That is not to patronise ‘cross, nor the events.

There is some serious talent on show. Physically and technically. The course at Gran Premi de Les Franqueses, near Barcelona, was tough on both counts. The ubiquitous steps and planks sections, some serious elevation changes and not a single stretch to get a rhythm going with the park’s fixed paths criss-crossing the course like a minefield of mini obstacles sprinkled everywhere, where on another course there might be a chance to relax for a second. There were two particularly testing drop ins; one at pace, the other very steep into a very tight hairpin into a dusty exit. Both had a high-line and a low-line. The former, you had to ride or you lost too much, the second, many leapt off and scuttled down on foot. On both, many also did fine impressions of Franz Klammer on skis, with legs flailing for balance; some with success, a fair few falling into the hard, dusty soil. No mud. Not even in this (relatively) wet year in Catalunya, not today.

Here in Catalunya many of the events are in industrial areas of blue-collar towns.

Perhaps not the prettiest suburbs of the most popular towns, but they are often well connected - and invariably have a local cafe ready with good coffee and cakes. What is perhaps different, and certainly is the case with Les Franqueses, is what surrounds and what one can see with the elevation of the course. Climb out of the bowl of the registration area and the start-finish line, up to the top of the course and you are surrounded by the beautiful countryside that embraces the Valles Orientales here; to the north, the Massis del Montseny and the east and south east, the Montenegro i el Corredor. Catalunya is a stunning land and even here, in an industrial centre, one is not far away from that beauty. The beauty of ‘cross is enhanced by the beauty of the wild, juxtaposed against the industrial race HQ.