The origins of cyclo-cross are a matter of much debate. One theory we like is that in the early 1900s, French cyclists would race each other from one town to the next by whichever route they thought would be the fastest. They would cut through fields and forests, carry their bike over fences and generally take any shortcut they could in order to make it to the finish first!
Today, Cyclo-cross is raced on a circuit of between 2.5km and 3.5km. The terrain is varied and may include clearings, roads, country lanes, sands and forest paths. Riders are required to complete several laps of the circuit over a period of no more than one hour. Sometimes they have to carry their bikes in order to negotiate steep paths, muddy tracks and artificial obstacles. Technical back-up is permitted.
This spectacular discipline is an unbeatable school of cycling in that it requires incredible technical skill, impressive physical fitness and plenty of courage.
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