It was inevitable that the invention of mountain biking would generate many competitions associated with this type of bicycle. And so it happened. The first official competitions were held in the U.S. in 1976, and fourteen years later the first world championships in cross country and downhill were held. Later came parallel slalom, uphill (uphill race) and others. Some mountain biking disciplines rapidly evolved, while others lost popularity over time, and changed.
The most democratic, and at the same time versatile discipline is cross country.
The simplest definition of this type of competition: cross-country racing.
Over the years, interest in cross country has been steadily growing worldwide. Today it is a serious Olympic sport, in popularity in some countries, not inferior even to soccer.
With the advent of the first mountain bikes, the most determined of them moved to these unusual two-wheelers with thick tires. At the same time, the bike was appreciated by many young (and not so young) people, for whom it became a means of self-expression. Soon spontaneous hangouts evolved into speed rides on rough terrain, hiking on difficult roads, as well as the first competitions. At the same time, the government agencies began to pay attention to this very young sport: professional athletes with a serious road-racing school behind them came to cross-country skiing.
Competitions of those years, both official and amateur are still remembered with nostalgia. The first cross-country racers were seen by many as true Robinsons, opening up new horizons of cycling. Heavy and clumsy mountain bikes, the search for rare components, the mysteries of technical settings, the talk about the novelties of bicycle parts. And then abrasions and injuries from the first training on the steep descents and the search for techniques to overcome impregnable climbs. Everyone was on an equal footing, like stalkers walking in uncharted territory: dangerous, mysterious, but so appealing.
Cross-country bikers have always been, and still are, the elite of non-extreme competitive mountain biking. This discipline requires a versatile preparation of the rider: strength and endurance, sharpened reflexes and nerves of steel, a cold calculation and a clear mind, perseverance and dedication. There is no weak spirit and weak body: cross-country hardens both. It is not surprising that athletes from other sports, which seem to have little in common with mountain biking, train on cross-country tracks: road racers, skiers, and many others.
The same applies to the competitions. Amateur “commercial” starts over the years has evolved into competently prepared events, with excellent interesting routes and a democratic atmosphere. They gather a large number of participants, and, supported by specialized Internet resources, are bright and interesting festivals of sport, to which the whole families come.
Since 1993, mountain biking has been recognized by the official city authorities in charge of cycling. At the same time, the first competitions were held. Over the years, young people from sports schools have grown up, fully “staffing” the races of children, youth and juniors. However, in the adult categories are only a few, so there, in the vast majority, ride amateur athletes for whom the bike is not just a racing machine, but also a means of recreation, a generator of good humor, and sometimes a whole philosophy, a way of life.
Cross-country races are held by simple rules, which do not prevent beginners to get acquainted with this beautiful sport. On the steep descents and climbs no one forbids to move on a distance on foot (without disturbing the other participants) – this should not be embarrassed, all once so started. Gradually, watching the experienced riders, beginners from start to start to drive better and better. And after just a few years already feel confident, even in difficult races.
Over time, everyone interested in biking to learn and many other tracks cross-country: the distant and close, simple and complex, different coating and length of the circle.
The main thing that the race and training brought joy and satisfaction from the distance covered.
Cross-country competitions are a great way to improve your riding level and physical condition, an opportunity to ride with the best athletes and learn from them, and just communicate with people who have common interests and the idea of a healthy lifestyle.