Explaining Cycling, Part 3 of 6: Cyclocross

Known to fans simply as 'cross, cyclocross is a blend of road cycling and mountain biking. 'Cross bikes are essentially the same as road bikes, but with a wider front fork and more space between the seatstays and chainstays to allow for wider tires. The handlebars are standard road drop handlebars, but 'cross riders generally use smaller gear ratios because of the sharp, steep climbs which characterize 'cross courses.

'Cross courses are generally short, from 1 to 4 kilometers, and races generally last from around 20-30 minutes (amateurs) to 1 hour (Elite Men). Courses usually feature obstacles which riders either have to dismount and carry their bikes over, or bunny hop over.

Bunny hopping is a difficult and complicated maneuver which can either save time or make the rider look very foolish. There are also frequently sand pits which the riders can either ride or run through, while carrying their bikes on their shoulders.

Cyclocross courses also commonly feature stairs which the riders must run up, also carrying their bikes on their shoulders.

American Johnathan Page at the top of set of stairs, 2006 Cyclocross World Championships.

The final major element or 'cross courses is the steep climbs. Some, including the infamous "bridge" at the Pijnacker course in Holland have gradients in excess of 30%. This short climbs are launch pads for strong riders like Sven Nys or Bart Wellens to attack the field.

'Cross fields are generally fairly diverse, although the Belgians have dominated in recent years, winning the
last 7 World Championships.

Four Belgians lead the field in the World Championships.

However, don't think that the races aren't competitive. Because 'cross is an individual sport, the Belgian "team" isn't really a team at all. They will attack each other as much as they can, from the starting gun to the final sprint.