A Beginner's Guide To Cyclocross | Why Should You Watch CX?

Cyclocross is a strange take on bike racing that's sometimes tricky to understand for those who haven't followed cycling for very long. We absolutely love every second of mud soaked action CX brings with it, and that's why we've got Jeremy to explain why the sport is so exciting!
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gcn]

Are you excited about the upcoming 'cross season? Let us know why in the comments 👇

[@vOCesUGa1]

Cool man. Love some East Coast Commentary . Go bears

[@danielduvernay3207]

Hi guys, I was wondering if you could do a video on which face coverings are best to wear when road riding in the fall and winter to protect against wind burn. You could include masks that have become so necessary today, but my question's more aimed at the type of mask to keep your face warm when cycling in the colder months outside.

[@richardwitt8248]

Dude - I love the positive energy and excitement you bring to your vid segments! Keep them coming!

[@maarten3743]

I don't think there's a more Belgian sport than cyclocross: riding a bike through a muddy field, or watching it while drinking litres of beer and eating chips/fries

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

It's as Belgian as Frites and Chimay! 😋

[@kimberlystewart8980]

Frites. I miss those.

[@HkFinn83]

It was actually invented in Des Moines, Iowa

[@kimberlystewart8980]

@@HkFinn83 Cyclocross or Frites? I honestly am focused on the fancy fries.

[@Ilyas702]

Peak Belgium

[@sionvandevelde]

You guys said that Belgium is one of the countries with a lot of CX. Actually: all of the our roads look like that... Greetings from Belgium!

[@SimoneChiaretta]

I live in Belgium. I swapped my road bike for a gravel bike due to the « chausse dégradé » condition

[@sionvandevelde]

@@SimoneChiaretta I would do the same...

[@thanodelhaye8115]

I live here and it’s true

[@Avioto]

Powers could be describing bowling and I would be excited to watch it, what a great explanation once again.

[@eterlizzi]

Avioto love his enthusiasm!

[@kevinstanley3581]

I can vouch for what Jeremy says about the pro riders being accessible. Took my daughter to a CX race in Tabor, Czech Republic last year. I found the women's race to be more exciting than the men's plus the ladies and men were more than happy to sign autographs and pose for photographs with their fans. My daughter was happy having her picture taken with Annemarie Worst and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado. What I also like is that different parts of the track can be accessed without having to walk too far aiding the viewing experience. Looking forward to seeing the races this season.

[@AGKRex]

All I know about Cyclocross is that I believe you have to yell "CYCLOCROSS" when you jump off your bike, pick it up, and run with it. I assume this is accurate.

[@gamby16a]

Spectators would approve of this at an American race, I can tell you that much 😀

[@kimberlystewart8980]

@@gamby16a This has a very "This is Sparta" feel.

[@gamby16a]

@@kimberlystewart8980 I encourage you to race cross, but if you're not up for it, cheering on/heckling your friends who are racing is a huge part of the sport and it's a blast. It's a crazy, wonderful sport that I absolutely love.

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

I have to say that being a mechanic doing neutral support at a CX race is the most fun. You have riders coming to you with repair challenges that you would not see in a traditional road, mountain or tri race. You see bikes that have not been taken care of very well so sometimes it cam be a big challenge. The reward is the food and drinks riders bring you in appreciation of your work.

[@finnsdaddyandy]

Having taken advantage of the neutral pits at CX races, thank you!

[@gamby16a]

NECX sends you love, despite our canceled season! Looking forward to watching Euro cross to help fill the void of not racing.

[@mnbv5555cxz]

Super happy that JPow displays his Rochester Cyclocross number 1 front and center. My home town and the Cx race here is so much fun. Maybe next year it will happen

[@fatboyrides4649]

Watching this video has made really want to try CX! Screw it, I’m going to do it. Can you imagine 150kg barrelling towards you on a wet muddy slippy slope 🤣 everyone will be moving out my way!

[@finnsdaddyandy]

There's a category for you in Pacific NW CX (I can't speak for anywhere else): Clydesdale. And I lot them kick my skinny a##.

[@tychoMX]

We have a few big guys on our races - most of them come from an MTB background and are quite excellent on the bike!

