What is Cyclocross: laps, obstacles and race rules

What happens on the circle

In a road race, you can drive for a long time in a group at almost constant speed. In cross-country, the rhythm is more often set by the track: acceleration, braking, turning, lifting, acceleration again. A small mistake is repeated on each lap and gradually turns into a noticeable lag. Therefore, power alone does not explain the result yet.

Not every section needs to be passed. On deep sand, a slippery climb, or in front of a barrier, dismounting may be faster than trying to stay in the saddle. The whole transition is important: where to start braking, how to get off, where to put your feet and at what point to sit down again. For the first acquaintance, it is enough to look at one difficult section of several circles in a row and compare the decisions of the participants.

Introduction of British Cycling describes typical coatings and the device of a short cross-country circle. The British categories and admission conditions do not determine the rules of the Russian start.

Why is the minutes indicated in the poster, but the result is in circles

Cross-country starts often have an approximate duration, and not the same number of kilometers known to everyone in advance. How exactly to determine the number of laps, give the signal of the last lap and close the finish, set the rules of the competition and the judges. Do not try to calculate the finish line yourself using the timer of the bike computer: look at the scoreboard, listen to the announcements and follow the instructions on the track.

The leader and the participant at the end of the field can complete a different number of laps. In the protocol, this is reflected by a lag in circles, and not necessarily a large number of minutes. The phrase "I was overtaken by a lap" in itself does not mean disqualification. The ability to continue driving and the withdrawal procedure depend on the applicable regulations.

International competitions have separate UCI requirements. Their current editions are collected in Register of regulations, section Part V — Cyclo-cross. At the local amateur start, first read the position and information of your arrival.

Is it necessary to buy a special bike

A cross-country bike looks like a highway bike: a hard fork and a steering wheel. The differences are related to dirt, tires, handling and carrying. But the conditions of amateur competitions are wider: separate tests for Gravel, MTB and other bicycles allow you to start without buying a special frame.

First, find in the position the permissible type of bike, tire restrictions and brake requirements. After that, evaluate your own technique. A wide tire that physically fits into the frame does not prove admission to the selected category. And vice versa: the restriction of the international category cannot be automatically transferred to all amateur races. Details — in comparison of a cross-country bike and a gravel.

What to watch out for in the race

Start with three landmarks: the position after the start, the passage of the key obstacle and the gaps on the finish line. If a rider loses in one corner every lap, the problem may be in the trajectory or grip. If the lag occurs on all straight lines, the picture is different. One frame with a fall does not explain the whole race.

As you arrive, the coating may change: the grass breaks, water appears in the rut, the usual line becomes slippery. It's interesting to see who changes the decision first. In competitions with a technical area, work with a bicycle is added: stopping for maintenance can cost time now and help in the next laps. The availability of such a zone and the permitted assistance are checked in advance with the organizer.

How to watch cyclocross on the spot

Choose a permitted spectator area with a view of the turn, climb or running section. Stay behind the fence and cross the highway only where the marshals allow. Do not stand at the exit of the turn and do not interfere with the entrance to the technical area: the participant looks at his trajectory and may appear faster than it seems from the outside.

On TIPACYCLOCROSS page you can get acquainted with our format, and in calendar select an available start. To participate, the next step is not buying a racing jumpsuit, but choosing the right category, getting to know the track and checking the bike.