Racing on a team vs. racing unattached.
 

So I just started racing. Is there any advantage to racing on a team or racing unattached? I have no interest in road racing or mtb racing.

Personally, I always thought team racing was WAY more fun. It's a roadtripping kind of thing, eating cheap, farting, and generally cutting up. Comraderie was key, man. Racing was ALWAYS better that way, all strategy aside.

That said, there's a LOT to be said for the aid a couple of teammates can give, if nothing but encouragement and the occasional bottle. Splitting prize money is pretty good, too.

Hmm...there isn't a whole lot of team tactics during arace but there are a lot of things before and after the race that makes being on a team great...

-fun!
-travel logistics
-practices and group rides
-coaching and advice
-discounts from sponsors
-shared pit bikes and wheels

And don't be turned off about joining a team if all you have seen are the roadie teams looking all serious and the stuff. People who race 'cross are so much more inclusive, down to earth and laid back about the whole thing. I hear 'cross racers are much more like mountain bikers in that regard, but from what I understand, it's mostly the road racing clubs that field a 'cross team (like mine.)

So just ask around the shops. Chances are the staff race or know racers. Find teams with good vibes, attend a clinic or practice and meet the riders. You'll find that most of them want you to join in the fun with them. 'cross is such a fringe sport here that it's like a little brotherhood/sisterhood.

I race for a small hometown team. It's a cross specific team. It's very cool to be part of a team during cross season. I race for a small hometown team. It's a cross specific team. It's very cool to be part of a team during cross season. A lot of the team ship revolves around rides, camaraderie, and fun like the other guys mentioned.

If you can get on a team with varied age groups, and classes, that would be good. Then you can all take time to help each other out before, during, and after the races. If you’re new, it’s nice to have some badass on the team to help guide you trough the learning’s of picking lines on the course, deciding upon tactics, and watching proper race prep. Plus you can talk to your teammates about the race at nausea, and be done with most of the babble before you get home.;)

Teams are cool. I would not trade my experiences with the team for anything. :)

Yeah just ask around at your first cyclocross race, I live in a small town and theres nothing like 16 guys at a ma and paws breakfast at 6 in the morining eating breakfast in our team jackets before we go to the race, Also ask around at your Lbs im preety shure they sponser a team/club and would be more than happy to tell you info.

of course the best part bout racing for a team . . . you can wear their COOL JERSEYS!!!