I was pleasantly surprised to see close to 100 participants at the first Cyclo-cross Tuesday night race of the season last night. It goes to show that Edmonton is not as redneck as outsiders may perceive us to be – nice to see a little Euro action! Recreation and dare I say competitiveness in outdoor pursuits does not have to be limited to softball, golf and fishing…What is Cyclo-Cross you ask? Cyclo-cross is a unique sport, combining elements of cross-country running, mountain biking, hurdles, and road cycling. Competitors make their way along steep paths, muddy tracks and artificial obstacles, and typically have to dismount and carry their bikes at some point during each lap. Cyclo-cross races are run on 2.5 to 3.5 km circuits, which include clearings, pavement, grass and dirt paths. Riders do several laps of the circuit over a period of no more than an hour.
Cyclo-cross combines the technical aspects of mountain biking and the speed of road racing, but neither in excess, so it is a great sport for someone looking to get into cycling. It’s fun, mayhem, and thrills for riders and spectators alike, something like steeplechase with bikes.
Cyclo-cross has a huge following in Europe where it is not uncommon for crowds to exceed tens of thousands. Its popularity is growing tremendously in Canada and the United States, and Alberta has sent many riders to National and World Championships.
FYI: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rVrSjTLo9o&feature=related
Good work Edmonton!
