Cyclo-Cross: Bicycle Racing on Rough Terrain

Cyclo-cross racing is rumored to have been started in France where road bike racers would race each other from town to town during the off-season in order to train and stay in shape. The riders would be allowed to go through fields, over fences and through other types of natural terrain as shortcuts to beat the other riders.
 
 
This early form of cyclo-cross proved to be a good workout, as riders traverse a variety of rough terrain. Not only did they gain strength, but these early cyclo-cross riders also significantly improved their ability to maneuver a bike, as they had to learn how to shift gears and handle their bikes over constantly varying surfaces.
 
After Daniel Gousseau introduced the first cyclo-cross races in France in 1902, the sport caught on quickly throughout Europe. The first international race was held in 1924, and the sport is still going strong today.

Modern Cyclo-Cross Racing

Cyclo-cross racing is usually done in the autumn and winter, and the international or World Cup season for cyclo-cross is from September to January. As with track biking, the International Cycling Union (UCI) is responsible for setting and overseeing the rules and regulations of cyclo-cross.
 
In this section, we will explain how to get started in cyclo-cross. Our articles describe everything you need to know about cyclo-cross, including the necessary equipment, various types of courses and proper techniques so that you can excel at this sport.

Cyclo-Cross Racing

Cyclo-cross bikes are similar to racing bikes, in that they have narrow tires and dropped handlebars to make them more aerodynamic. However, because cyclo-cross riders deal with ever-changing rough terrain, their bikes also share some characteristics of mountain bikes, such as knobby tires to increase traction and cantilever style brakes for wider clearance.
 
Because riders occasionally pick of their bikes to get over or through various obstacles, bikes are also lightweight in cyclo-cross racing.

Cyclo-Cross Equipment

As a form of bike racing, cyclo-cross requires relatively little gear and equipment so that the rider isn’t weighed down. Basically, the only gear besides the bike that a rider needs is the proper clothing, gloves and a helmet. The clothing for cyclo-cross riders is similar to what bike racers wear: it tends to be skintight and waterproof. In general, cyclo-cross clothing has long sleeves to protect the rider from changing weather conditions.
 
Cyclo-cross riders also wear mountain biking shoes to give them extra traction on ungroomed terrain. Helmets and gloves are important to protecting riders in case they crash. It is unwise to try this type of riding without cyclo-cross equipment.

Technique and Training

As a unique form of cycling, cyclo-cross has its own set of techniques and rules of etiquette that facilitate the sport. Riders must complete laps on a track that includes paved areas, wooded areas, trails, slopes and obstacles that the rider has to climb or get over.
 
When they face such obstacles, cyclo-cross riders generally have to get off of their bikes and carry them short distances on foot. The techniques riders use to carry their bikes and traverse terrain on foot are important whether or not they fall behind in the race.
 
Another important aspect to a racer’s technique is when he decides when to change his bike, as well as when he decides to stop at his pit crew to get necessary mechanical assistance, change tires and clean the bikes. While stopping can cost a racer precious time, trying to ride with flat tires or broken gears will also slow down a rider. Some of the most important aspects of cyclo-cross are technique and training.
 
Resource
 
USA Cycling (2008). Cyclocross. Retrieved January 9, 2008, from the USA Cycling Web site.