Drop-offs have been a part of XC mountain biking since time immemorial (so only a couple of decades in the timeline of MTB). A few inches with solid forks, and a few more with suspension. Nowadays something you can measure with a metre stick doesn't really register as a drop, instead the new style XC courses offer features that mere mortals look over the edge of and think, "well that's just daft!". The Albstadt Drop (see above photo), the drop into Worry Gill at Dalby Forest, The Vertical Drop at Nove Mesto, Houffalize in general...

The B, and even C, line is a blossoming phenomenon. These alternative lines are often referred to as 'the chicken route' (a world-wide phrase varying in hilarity dependent on the accent). Of course I understand the reference, but I can't help thinking that a non-feathered variety of animal would better describe the choice, as wings would almost certainly make me more inclined to throw myself over a lip into a potential precipice of pain.

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Emil Lindgren was born in 1985 in Sweden. He signed his first professional contract in 2008 and now rides for Giant Pro XC Team where he brings enthusiasm that hasn't wavered through experience and a spirit that helps bond the team, as much through humour as through guidance. 

As well as a top rider Emil is also very much a family man. He has two children, Sune and Ebbe. Sune was on two wheels before his second birthday and Ebbe is sure to follow suit. At the World Cup in Hafjell Emil and Sune were showing off their bike tricks just before the start of the Elite Men's race, a nod towards Emil's relaxed approach to racing. 

Emil seems to have mastered the much sought-after art of being focussed, enthusiastic, successful and super chilled-out.

For updates on his training, racing and love of life - and plenty of 'selfies' - follow @emillindgren85 on Twiiter.

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Rather pleasingly, the two Cannondale team mates, Marco and Manuel, both have surnames beginning with F. 

Fontana and Fumic are known as much for their baggy shorts as their top results. The whole Cannondale Factory Racing set up is 'cool'. Coffee machines, a TV, everyone in trendy black clothing. It is very image-centric, but the riders don't fail to produce results. This year both Fontana and Fumic sit inside the top ten of the UCI rankings, Fumic was second at the World Championships, and Fontana finished seventh overall in the World Cup. 

Fontana and Fumic are, in many respects, making XC cool - they have style on and off the bike and they evidently have a great deal of fun racing. 

There is, however, such a thing as being too cool. Don't cross that fine line boys!

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Next week we're off to China for G, Belgium for H, and Scotland for I. Any ideas?

Also check out: ABC - DEF - GHI

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