[@kimsosson4739]

We're fortunate to have some very exciting CX races here in Luxembourg, where CX, also due to its proximity to Belgium, has a long history.

[@neilmdon]

I was waiting to see if the Westmalle got opened! Belgian TV sent me one after an interview. Good pay.

[@cypercharged]

Hi from Belgium 🇧🇪 Love the Westmalle lost on your desk :) I live in Rochefort... best Trappist beer in the world 🍺

[@JV-dx5uv]

After La Trappe😊

[@cypercharged]

J V and the Chouffe (drinking one right now). Not a Trappist but still excellent. Beer of choice for cyclist after a long ride here is usually an Orval

[@JV-dx5uv]

@@cypercharged toevallig een Chouffe herfstbok in de koeling

[@maarten3743]

Agreed! Rochefort is by far the best Trappist, in my opinion even better than Westvleteren. Orval is heavenly as well ♥️

[@adamlevermore]

This was an awesome video, and I learned a ton about CX. But hey GCN, can you please send Jeremy a lighting kit? 😊

[@jodiebennett-stearn6008]

Watching cyclocross makes me vouch for the cyclocrossers in the road races. Jeez, these guys & galls are amazing!

[@Ca11mero]

Sadly there isn't many cyclocross events where I live, the ones we have feel very home made DIY. +Nom nom Westmalle! :D

[@Whitewater11]

Enjoy what you have and get involved to help make it better!

[@Paul_Paulson]

My favourite race to watch is GP Sven Nys on the 1st of January each year. Not only is the course amazing for riders and spectators (Sven put in a downhill section of rollers and tabletops last year also the riders can show off their jumping skills) but the fans are just the best. Nothing compares to the feeling of being in a group of fans hanging over the barriers as Styby comes past going full gas just inches away and everyone is screaming! All the riders will be wearing their new team kits for the first time and at the end there is a massive euro techno party in a huge beer tent for all the fans, pit crews and managers (who can't celebrate on New Years Eve) that goes on until midnight. But. Not. This. Year. Belgium is now a high risk travel zone and many racers will be held without spectators or cancelled.

[@scratchcratch]

I never watched cyclocross before buying secondhand 2014 Specialized Tricross a few years ago for commuting. Looked it up at the time out of curiosity not expecting much. I'm hooked now.

[@CanyonWanderer]

Very nice description by Jeremy who knows how to sell the sport very well. Of course shots of talented Alvarado, Van der Poel, Wout van Aert and a bottle of Westmalle Tripel make the experience complete!

[@MrMattie725]

Damn you got me a little scared that you were not going to mention Belgium and The Netherlands as hotspots :o

[@jeffreydemullere3131]

Here in belgium and netherlands it is very popular van aert and van der poel have Amazing duels

[@WillyCl92]

8min 56sec before opening the Westmalle. Impressive!

[@jeroenschoondergang5923]

Cool to hear this explanation from the guy who always used to be 'The American' in the World Tour peloton. And he is certainly right about understanding the heartship of racing the tracks. They are anything from bloody hard to right out terrifying (sandpit Zonhoven springs to mind). If you ever done a round on one of the WT tracks you'll be completely baffled about how easy the pros make it look.

[@arontal]

Honestly, have had little interest in cyclocross. But, Jeremy's enthusiasm is infectious and I might just have to check it out.

[@scottbert9556]

I just started watching cyclocross. It's absolutely fun and intense!

[@SimoneChiaretta]

Love your Westmalle on the table! A fan from Belgium! 🇧🇪

[@Mutombo71]

In analogy to Gary linekers quote, Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win. It's a sport where +-40 folks ride through the mud and in the end Mathieu van der Poel wins.

[@daniisi]

Jeremy could sell zip ties to Si!

[@benjaminc.franke7653]

Dani Urrutia Gaitan simple, just tell him they are 3D printed.

[@locoman-yi1eh]

in the 1980s, i raced at gateshead stadium in the north east UK, and in the snow at Marske woods.

