as a self-confessed road nazi, i confess that the fenders are over the top. hard-core roadies, and especially 'cross racers, enjoy bathing in mud just as much as MTB dudes, except they like to do it in 40 degree rain.
Eye protection is absolutely necessary, only thing scarier than crazy Pcad in the woods is a "one-eyed" Pcad. A hell-bent superhero with no depth perception. yeah....