Cyclocross - Total newb to cyclocross with a few questions

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purple hayes
02-13-04, 08:11 AM
I looked back over a couple of pages of threads but didn't really see the answers to my questions, so here goes ::

1. Cyclocross is an individual sport correct? There's no team aspect when the gun goes off is there?

2. How long does the avg. race last for a mid-packer?

3. Is a course done in loops or is it a point A to point B race?

4. How much running is involved? Is it just enough to get over the barriers or do you have to run longer distances?

5. Can I use a MTB for a few races to see if I like cyclocross? I'd hate to drop money on a good cross bike only to find out that I hated it.

6. How does one practice cyclocross?

A little background on me ::

I started as a runner but bought a road bike (and then a tri bike and then a MTB). I did a few duathlons last year and had a blast. I really enjoyed doing them and look forward to doing them again this year.

jfmckenna
02-13-04, 08:56 AM
I looked back over a couple of pages of threads but didn't really see the answers to my questions, so here goes ::

1. Cyclocross is an individual sport correct? There's no team aspect when the gun goes off is there?

2. How long does the avg. race last for a mid-packer?

3. Is a course done in loops or is it a point A to point B race?

4. How much running is involved? Is it just enough to get over the barriers or do you have to run longer distances?

5. Can I use a MTB for a few races to see if I like cyclocross? I'd hate to drop money on a good cross bike only to find out that I hated it.

6. How does one practice cyclocross?

A little background on me ::

I started as a runner but bought a road bike (and then a tri bike and then a MTB). I did a few duathlons last year and had a blast. I really enjoyed doing them and look forward to doing them again this year.
1. Cyclocross is an individual sport correct? There's no team aspect when the gun goes off is there?

No. Teams race in CX. There is advantage to racing in a team.

2. How long does the avg. race last for a mid-packer?

the classes are C, B and A. C = 30 min; B = 45; A = 1 hour

3. Is a course done in loops or is it a point A to point B race?

Loops.

4. How much running is involved? Is it just enough to get over the barriers or do you have to run longer distances?

Depends on the course and weather you can stay on the bike or not depending on the slope and conditions. Some guys on some courses will only need to get off and run over hurdles. The longest run up I have sceen was mabey 50 meters. But really it depends onm the course.


5. Can I use a MTB for a few races to see if I like cyclocross? I'd hate to drop money on a good cross bike only to find out that I hated it.

Yes. You just have to take off the extension bars(I don't know what they are called) The little hooked bars some people put on there mtb.


6. How does one practice cyclocross?

Best to train outside in all sorts of weather conditions b/c on race day it doesnt matter what the weather is and typically its nasty. Find a park or farm field with permission to ride in and simulate raceday at least once a week.

I think you will absolutly love cx racing. It is one of the funnest sprts I've ever been involved in. You are not to far from NC and they have a great series every year. http://www.nccyclocross.net/