What is cyclocross?

I often get asked what cyclocross actually is, so I think it would be a good idea to tell all you lot what I think it is. The google definition for cyclocross is “cross-country racing on bicycles” but I think cyclocross is a lot more than that. ‘Cross merges road cycling and mounting biking (MTB) to make probably one of the worlds hardest, physically and mentally, cycling event. You will have to challenge the elements and push your limits to ride harder than you ever have before. In a cyclocross race you should expect to encounter every type of terrain possible, and all the elements known to man. Who doesn’t enjoy pushing themselves to the limit? Who doesn’t enjoy getting covered in mud?

‘Cross races normally last for 45 minutes to 1 hour and mainly include off road riding, but some races have small parts of tarmac sections. Also a lot of courses include sections where you have to run with your bike, it might be to hop over a couple of hurdles or obstacles, or it could be because that certain part of the course is too steep or too muddy to be riden.  Remember that sometimes it’s quicker to run than it is to ride. The sprint is at the start of the race so In order to be positioned well you should be on the 1st couple of lines at the start, that way you don’t have to battle through the full field in order to move up.

So to summarise, cyclocross is a race that lasts for 45 minutes to an hour, where you will ride a mix off terrains and push your limits to the max. You can face almost any weather condition and both ride and run with your bike. Most importantly it is great fun.