Cyclo cross in Ireland

SWL

Hi Guys,
Are any members involved in cyclocross, I do a lot of running and cycling (long spins not racing) and would to try something new, and my understand is that cyclocross may be a good combination of both disciplines. I watched an event in Flanders years ago and the participants ran between obstacles and I thought this could be the sport for me.


Obviously the cost of a special bike is a problem, especially if I am crap and left miles behind because I don't have cycling legs as I have never raced.


So can anyone provide some details on the season, training programs etc


I tried a google search but no luck

spokeydokey

http://www.mtbireland.com/

That's the place to be when it comes to 'cross.

Lumen

Calendar here. You can get an idea of the length of the season from last winter's events.

You need fitness and/or skill to enjoy it. If you have both you may suffer and do well. If you have neither you will suffer and do very badly.

In my experience of CX as a very ordinary road racing cyclist with no offroad skills, you really want to be properly race fit to participate. Getting lapped and coming last gets old very quickly.

The races here seem to be run on flattish courses which means no respite from the suffering. I believe that MTB races at least have downhill or slower technical sections where you get a bit of recovery.

I've done one MTB race and finished about mid-way through the field. I have done four CX races and I'm pretty sure I came very much last in every one.

SWL

spokeydokey wrote: »

http://www.mtbireland.com/

That's the place to be when it comes to 'cross.

Thanks - I didn't think of looking there - it makes sense now

SWL

Lumen wrote: »

Calendar here. You can get an idea of the length of the season from last winter's events.

You need fitness and/or skill to enjoy it. If you have both you may suffer and do well. If you have neither you will suffer and do very badly.

In my experience of CX as a very ordinary road racing cyclist with no offroad skills, you really want to be properly race fit to participate. Getting lapped and coming last gets old very quickly.

The races here seem to be run on flattish courses which means no respite from the suffering. I believe that MTB races at least have downhill or slower technical sections where you get a bit of recovery.

I've done one MTB race and finished about mid-way through the field. I have done four CX races and I'm pretty sure I came very much last in every one.

Thanks for the reply - I may forget about this for a while and concentrate on my first race next season or maybe the end of this season, i don't mind suffering for my vice, however you are right finishing last can be soul destroying.

I would imagine CX is a good way to build strength and endurance for road racing, certainly would help my running

Lumen

SWL wrote: »

Thanks for the reply - I may forget about this for a while and concentrate on my first race next season or maybe the end of this season, i don't mind suffering for my vice, however you are right finishing last can be soul destroying.

I would imagine CX is a good way to build strength and endurance for road racing, certainly would help my running

I don't want to put you off, honestly. In fairness there were higher numbers in 2010/11 than in 2009/10 when I last raced, so it may be a bit more accessible than I've made out.

I just wouldn't go blowing mega money on a cyclocross bike without knowing what you're getting into.

AstraMonti

Cyclocross is pure fun and pure sufferfest. I didn't race but I did go to a few training nights with guys that were racing and jesus, my heartrate was constantly in the red zone, always trying to get some more oxygen in my body. But it was so fun, fighting in the mud, elbows on the corners, trying to close the gap just to get a 2second recovery, brilliant stuff! I sucked badly, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.

Last year the training nights started around the start of October if I remember correctly and it was at the Knocklyon Park. I am planning to join them this year as well if there are going to be some sessions.

blorg

The reason you may finish last is that the fields are very small relative to road or MTB and most of the other guys racing are pretty serious. As the fields are so small (I think it was 18 in the one race I did) there tends not to be seperate races for differing abilities and you could well find yourself racing against the national champion. If you don't get hung up on your placing it is a lot of fun and very good training.

It is arguably more accessible than road racing certainly as in the latter you need a minimum standard to hang in the bunch or it is game over. The small spread out field and lower speeds in cross mean your group riding skills aren't as critical.

You might also consider duathlon which is very popular, combines running and cycling, and doesn't involve any group riding. There is a much bigger mix of ability so you won't come last... but cross is a lot more fun.

Duathlon is a summer sport while cross is a winter one.

Bluefoam

Mountain biking is proper fun, good for fitness and if you like you can pick your bike up and carry it...

C3PO

I think things have changed a lot over the last couple of years! I went to see a few of the Dublin rounds last year and there were 70-80 riders with two different ability levels. Looks like really hard work but good craic too - I've bought a cross bike as a road trainer and I'll definitely be doing a few races too!

Diarmuid

I went to a few of the training sessions (and one of the races) organised by mtbireland. They were great fun, friendly and a good intro to the CX scene. HOWEVER you are about 5 months too early. Get in some training on the road and you'll be ready for some suffering in the dark and wet weather of winter

davey101

Now that you have discovered Cyclocross, You just have to try it! If only for the once. Beg borrow or steal (but return after) a cross bike or a hybrid with drop bars and cross tyres.
I raced cross for the first time last season and i cant wait for it to return. with a fairly spread group that was there last year i found that there was always someone you were racing against even if it was at the back of the group. Keep an eye out on this forum closer to the start of the season as the lads usually post here about training sessions. last year they took place twice a week, one session was in a park and the second on the road. They also do a bit for beginners over the first couple of weeks demonstrating proper technique so you get a great intro to the sport.