Cross-country from “A” to “Z”

Cross-country is the name given to extreme riding on challenging competitive trails that are specially outfitted to meet the requirements of the IOC. What peculiarities does it have?

General information

To take part in cross-country competitions, it is necessary to gain physical shape over several months of training, the scheme of which differs from any other sporting discipline.

The factors needed for successful participation in competition are:

• endurance;
• excellent physical abilities;
• quick reaction time;
• stress-resistant nervous system;
• availability of a bicycle with special characteristics;
• honed skills and mastery of the technique of “correct” course.

Races

Depending on what types of circuits are used, there are three types of cross-country bicycle races:

• Classic cross-country races require athletes to cover five to nine kilometers, while passing three to six laps. The time frame for this competition is no more than two hours.
• The so-called “short track” races involve overcoming a short distance (two to five kilometers), as well as completing six to nine laps.
• A marathon is a large race lasting from six to twelve hours.

Tracks

Cross-country competitions require mountain bikes that can feel confident on cross-country trails. For cross-country, natural trails or artificially created trails can be chosen. Not only do the trails change every year for every competition, but they also get more difficult all the time, increasing the danger for the cyclist.

The special features of these trails are:

• forest roads and dirt roads with curves, steep descents and long;
• sections with hills and potholes, mud, sand, roots, rocks and logs;
• wide sections alternating with narrow ones;
• the share of paved roads must not exceed 15% of the total route;
• regardless of the weather, it must be possible to cover the distance, especially if any of the difficult sections have to be broken – it must be possible to pass them or go round them in parallel sections;
• markings, the start and finish areas must be clearly visible (the same rule applies to driving directions and dangerous sections of the road);

For spectators there shall be public crossings, and there shall be refreshment and service points on the course for all race participants. The ambulance should be present as well.

There are marshals with whistles along the entire route, and those located at important strategic locations are armed with walkie-talkies – it is their task to ensure stable radio communication in each section of the route.

Bicycle features

Several nuances must be taken into account when it comes to choosing a bicycle for cross-country.

The shape and design of the frame gives the biker the necessary inclination when riding. This is an important point, because when a person is correctly positioned in the saddle, in this discipline, the weight of the body is distributed equally on the legs and on the hands;

It is better to give preference to a bicycle with an aluminum frame. The frame is based on a strong, rigid triangle, which gives the structure additional strength. Such a bike can be used in cross-country disciplines. Do not choose heavy steel construction, since such bicycles are not suitable for these competitions;

One of the main differences between the professional and amateur cross-country discipline, is the presence of contact pedals. Amateurs are often afraid to strap their feet to the pedals of the bike.

Front fork on models designed for cross-country is usually combined (air and oil) and has excellent resistance. A short stroke fork makes a bike faster, and a long stroke allows you to pass comfortably off-road. Transmission of high quality will allow the bike to pass trails in the shortest time.

The wheels of the bike for extreme riding should have strong and lightweight rims. Tires of medium width of about 2 inches are usually used for cross-country cycling. Too narrow or wide tires will make the competition in this discipline excruciating, especially in the mud or sand. It is worth giving preference to tires designed for power riding and off-road riding. They should also be lightweight.

The size of the wheels matters. Commonly accepted 26 inches’ wheels are actively replaced by 29 inches’ wheels. Maneuverability depends on the size of the wheel: the bigger it is, the less the maneuverability.

All in all, cycling has many different types, and cross-country is one of the most popular styles of riding a bike. It requires a lot of training and experience.