Cyclo-cross is a form of bicycle racing. The races take place typically in the autumn and winter. It consists of many laps of a short course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike whilst navigating the obstruction and remount in one motion.
Cyclocross boomed in the late 1990s. Cycloross become fafourite winter sports in europe at that time, cyclocross combines riding in trciky terrain with jumping off to carry the bike ove obstacle and up or down the hills that are too steep to ride.
Cyclocross can be done using a mountain bike, but for more serious competition a cyclocross bike is a better choice, it's like a road bike but with more features like wider tires and greater wheel cleaarances that help it to handle muddy conditions, cyclocross biggest advantage is weight, wich is several pounds lighter than that typical mpountain bike, and make cyclocross bike easier to hoist and carry.
Burney mentions that competing in cyclocross races will improve the skills of all cyclists, no mater what their discipline. He says that cyclocross riding can be a perfect winter activity for road cyclists to be involved in: "As an aid to improved bike handling it cannot be beaten. After a winter riding 'cross, bad road surfaces, racing in the rain, and descending will be a lot easier to cope with, as 'cross teaches you how to race and handle your bike well in all conditions."
Techniques and Tactics
For anyone new to the sport of cyclocross, it is probably not a bad idea to watch a race or two, as a spectator, before signing up for their first race. Running, leaping over obstacles and quickly mounting and dismounting the cross bike are all key components of an average cyclocross race. Bruney's technique chapter includes a thorough explanation, along with accompanying black and white photos, of the various skills the cross rider needs to master in order to become a successful cyclocross racer.
Burney also helps the novice cx rider recognize when to use each skill. It is often quicker to dismount the bike, and run over the obstacle, than it is to try and ride over the obstruction. Burney discusses the ins and outs of mounting, dismounting, running with the bike, picking up the bike, cornering, climbing, descending and more.
The Role of the Mechanic
Cyclocross racing puts a lot of wear and tear on a riders equipment. Although the chapter on racing is imperative to anyone looking to get involved in the sport of cyclocross, the chapter on the role of the mechanic shouldn't be overlooked. Burney mentions that serious cross racers own two cyclocross bikes. While the cx racer is out racing on the course with one bike, their mechanic can work on cleaning and maintaining the spare bike. Most cross races have a pit area, where the racers can exchange one bike for another, while giving the mechanics an area to work on the bike that has just been exchanged.
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