Cyclo-Cross
CYCLO-CROSS
Cyclo-cross consists of many laps on a short course featuring pavement,
wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount,
carry the bike while navigating the obstruction and remount.
@Bob Holtsman Photography
Cyclo-cross racing is a unique sport that started in Europe as a fall/winter activity that starts once the road racing season is finished. A cyclo-cross race is traditionally done on a cyclo-cross bike, but a mountain bike will work well for beginners.
Cyclo-cross is a great competitive activity for all levels of riders. The format is such that races are either 50 or 35 minutes in length for all participants. The races are held in city parks with a 2.5-3.5 km course length. The course is a mixture of hills, grass, paths and obstacles. The unique feature of cyclo-cross are the obstacles that are placed around the lap. These obstacles can be natural course features such as stairs to run up, a steep hill to run up or an artificial barrier. Artificial barriers are very short hurdles (40 cm tall) that require the rider to dismount, lift their bike and hop over the barrier before remounting their bicycle. Rules state that there will be no more than four artificial or natural obstacles per lap.
Cyclo-cross racing categories are designed to place riders in groupings of similar fitness and racing ability regardless of age. The categories are similar to those in Road Racing.
The highest level of racing in Saskatchewan and you should be in excellent shape and have suitable riding skills to race in this category. Typical race are 50 minutes.
The largest category that covers a wide range of ages and ability levels. Typical race distances are 50 minutes for men and 35 minutes for women.
An excellent category for most riders to start in if they are just learning or if you aren’t training too much and are out to enjoy light competition. Typical race are 35 minutes.
If you believe that you should be upgraded or downgraded in your racing category, you must provide a letter to the High Performance Committee outlining your request.