Cyclocross is a cycling race that usually lasts 30-60 minutes, but in that short time you will experience many new things! Short, winding courses with obstacles on both paved roads and off-road conditions are a challenge for both beginners and experienced cyclocross riders.
At cyclocross reigns a festive atmosphere that sets a positive mood, which is necessary to overcome the difficult route. Here you will have to apply very different skills than when riding a normal city or even mountain bike.
How cyclocross takes place
In countries such as Belgium, France, Italy and the Netherlands, cyclocross is one of the most beloved sports. Slowly Russian cyclists are becoming more and more fond of it as well.
Participants in cyclocross must overcome as many laps of the rugged terrain in a set amount of time. Typically, riders overcome the circles on the route, which encounters areas of asphalt, grass, dirt, paving stones, sand, as well as natural and artificial obstacles (stairs, small elevations, barriers, etc.). Racers are supported by fans, as it should be at the spectacular competitions.
Race distances are different. As a rule, one lap does not exceed 5 km. To overcome the track allocated a certain time. When it expires, the organizers allow the leaders of the race to complete the final lap to determine the winner. The others have to stop fighting.
Because of the many barriers and the short distance, the cyclocross races are intense. During the competition, cyclists often have to run short sections with their bikes on their shoulders, and even perform small tricks to jump over obstacles without getting off their bikes.
All this requires participants to know different bike handling techniques, how to ride off-road, how to make precise turns and turns, how to brake correctly, and how to make quick decisions.
You probably think it’s all too complicated and nerve-racking? Most people love cyclocross because of the opposite: instead of stress and negative emotions, they bring great fun and an adrenaline rush!
What equipment do you need for cyclocross?
The coolest thing about cyclocross is that you can use anything you have! Mountain bike or road bike – it doesn’t really matter. Many people manage to completely modify their bikes in preparation for competition, turning them into the perfect models for the upcoming race.
The ideal model for cyclocross is something between a mountain bike and a road bike. Such a bike has more of the aggressive geometry of a road bike, as they need to be fast and maneuverable. The frame is quite light, and all the additional elements such as carriers or fenders on the wheels are absent. The handlebars of such a bicycle are of the racing type.
From the mountain bike of our model for cyclocross will be useful disc brakes, shock absorption, carriage and fork front axle. Cyclists are also trying to use a lightweight gearshift system to reduce overall weight – you can increasingly see cross-country riders with a transmission with a single sprocket.
As for other equipment, such as pedals and shoes, you’ll be better suited to mountain biking options, in part because you’ll often have to get off the bike.