What is cyclocross (CX)?
The days are getting shorter and the mornings are getting cooler, a sign that cyclocross season is just around the corner. This sport first began in Belgium. At the time, athletes would gather on muddy terrain, map out a course, and go all out for the allotted time. It was a way to avoid long rides the cold and autumn rain. History repeats itself today. The rules and bikes have changed, but the atmosphere remains the same: having fun while suffering for an hour.
Mathieu Bélanger-Barrette (MBB) with the vein in his neck.
What is cyclocross (CX)?
The discipline consists of a one-hour race on varied terrain, covering a 2-3 kilometer loop. The number of laps is determined during the race in order to achieve a final time of approximately 60 minutes.
"It's like a crit on grass" - David Maltais, founder of Team Gris
The varied terrain is a mix of grass, clay, gravel, and sand with obstacles that require you to dismount your bike. The most popular obstacles are hedges (barricades, barriers, gates) and steps (Belgian steps, stairs). There are also course configurations that are "unrideable," forcing cyclists to run on sections called "run-ups," such as slopes that are too steep.
MBB chase for Raphael Auclair
In Canada, the season runs from September to November, but in most other countries it lasts until January. Conditions are often muddy and cold, which is what characterizes this sport.
Can I use my road bike to do this?
Hmmmm... There are several regulations concerning the bikes used in cyclocross races. In short, a cyclocross bike can be fitted Tires 700x32C Tires with studs. The braking system is different to accommodate these Tires sizes. Disc brakes are currently in vogue, but cantilever brakes have been used for a long time. Gravel bikes are often based on cyclocross bikes. Honestly, a gravel bike is pretty much the same as a CX bike, with a few minor differences.
Where can I do that?
In Quebec, the cyclocross circuit is booming. There is now a UCI weekend in Sherbrooke, and the number of participants in CX events is growing.
In the Quebec City area, the Cycle DuPont Cyclocross series takes place on Wednesdays from August 28 to October 3 at the Lévis ski center. It's a great way to get started or hone your skills.
In the Montreal area and surrounding regions, there are two weekday series. The Cyclocross Velobosco series runs from September 19 to October 17 in the Joliette area and offers a beautiful course with a wide variety of obstacles. And the Cyclocross Vélo 2000 series in Longueuil, which is a great place to take your first steps in CX. It's also a great opportunity to test yourself against Montreal's best cyclocross riders, such as Marc-André Daigle and Éric Jeanotte.
If I only have one weekend to choose from, which one should I pick?
It's difficult to choose just one weekend from the entire FQSC calendar. Personally, I would choose to combine CX in Bromont with the 100@B7.
Another interesting weekend is the UCI Cyclocross in Sherbrooke. You'll have the chance to race (Saturday & Sunday) on the same courses as the pros and then admire their speed in the mud holes. It's an enjoyable weekend in terms of racing, but also in terms of atmosphere, since the event takes place in the backyard of the Siboire.
Because that's the spirit of cyclocross: racing, giving it your all, having fun, and finishing with a Belgian beer.
We look forward to seeing you with mud all over your face this fall.