Many consider cyclocross to be a steeplechase with modified road bikes on a 2km course over hill and dale; others consider it muddy hell. Its roots can be traced to the early 1900s, when French army private Daniel Gousseau would ride his bicycle alongside horseback-riding friends through the woods. But it's also an immensely popular winter race discipline, guaranteed to get you fitter (and muddier) with an exceptional atmosphere to boot.
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The cyclocross scene is strong in Europe, with some of the most aggressive and successful racers hailing from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy and the Czech Republic. But it's currently enjoying a massive boom in the US and Australia, along with a renaissance in the UK.
Traditionally, the cyclocross season runs from September to January, ending with the UCI World Championships.
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Here's BikeRadar's video guide to getting into cyclocross:
What is cyclocross?
Like triathlon, cyclocross mixes multiple athletic endeavours, namely riding and running, with a strong emphasis on skillful bike handling. The pace, barriers, climate and technical aspects of the course weed out the weak and make for good theatre. Spectators with horns and cowbells provide a festival environment, especially in Europe.
Most races are held on 1km to 3km courses, mixing tarmac, sand, dirt, mud, run-ups and sometimes steps. Races typically last a set timespan — between 30 minutes and an hour — plus a final lap. However, if you're lapped by the leaders then you have to pull out at the end of that lap to avoid confusion. The pace at the sharp end is unrelenting and brutally fast, and the stop-go nature of the courses and racing mean you get an intense workout.
Cyclocross equipment
1. Cyclocross bikes
2. Cyclocross shoes and pedals
3. Cyclocross clothing and kit
How to get started in cyclocross
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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