Originally Posted by Niloc

G.R. I'd say cyclocross racing is closer to cross country mountain biking than anything else. More off-road than road. Flattish singletrack, mud, and grass seem to predominate. Lots of twisties. Hence the high bottom bracket, fairly low gearing, knobby tires, and canti brakes. How a good mountain bike from the late 80s was equipped, but on more of a road frame. I just took my CX bike out with my kids mountain biking at a park and it was a blast - they're only able to ride the milder "green circle" type trails and my cross bike was perfect for that. I wouldn't have dreamt of taking my road bike in there because... it wasn't road riding!

Road racing or even touring has drafting, pacelines, pelotons, team strategy etc, none of which apply to cyclocross.