WHAT IS CYCLOCROSS

Hi, I’m Ruby 😊 and if you ever want to see me at my happiest, put me on a muddy field with a number pinned to my back.

I’ve raced bikes for years, but cyclo-cross has always had my heart. It’s fast, it’s chaotic, it’s technical, and it’s humbling. One minute you feel like a hero railing a corner, the next you’re sliding out in front of a crowd of cowbells. And somehow you love it even more for that.

Cyclocross strips cycling back to its rawest form. It’s effort, grit and skill surrounded by the best community.

So… what is CX?
Cyclocross (or CX) is off-road circuit racing, usually held in autumn and winter. Think grass, mud, cambers, tight corners, punchy climbs and barriers that force you to jump off, shoulder your bike and run.

Races last 30-60 minutes, which means they’re full gas from the gun. There’s no settling in. It’s controlled chaos in the best possible way.

It’s part road, part MTB, part cross-country running and entirely addictive.

Why I love it
I love that it rewards bravery.
I love that technique matters as much as fitness.
I love that it’s over in under an hour but leaves you buzzing all day.

But most of all, I love the atmosphere.

You’ll see kids racing their first event, seasoned vets who’ve done it for decades, and women pinning on numbers for the first time all on the same muddy course, all cheering each other on.

It’s one of the few cycling disciplines where the community feels just as important as the racing.

What do you need?

Honestly? Less than you think.

Ideally:

• A cyclocross or gravel bike (but you can also give it a go on a mountain bike)

• Knobbly tyres

• A helmet

That’s it to start.

You don’t need perfect skills.
You don’t need elite fitness.
You don’t need to “wait until you’re ready.”

CX makes you ready.

So what are you waiting for?

If you’ve been cross-curious, consider this your nudge.

Come get muddy.
You might just find your winter obsession.

The women’s scene
Women’s cyclocross is absolutely flying right now.

Across Europe — especially in Belgium and the Netherlands — women’s CX draws massive crowds and TV coverage. Riders like Lucinda Brand, Puck Pieterse and Britain’s own Zoe Bäckstedt are racing in front of huge crowds.

If you’ve never watched a European cross race, start with the Superprestige Diegem night race. It’s iconic — floodlights, packed barriers, pure intensity.
Search “Diegem Night Race cyclocross” on YouTube and prepare to fall down a rabbit hole.

Seeing women race that aggressively, technically and unapologetically hard is powerful. It changes what younger riders believe is possible.

And closer to home? Women’s fields in UK CX are growing every year. The vibe is supportive, welcoming and properly competitive- the perfect mix.

How do you get into racing?

Step one: find a local series.
Step two: enter the novice or women’s category.
Step three: accept you will get muddy.

In the UK, you can look at:

• British Cycling- race calendar and memberships

• The National Trophy Cyclo-cross Series- the UK’s top-level CX series

• Regional leagues like the Welsh Cyclo-cross League

• Or local Go-Ride and grassroots events listed via British Cycling

Most leagues have beginner categories and dedicated women’s races. You don’t need experience, just curiosity.

Turn up early. Pre-ride the course. Laugh at your first remount attempt. Try again.

That’s cross.

Words: Ruby James