What is cyclocross racing?

26-07-21 | Simon

Cyclocross racing started life as a way to extend the road racing season into the autumn and winter seasons. Generally raced during the winter months, cyclocross racing is characterised as being high intensity and very fast racing over a short time and distance. Cyclocross racing usually takes place over a relatively short off-road course and competitors will usually complete several laps within the time limit - usually an hour of racing. As courses include un-rideable obstacles, tend to be very weather affected and mud and debris can cause problems for the bikes there is often a degree of running involved (whilst carrying your bike). At higher level events most competitors will have a spare bike and helpers to enable bike changes during the race for when the bike gets too clogged with mud.