So first things first, what is Cyclocross, CycloX, CX - whatever you want to call it?
It’s a fast and furious off-road blast with obstacles, twists and turns and, more often than not, a healthy dose of mud. You’ll no doubt be on and off your bike a bit, that’s all part of the ‘fun’.
Races vary quite a bit based on the venue - some can be very ‘technical (ie hard!), others less so.
It’s a perfect introduction for youngsters into competitive cycle sport, likewise a great way to get and keep fit on a bike throughout the colder months.
When are the races?
Traditionally it’s the stuff to do ‘off season’, so the season usually runs from the end of September (when it’s nice and dry) through to January/February time(by which time the mud has well and truly set in), with a few freezing cold outings in the bleak mid winter - some seriously sub zero temperatures in the last couple of years. All good testing stuff!
You can usually find a race every weekend somewhere in the UK during that period, the local NDCXL league is running most of its events every week up till Christmas.
What ages can take part?
There are usually races for all age groups throughout the day - from under 9s right through to seniors of a good age - me included! The races usually run one after the other, so check times of any event before you set off.
What the format?
The course is based in a field/park or with a ‘taped off’ route for the riders to follow. Length wise it obviously varies depending on the venue – you’ll be doing anything from 5-10 laps.
It’s usually 50 mins, plus one lap - basically ride as hard as you can for 50 mins, they’ll sound the ‘bell’ as you past the finish line on the penultimate lap, one more and you’re done.
It’s a good idea to turn up early, not only to avoid the signing on queue, but so you can have a couple of leisurely laps round the course before the official race start, to get a feel for the course.
Remember to get to the start in good time - they have four boxes where riders line up for the start - box one for the top national riders, through to box four for people with little experience - ask at the event if you’re unsure. The whistle sounds - you’re off!
How fit do I need to be?
Part of the fun of a CX race is that in each age group you all race together, those just in it for fun to find out what’s it’s about, side by side(albeit briefly) with top cyclist taking it very seriously - so you can make it as easy or hard as you like.
A note about protocol:
As the level of competitor can be very broad during a race, riders are asked to observe some basic race protocols during the race:
Always ‘give way’ to a lapping rider - they will usually shout that they are coming ‘on your left’, or ‘on your right’ - the rider being lapped should move aside to let the quicker rider through.
What do I need?
• A bicycle in good working order, the weapon of choice is usually a road bike with knobbly tyres and cantilever brakes, but you can use a MTB, especially if you’re just giving it a go – must be without bar ends though.
• A cycle helmet
• Your Entry fee
• If your a member of British Cycling then you’ll need your membership card/race licence – but don’t worry if you’re not in a club or not a British Cycling member – you can still ride with day insurance
• Some extra time before your race starts in have a ride around your course – an hour is a good guide – you’ll get to chat and see what others are up to!
That’s about it - so no excuses not to come and give it a try now...
Useful Links:
Our local league: ndcxl.org.uk/
National CX: www.britishcycl...g.uk/cyclocross
British cycling, for your licence application: www.britishcycl...g.uk/membership
General UK cyclocross stuff: www.ukcyclocross.com/
