Cyclocross 101: class 3, the race format

Sorry for the delay in our next class, we'll get right into the next lesson.

In class 1 we learned that races were based on time, and as the race developed more, based on laps. We'll begin our discussion of race format by reviewing the time based situation. Most people familiar with racing are used to a race where the number of laps to be raced is set at the start, like the Indianapolis 500. Mario Andretti knew he had to do 200 laps before beginning the race. In cyclocross you neve quite know how many laps of a course you will complete.

When the racers gather at the start line, some selected person goes over some general information about the course and basic rules, and they indicate the time length of the race. In Cat 4, 40 minutes is pretty standard, Cat 2/3, 45 minutes, and in Cat 1, 50 minutes. The professional fields run 60 minutes. This applies to the men's fields, the women usually run a few minutes less.

Now the race starts, and everyone knows they are racing for approximately 40 minutes if they are cat 4. Granted not everyone can finish their lap exactly at the 40 minutes mark. So after 2 or 3 laps, the officials have the average lap time. With this they can figure out approximately how many laps can be completed in the given time. If it looks like the leaders should complete a lap around 39 minutes the officials will post that as the last lap. If they look to be completing some laps around 35 minutes and 41 minutes, the lap closer to 41 minutes will be designated as final. When the officials make their decision based on the average lap time calculation, they display the number of laps left at the start/finish line. Most racers know after two or three laps to look at the lap cards to gauge their effort and strategy for the rest of the race.

With one lap to go for the leaders, a bell is rung to signify the last lap. Fittingly, this is known as the bell lap. The rules on lapped riders can vary from race to race. At some races, as soon as a rider becomes lapped, they are pulled from course. At other races, they continue to race but finish on the same lap as the leaders even though they've completed fewer laps.

The start of a 'cross race is critical, especially at larger races. Getting as close to the front row is critical, especially at larger races. Racers line up in rows, up to 8 or 10 riders across and as many rows deep as needed. The start is from a standstill and can be very predictable, or they may simply say 30 seconds and the whistle may blow anytime in the next 30 seconds. Once the whistle goes off, it is an all out sprint into the first few corners. Getting ahead is critical, maybe even 20% of producing a good finish. If one can make it through the turns with a good line and through the obstacles and technical stuff ahead of the traffic they stand to pull a large gap while others get slowed down by the high traffic effect. Because the start is so important, it is not uncommon to see racers fighting tooth and nail for position during the first lap or two. Leaning against each other and rubbing handlebars is not all that uncommon. At Charm City Cross I brushed one guy's handlebar as I dove into the inside of a corner on him. At the Wednesday night training series my bike got a little squirrely in some sand I hadn't noticed as I tried to make a pass and I ended up leaning fully into the guy I was trying to pass for at least 10 or 15 meters.

During the race, some road tactics can come into play such as drafting, depending on the course. A very fast course would allow for drafting, while a slower technical one would not. When things settle out it really becomes a matter of holding pace with the competition and figuring out where you're stronger on course. Once you pick out the spots of advantage you know where you can make a move near the end of the race and drop your compatriots.

During the final lap the fight for position gets aggressive again. The bell has rung and everyone knows this is it. As they come towards the finish line, if anybody is still together it breaks into a complete sprint for the finish line.

This pretty much sums up the race format. We have a video for you this time, which sort of shows the importance of the lap cards [and that the officials keep them accurate]. It comes by way of cyclofile.com. It is a recap of the Starcrossed and Rad Racing GP races a few weeks ago. The cards got messed up, and you'll see Ryan Trebon get a bit unhappy and Jeremy Powers (aka JPOW) gives his description of what happened at Starcrossed.

2008 Star Crossed/Rad Racing GP Cyclo-Cross from sam smith on Vimeo.



Class 1, The Overview
Class 2, The Competition
Class 3, The Race Format
Class 4, The Barriers
Class 5, More On Barriers
Class 6, An in Depth Look at Barriers
Class 7, An in Depth Look at Run Ups
Class 8, An in Depth Look at Sand Pits
Class 9, The Start
Class 10, Review and Wrap Up