What is going on in this vintage cyclo-x photo?

[SpotmaticF]

I came across this while cruising a photography site - yes, multiple hobbies can be a problem.

Anyway, here is the caption:

Robert Doisneau
Cyclo-cross in Gentilly
1947

check out the link below and tell me what you think is going on.

http://www.masters-of-photography.com/D/doisneau/doisneau_cyclo-cross_full.html

[SteveE]

To me, it looks like a lot of folks from town have come out to watch the cyclo-x race. Some walked and others rode on their bikes. Those that rode left their bikes lying on the hill side. The course runs through the middle of the frame, from right to left. You can see some of the racers running up the hillside carrying their bikes. People near the track are leaning forwards and turning their heads to catch a glimpse of the racres as they approach.

[a2psyklnut]

Appears to be a crowd of onlookers at the uphill run/portage portion of the race!

L8R

[SpotmaticF]

I was getting thrown off by the bikes strewn about on the ground. I forget that part of the fun of going to see a race is getting there on your own bike.

What a well dressed croud. Not a single Metallica t-shirt in site.

[Mtn Mike]

Maybe it's an angry mob that is dissatisfied with road cycling. In protest they are throwing bikes around in the mud and in the grass, hence the beginnings of cyclocross racing ;)

[SpotmaticF]

...and maybe the crowd and competitors are being pelted by hail the size of Bianchis.