Cyclocross: A Racing Sport Targeting Spectators

What is this sport, cyclocross? It is bike racing at its very best. Cyclocross ('cross for short) fever is spreading throughout the country at breakneck speed, much like the races themselves. This sport mixes the best of road cycling, mountain biking, and an obstacle course all rolled up into an intense, fast race. If you've ever been a spectator at a bike race, you may have felt a little bored. Courses are spread out over a wide area, and you may get a chance to see athletes speed by just once, twice if you're lucky. With 'cross, the course are much tighter with several excellent vantage points for viewing action. At many races, the courses are so tightly constructed spectators scurry from viewing area to viewing area to see the maximum amount of action.

The idea behind cyclocross is that you race your bike on a closed course as fast as possible. The course can consist of several surfaces: paved road, grass, dirt, and mud. Barriers are constructed for competitors to leap over, bike over shoulder. These barriers are often placed on steep hills where, after a swift dismount, the cyclist hoists the bike over his or her shoulder, leaps over the barrier, runs up a hill, remounts and pedals away. This sport's season is autumn, and lapses into downright hostile weather. Cold temperatures, rain, sleet, even snow do not stop racers from slogging on.

This season, the best series to see is the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross. Three weekends of racing can be caught in Louisville, Kentucky on October 27and 28 at the Derby City Cup, in Mercer, New Jersey on November 17 and 18 for Mercer Cup, and finally in Portland, Oregon for December 1 and 2 for the Toyota Portland Cup. These six races are the Official National Cyclocross Team Selection Series of USA Cycling. You can watch the best cyclocross racers in the country compete for top honors, including Tim Johnson (USGP ranked 2 in 2006), who has been one of the most winning 'cross racers in US cyclocross history. Ryan Trebon (USGP Ranked 1 in 2006), known widely as "tree farm" for his 6'5" stature is a top competitor and a serious threat for the series. And Barry Wicks, Trebon's teammate is another strong competitor for the elite men. For the ladies, it's hard to think that anyone else but Lyne Bessette (USGP ranked 1 in 2006) will win. But Team Luna's Georgia Gould (USGP ranked 2 in 2006) is a fierce threat-and could steal Bessette's crown. Team Luna's Katrina Nash (USGP ranked 3 in 2006) is another strong woman who could have the goods to upset it all.

At the race, you're likely to get a good hot meal and meet a lot of friendly people. The atmosphere is fun and everyone is having a good time. The action is fast and furious; it's difficult not to get caught up in the excitement. But if you're a first timer, fit right into the crowd by bringing along your own cow bell to ring as the racers stampede by, mud flying. It's all right to make a little noise at the race!