[@velilenare5267]

I accidentally tuned into cyclocross in 2018 when Sanne Kant and Wout van Aert, both resilient, won the championships. I have since then travelled to Denmark (Bogense) 2019, Switzerland (Dubendorf) this year 2020, to watch the world cyclocross championships. The Elite Men's has been a bit predictable because of the awesome and very talented MVP. Women's races were more exciting as it has been a race to the line in all the years I have watched it. Nailbiting stuff. I hope the Championships in Belgium next year 2021 will go ahead. The atmosphere is party-like in all of these. I have my own blue Shimano cowbell and #rideforcharlie bobble hat but I do want the Belgian bobble too. The Belgians and the Dutch frequently lead and win in this scene. I hope to see Tom Pidcock rivalling this tradition. Ready yourself for happy hardcore music tents (optional), mud and sometimes frosty conditions such as those by the coast in Bogense, Denmark. It's also fun to catch the very last flight on Sunday with other fans and riders back to England.

[@2k4s2kool4skoool]

Him talking about chess and chequeres Me not knowing neither 😂😂😂

[@tacticalceo685]

Great video I have never seen a CX race but would love to go and see one .

[@GiorgioCoppolaCycling]

The best discipline in cycling!

[@briggsnance4516]

Amen.

[@indorock]

Going gravel riding in the winter in Germany during or after a rainy day is not so different from CX (aside from the lack of competitors) in that there is so much mud and muck you are getting off your bike 30% of the tme. Messy, high intensity run.

[@chrisaldrich6917]

I cannot stop staring at that chimney in the background

[@PnlBtr]

Manon would not approve.

[@fartman10284]

They need a championship race with hand up tables where each completed beer equates to a time adjustment

[@MrMattie725]

Don't forget one of the most important elements of a CX-course: The hamburgers, the beer tent, the after party,... ;)

[@lloydwatkins2175]

It's also the easiest discipline to race yourself - whatever your age. GCN should make a video about grassroots CX - we saw Dan Lloyd in our local league last season -

[@nor0845]

Hell, here in the U.K. Cyclocross used to be a main sport shown on TV, as was Scrambling, Sporting Trials, Rally Cross and lots of other stuff before everything went commercial. Was trying to telling my niece she didn’t “need” a mountain bike and a road bike but what do I know.

[@weaverde94]

Didn't think there were any CX in UK, any annual events in England ? Love to see one of these races in person.

[@davepratt9909]

My one question about cyclocross is: How do they keep the white jerseys white or do they wear a new one every race?

[@kristiannilsen3256]

Fitting bottle of westmalle

[@rodbrakes4189]

Back before cyclocross became really popular, the UCI used to show all the races live on KZbin... for FREE. Oh how times have changed. I always like Namur. Always seems to produce really close racing. Zolder is good too.

[@lordoftranceaa]

westmalle tripel is my favorite beer, good choice

[@pascalmoran9949]

Nice video. Greetings from Belgium.

[@timchambers7068]

Love this guys energy, better than some of those British accented dudes tbh😬

[@jedisdad2265]

J. Pow! Dude your Pinerello is sporting a chimney. Ask Manon.

[@boostenmkiv]

Cross IS coming!

[@just6979]

Remember when the people who tried to bunny hop the barrier were chastised? You were _supposed_ to run over them, they said. Now everyone hops them and the run & jumpers are the exception.

[@cicckany8540]

I was never interested in CX, but now I know that it's my worst nightmare.

[@bobbyv384]

Only a matter of time where there will be a Gravel Cross championships

[@mathewrose2951]

How could anyone not be excited to want to try (or at least watch) CX after watching Jeremy?

[@nathandickhof8734]

I've been wanting to try cyclocross for a long time and this year would have been the year if the Ohio cyclocross season wasn't cancelled😢

[@jonathanzappala]

I started last year, definitely fun. Definitely come join us when it’s back!

[@madpyro100]

Favorite race has got to be either namur or koksijde.

[@tomharrison-jones1412]

Hey! I've got a video idea; How to talk to cyclists or get a group ride. I go to a closed road which is paradise for cyclists, and I never know who to talk to or what to say; I would really like to find people to ride with.

[@shinra1111]

yey ive been waiting for this

[@nelvetaer7596]

Actually I love Road bikes but my country has muddy roads that's why when I have budget I would really buy a cyclocross bike

[@lwittrock1]

Excellent video!

