The most inclusive and fun sport on two wheels.
What is cyclocross?
Cyclocross (sometimes cyclo-cross, CX, cyclo-X or 'cross) is a form of bicycle racing. Races typically take place in the autumn and winter (the international or "World Cup" season is October–February), and consist of many laps of a short (2.5–3.5 km or 1.5–2 mile) course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstruction and remount. Races for senior categories are generally between 30 minutes and an hour long, with the distance varying depending on the ground conditions. The sport is strongest in the traditional road cycling countries such as Belgium (Flanders in particular), France and the Netherlands.
HOW TO: Race in Belgium
I get asked a lot how you go about racing in Belgium, so I’ve prepared a very short guide here.
1. Choose your races via Cycling Vlaanderen - You can see the CX Calendar here
Your Categories are explained here (Thanks to The Chain Stay):
Veldrijden U23 - Only for U23 Men
Veldrijden Klasse 1 UCI - UCI c1 ranked race
Veldrijden Klasse 2 UCI - UCI c 2 ranked race
Veldrijden Aspiranten - race for riders from age 12 to 14
Veldrijden form. B - Elite/U23 Mens cyclocross race.
Veldrijden form. C. - Juniors and Youth rider
Veldrijden form. D - Masters and Amateurs, this group is split into 5 different groups:-
Amateurs – up to 29 years in age
Master A – from 30 to 34 years
Master B – from 35 to 44 years
Master C – from 45 to 54 years
Master D – from 55+ years
Veldrijden Dames - A women’s specific cyclocross race
Veldrijden Juniors UCI - UCI classified race for Juniors
Veldrijden Miniemen - Cyclocross race for riders from age 8 to 11 years
2. You can enter online via cycling vlaanderen, and when you register online you can also register your mechanic on there too (This is a recent requirement in cyclocross). You can also sign on on the day at the races too. Before you register you will need to register with Cycling Vlaanderen, via this page.
3. Once you have registered, and chosen your race, use this link to complete your online entry. You helpers will also be saved into your profile.
4. What you need to take: You need to take your racing licence, plus that of any helpers who will be in the pit area (Or a photo copy, or even a photo of their licence on your phone). You should take a clearance letter from your federation (Ask the membership team at British Cycling). At all the races in Belgium you are given up to 3 passes for your crew (2 pit area and 1 start line).
5. When you get to the race, follow signs for ‘Inschrijven’. That is the registration centre and you’ll need to sign next to your name and get your number and passes, generally before you get into the parking. After that, follow the signs for Parking for your category of racing.
6. You can get onto the course between each race. There isn’t an official training time for each category. Be prepared to get on the course after the finish line, and listen for the instructions of race officials. Leave the course when instructed.
7. Good Luck, enjoy and smile.