1x10: Crawford Carrick Anderson
1. Can you introduce yourself and let our readers know a little bit about you?
My name is Crawford Carrick-Anderson (Crawfy). I was a full time downhill MTBer from 1999 to 2004 - I have travelled all around the world for World Cups, including Quebec, Los Angeles, Japan, Sweden and Europe. My best results were 7th at a World Cup and 9th at the World Championships. I retired in 2004. In 2007 I started to race Enduro in the UK - for fun, as I wanted to enjoy myself. My results were not too bad! I love 2 wheels so much!
2. How long have you been involved in cyclocross?
I have been doing cyclocross for nearly 4 years. I first raced in Mull (on a borrowed bike) as I wanted to try it out as my kids Corran and Emily were doing CX. I decided to buy a CX bike 7 months later.
3. What got you into the sport in the first place?
I took my kids to SCX races. One year later my son Corran said to me “Why not give it a try?” I couldn’t imagine what a CX bike was like. So I borrowed a CX bike for Mull from Bspoke Cycles in Peebles. I clearly remember that I nearly crashed at the gate in Mull. Oh my God! I didn’t realise that the CX bike is much easier to slide than an MTB. I learned a lot and really enjoyed myself. The CX riders are friendly and a great community. It seems to be getting bigger and bigger recently.
4. Can you remember the first CX race you went to, and how did it go?
My first race was in Mull almost 4 years ago. The weather was a nightmare - strong winds and so wet. I was not sure if I could wear lycra as I was used to wearing mtb baggy shorts. I decided to race in lycra but it felt weird! I was so exhausted at the end as I had never ridden a long distance race like that before - I was used to riding short sprints for DH and Enduro. I really liked it, so I wanted to do more CX races next season.
5. What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen at a cross race?
At the British CX Championship in Bradford in January this year with my son Corran. I had no idea what it looked like as it was my first time there. Wow! There were thousands of people and jet washes in the pit area - it just looked like there were so many penguins in there!. Lucky I borrowed a jet wash from our club, Peebles Cycling Club, which was really useful. It was crazy!
6. What’s the most embarrassing thing you have done at a race, on or off a bike?
I was embarrassed at Mull (my first race ever) as I wore my Downhill SPD shoes and I was struggling to get up the steep muddy hill tunnel where I had to run and carry my bike as my shoes were flat and no spikes. I slipped every step. I had to pull the branches of the trees on the way uphill. You can imagine how stupid I looked in Lyrca with the chunky DH shoes.
7. Do you have a favourite course, either to ride, or to spectate?
Of course - Strathcycle Park. I love it as there are 2 wee downhills which are good for me. Also I liked Foxlake as I felt like I was in Belgium.
8. Are there any riders you particularly admire?
Gary McCae is unbelievably strong in the over 40’s category. I felt like he had an e-bike as it was impossible to catch him up. I enjoyed watching David Lines every round in 2015. He was very powerful and fast. Harry Johnson was definitely flying every round in 2016. Hope he will come back next year. Gary McDonald (I’ve know him since he was 10 as we rode motorbike trials for years) has become very fit recently. He was amazing at the motorbike trials for many years.
My good friend Chris Buchan has been very successful so far in the over 40’s this year (4th, 7th and 5th already). He just started CX racing last year in the senior category. We used to race against each other (MTB Enduro, Motorbike enduro and running - he never beat me Ha!). I think he will win in 2018 so keep eye on him (Sorry Chris - no pressure!)
9. Any particular highlights from last season?
At Strathcyde Park I was about 10th after the start and then I followed Graeme Cross, Jason Barnes and John Woodrow for 3 laps. I was fired up on the last lap and past them. I finished 4th which I was extremely happy about!!!
10. Finally, what are you looking forward to for this season.
This year (1st, 2nd and 3rd Rounds) has not been good for me as I’ve had a problems with my bike (tyre came off twice at Callander and I snapped the mech hanger at Irvine). At Fife College I felt so excited to be a leader into the wood on the 1st lap but unfortunately the front tyre came off and then I crashed. I was crying!!! (I felt like that). I changed to Corran’s bike at the pit area. I passed many riders but then I got a rear puncture on the 2nd last lap. What a nightmare!!! So I had bad luck 3 times. Enough!!!. I am looking forward to do more races though. I also hope my left hip will be fixed as it was not good for 3 years. I am getting old! Wait and see!