[@Limmyisback]

Kinda needed this vid tbh

[@walshman70]

Simply put, Cyclocross is the most fun you can have on a bike!

[@stefanleye6368]

Westmalle beer! 🍻 Cheers

[@carly200]

I cannot wrap my head around such a sport... but hey, some people enjoy rugby..... Nice video explaining it, still not interested. Keep it up :-)

[@philipcooper8297]

Cyclocross/Gravel is what MTB used to be in the 90's.

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

I'm glad the title says Why Should You Watch CX? and not Why Should You Do CX? because I'd never do it. It puts the bikes and bikers through hell in mud. And back. 😅

[@seniorcycling5352]

Hey Jeremy, do you have a fire going in that chimney behind you?

[@ravensco]

Need to find a tv channel with this on so I can see it

[@swilliams8251]

Great video ...but far too many adverts!

[@JV-dx5uv]

No world cup in GCN Jeremy?

[@wspmjw]

Is it true that Cx races are being held w/out fans this season?

[@derFeind]

CROSS IS BOSS

[@Halfdome05]

Is there any free TV coverage of CX?

[@rzeckner]

Any GCN cyclocross video that does not include at least a snippet of Matt Stevens exploits on a course is incomplete.

[@ivanlorenzo7196]

How much is alivio groupset?

[@niels7304]

It's a race, but mvdp always wins

[@Halfdome05]

So there wont be any KZbin Coverage of CX?

[@tychoMX]

my guess is the UCI will put their events up.

[@robt6695]

I don't get CX. Why not use a H/T mountain bike. Another reason for bike companies to sell more bikes.

[@jonathanzappala]

I can’t watch it, it will make me miss that I can’t race it in 2020 :(

[@reepeac8789]

so hi

[@baldbearddad]

I will forever watch races thinking, "... but if Sven Nys had been there..."

[@danieltscharnuter4794]

Yeah, there is nothing like watching CX. Except XCO, XCC and downhill 😅

[@HkFinn83]

Except mountain biking is horrible and boring

[@danieltscharnuter4794]

@@HkFinn83 relax, dude, have a beer and watch some racing.

[@Tim_Trains]

I usually just watch untill Matthieu vd P to take the lead and then turn it off, because the race is basically over then. xD

[@tychoMX]

except for a couple of World Championships :P

[@angus928]

Cyclocross is like rally racing for bikes lol

[@angus928]

@Jeremy Powers omg, can't believe u comment on my comment, is that really you? thank you!!! Awesome cyclocross video, so much energy!!

[@RidingBikes07]

First!!!! Hi Jeremy!

[@RidingBikes07]

Also hi Jeremy, you’re awesome! Only a teenager and just getting into cross so you’re vidéos are amazing, keep it up and love from Canada!

[@momish392]

Who is jeremy

[@momish392]

@Jeremy Powers who are you

[@cerocerocinco]

"The racing often ends in a sprint finish". You do know there is a men's race following the women's :)?

[@azkool5106]

Still dont get how these people clip in

[@HkFinn83]

Every used double sided spds? Super easy compared to road pedals, you just place your foot onto the pedal and it’s clipped in, effort not needed

[@azkool5106]

@@HkFinn83 Yeah I'm a junior xc mtb racer, but I'm kinda new to clipess pedals. In the mud and rain my pedals get really slippery and hard to clip in to

[@6ft8incyclist]

Dude. I guess you never heard of COVID..

[@bluesthemoose]

Swiftly ads: 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@nigelcrane5309]

Am I the only one that cannot see why anyone wants to cycle in mud and then run up a hill with a muddy bike?

[@gcn]

Haha, but it's so good to watch!

[@sashamarkova4637]

5th person to like let's gooo

[@kobenoyashi531]

Definitely looks like they’re using the wrong bikes.

[@joewright731]

So early

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

But I thought CX was dead and Gravel was what hybrid road stuff was all about...

[@carlynwatson-ben4409]

There is no cyclocross in AFRICA!

[@marcralfschricker]

Paywall very much.

[@seanhammon6639]

Stars and Stripes in the background. Yank accent. Fuk. Here we go... Unsubscribe