As cyclocross has grown and developed in the US, we've typically drawn our inspiration from images and stories of European events. And on a continent where there's lots of farmland, lots of rain, and temperatures that rarely go below freezing, that means mud is often a main feature of European races, especially in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, where the sport is most popular.The thing is, you don't need mud for a cyclocross race. Mud is not endemic to the sport, and not necessary for an interesting or enjoyable race. French races are a great example of this, where grassy, fast courses resemble what you might find in New England, and remind us that just like there is ...
When, Why, and How to Dismount in Cyclocross
Of all the debates about ‘cross equipment choices and proper technique, it continues to amaze and entertain me that every September we renew the dismount debate: to step through, or to step around? And while I might enjoy egging that debate on for laughs, it seems to me that many people could use some straight answers. There will be purists in both camps who will not have their minds changed either way, and many who think that because they get away with a particular technique it must be the “right” way. I argue there is no single “right” way; there are multiple styles and very specific reasons for each, with advantages and disadvantages, all situationally based. I will outline all the ...
The Secret Set Up, Part 3: Shifters, Brakes, and Drivetrain
There are many different ways to set up a cyclocross bike. Most are related to personal preference, but the basic principles that should be adhered to are that the bike should be reliable, light, and simple. The order in which you prioritize these things depends on how fast you are, how serious you are, or how rich you are. For many, reliability is infinitely more important than light weight, because there's nothing slower than a broken bike. For others, there may be a mechanic and two more bikes available in the pits, so while reliability is still crucial, light weight might move up a level.More so than other disciplines, 'cross riders tend to be fanatical about their equipment, ...
The Secret Set Up, Part 2: Wheels and Tires
In part 1 of The Secret Set Up, I introduced the idea of how difficult it used to be to find reliable information about cyclocross, and how the mysterious cult of 'cross was hard to infiltrate. There's a lot of folklore out there, and a lot of old-school knowledge that not everyone wanted to share. If you've got a seat post in your garage that you drilled a hole in for a brake cable to pass through, or if you've ever glued tire tread to the bottom of a pair of road shoes, then you're one of those old-school insiders. For me, part of becoming a coach and wanting to promote and grow the sport meant that I've always wanted to share that information rather than hoard it.Along those lines, ...
The Secret Set Up, Part 1: Cyclocross Bike Fit
Bike racing has the reputation of being a closed sport. Not necessarily because all cyclists are snobs (though they may be), but more because cycling in the US has been a sport that was difficult to find out about and get started with compared to mainstream ball sports. The people who did discover it found a secret world of Italian racing bikes and pink newspapers, or maybe decided to study French instead of Spanish in high school. Road cycling has always been a special subculture that was hard to crack, and so people were protective of the knowledge they gained, rather than eager to share it.If road racing is a subculture, than cyclocross is another faction subdivided from that: the ...
Suitcases and Armpits: How To Correctly Carry A Cyclocross Bike
When I teach a cyclocross technique clinic, I most often start by demonstrating bad examples. Very often riders can relate to that and use it as a starting place. They recognize themselves and can identify with it, often exclaiming “Oh, right, yes! That’s totally what I do!” I’m able to take it from there, show them not only the correct style, but also the path to that style.One of the challenges to teaching good technique is that there are so many top level riders, men and women, with terrible habits, setting bad examples. There are many factors that go into being a top rider, and technique is only one aspect. It’s possible to get into the elite bell curve with good watts or good ...
Warming up for Cyclocross
I’ve written about warming up for races before, and certainly the information in my other article applies to cyclocross. However, there are additional considerations when warming up for 'cross that are unique, or at the very least, more important than they are for other disciplines. Course inspection is the primary additional concern that affects all other factors.From a physiological standpoint, the same rules apply. Any warm up should be as short as possible to achieve the desired effect. That duration and the work you do will change depending on the event, from 15 minutes of easy riding and a couple of sprints, to an hour on the trainer with a specific interval routine. So for ...
Peaking for Cyclocross Nationals
No matter how you got there, the final two weeks before cyclocross nationals is a unique period. With the continued growth and momentum of 'cross, a couple thousand of us will be finishing their seasons with an event that for some of is the most important race of the year. For others it's just a chance to compete on the same course as the United States' best 'crossers before they shut things down. Whatever your level and goals, it's time to fine tune and make sure you're peaking for the event.The first thing to recognize is that what you've got for fitness right now is pretty much what you've got; there's not enough time in the final two weeks to raise your fitness level through the ...
Running for Cyclocross
Like barriers or mud, running is one of the core qualities of cyclocross that isn't the most important aspect or even mandatory, but crucial to prepare for. 'Cross is still mostly about who can pedal and drive their bike the fastest, and while a race might be lost on the run, they're only occasionally won there. Some of us may have a little more natural talent for it or even a running or triathlon background, but running when you've spent a season racing road or mountain bikes just plain hurts. As you prepare for the 'cross season, it's important to first be able to incorporate adaptive running into your training, and then be able to do some structured work to improve your running ...
Where It All Starts: Dialing In Your 'Cross Start Technique and Training
Cyclocross is unique from most other cycling disciplines in that the field sprint comes at the start of the race rather than at the finish; you get your desert before dinner, as it were. Where you're staged on the line, the time it takes you to get into the pedals, the gear you choose, and in what position you make it to the first corner, transition, or obstacle can impact your entire race. You may find yourself in the lead group with no extra effort, or you may spend the day stuck behind traffic or crashes, battling to get up to the group you belong based on fitness. A good start can also backfire and put you with riders you're not strong enough to stay with, causing you to over race, ...