember to rest! I know last year I raced lots and travelled most weekends and I absolutely loved it but it was so physically demanding. I ended the season exhausted. So, I'll defiently be having a few more weekends off this season (although I'll still be racing plenty around Europe!)

What are your favourite kind of tracks?

My favourite are courses that are technical and a little wet but not super muddy. That's because it makes technical skill and tyre choice so important and I love those conditions so typically I do better.

 

How do you look back at last Winter?

I often look back at last season with very fond memories. I learnt so much and gained so much invaluable experience. I always feel lucky how much my bikes have allowed me to travel and all the countries i got to visit last year. I'll always be greatful for that!

How do you spend the Summer season?

This year I've spent the summer racing both on the road and off road on the gravel! Most of my riding has been off road to keep my off road skills fresh and I am currently preparing for Gravel National and World Championships events. It's been a lot of fun and hopefully prepared me well for cross!

What are your ambitions for the upcoming season?

For this season I'm hoping to improve on my results on last season and keep achieving top 15 results in Europe! I'd also like to podium in the UK National Series races which I'll be doing back home in between blocks out in Europe!

I'd also love to be able to race the world cup series and hopefully European championships too!

Are you a lot into science or numbers or your pefer to rely more on instinct?

As someone who studied a science degree you'd probably think I'm in to science but actually I like relying on my instinct more and just going out and racing! Power data definelty has its place in training but out in the field skills and form on the day play a lot into results so there's not a lot stressing over numbers will do then!

In what would you improve in the long term?

In the long term I'd really like to improve my sprint, especially at the end of a long cross race. I think my endurance and skills are good but I think improving my sprint especially at the end of a long race will help me improve my results!