Cyclocross is the perfect metaphor for life, which is what sport should be, in that you have to overcome numerous obstacles, most of them unnecessarily put in your way by other people, and struggle desperately merely to go round and round in circles… you end up f***ing knackered with a sneaking suspicion that everyone else has been cheating, in exactly the same place you began.
Andy Zaltzman
What is Cyclocross?
Cyclocross is a form of offroad bike racing around laps of a course, usually in a field or park. Courses often include dismounting and running – either over wooden barriers, or up muddy slopes.
Although the front end of races can be very quick (and in Belgium they take it very seriously!), cyclocross is a great way to start racing, as the field thins out very quickly, and there are usually riders of all abilities – meaning you’ll usually find someone to race against. There are plenty of people at the back of the race who are just there to have fun and get muddier than is usually acceptable in adult life.
Training
There are lots of specific skills involved in cyclocross (have you ever practiced getting on and off your bike, or carrying it before?). The Condor cyclocross contingent often meet up to practice, so keep an eye on the pink posts, or the ‘Condors Mud Kids’ Facebook group
Racing
The cyclocross season runs from September to February (most races are in October and November). There are lots of races within easy reach of Oxford, and you’ll usually find another Condor going along.
If it is your first race then there is usually a ’Novices’ category, which provides a nice gentle start to your racing career, but equally many riders just jump straight in. When you get to the race, you can ride round the course to test it out in the gaps between races. At the start, riders are ‘gridded’ based on previous results, so the fastest riders start at the front. Races are timed, so unless you are very quick, it is usual to do a lap or two fewer than the leaders.
The club mainly races in (and is affiliated to) the Wessex League, but the Central league also hosts races nearby. Check the leagues’ calendars or ask in the Facebook group to find out where the next races will be.
Check out some Condors in action!
Come join us, it will be fun – we promise!