New to Cyclo-cross?

Cyclo-cross is a fantastic, accessible, and inclusive off-road cycling sport. It’s the cycling discipline where everyone can find their place. You don’t need any special experience or even a dedicated cyclo-cross bike to start.

What is Cyclo-cross?

Cyclo-cross (often called CX or cross) is an off road cycling sport that blends road cycling, mountain biking, and steeplechase in friendly relaxed format. Races are usually held in autumn and winter on short, mixed-terrain circuits featuring mud, sand, grass, and steep hills. Riders frequently dismount to run and carry their bikes over obstacles

Mass starts make for exciting races, usually no more than an hour in length – and shorter for juniors, youths, women and masters. Race length is dictated by times, not distance or number of laps. Cyclo-cross is a great place to start if you want to try cycle racing. It’s an intense, exciting sport with a great community.

Seniors/Juniors & Masters 40 race for 50 minutes, Women and Masters 50/60+ race for approx. 40 minutes. Youth 30 minutes with under 12’s 15 minutes and under 10’s for 10 minutes.

What many people comment upon is the good-natured atmosphere that Cyclo-cross events are held in.

Why you’ll love it

• Short Sharp Races.
  • You’ll be racing for less than an hour. You won’t be there all day – but you’ll soon be wondering when your next race is.
• Year-Round Racing.
  • The league runs a Summer Series (May-July) and a Winter Championship Series (September-January) – something to train for all year.
• Race at your own level.
  • You’ll be racing in age graded categories, from U8’s through to Master’s 70+. You’ll always be racing riders at a similar level.
• Any bike is suitable.
  • Road, mountain, gravel, CX – you don’t need anything fancy to come and have a go. Grippy tyres are always useful in wetter races.
• Real race atmosphere.
  • Mass starts, cowbells, a crowd and a name check in race and at the finish along with live race timing. Its a real sport that you’ll feel right at home in.
• Genuinely welcoming.
  • The YCCA have been organising CX leagues for decades. You’ll receive a warm welcome from everyone involved, no matter what level of fitness you start at.
• What is the point?
  • The top three in each point scoring category win trophies at the end of the season which are presented to them at the annual YCCA Awards bash. Oh, and it’s fun.

How old do you need to be to take part?

We have events for ages from 4yrs to 70+.

How do I know which race I should enter?

Races are generally split into age categories. Your age is determined by how old you are by 1st September of the year you are racing.

2026-2027 season:

Year of Birth	Category
2018-current	Under 9
2015-2017	Under 12
2013-2014	Youth – U14
2011-2012	Youth – U16
2009-2010	Junior
2005-2008	Under 23
1987-2004	Senior
1977-1986	Masters 40
1967-1976	Masters 50
1957-1966	Masters 60
1956 and earlier	Masters 70+

The gear: What do you need?

You do not need to spend thousands to try your first race:

• The Bike.
  • . Cyclo-cross machines look very similar to road bikes, with dropped handlebars and thin tires.  However, ‘cross bikes have a knobbly tread for grip, powerful brakes, low gears and better frame clearances to prevent clogging with mud, all of which adds up to make them easy to handle on the rough. 
  • Any safe off-road bike with working brakes will do to get you started. A mountain bike or gravel bike is completely fine for local league racing.
  • If you want a dedicated CX bike down the line there are plenty of budget friendly options available, that will provide the fast handling and mud clearance you will need.
• Tyres.
  • You’ll need some tread or knobbly tyres to handle slippery conditions. Smooth road tyres will be tricky.
• Pedals and Shoes.
  • Mountain bike style clipless pedals or flat pedals paired with trainers are ideal. Avoid road bike shoes/pedals, as you will have to run at some point in the race.
• Clothing.
  • Helmets are mandatory. Wear close fitting layers that you don’t mind getting dirty. We also recommend a pair of cycling gloves.

How Do I Enter a Race?

All entries are taken online via the British Cycling Event Calendar – search for YCCA events or look for the links on our homepage to upcoming events. No entries are taken on the day.

You will need to create a British Cycling account to enter but this is free. Entry fees for adults are currently £16 plus £5 for a day license. 

• Entry Fees:
  • U9 – £5 
  • U12 – £5
  • U14 – £10
  • U16 – £10
  • U18 – £14
  • Senior – £16
  • Masters – £16
  • Only the U9/U12 categories are not required to have a racing license.

If you are thinking about doing a full CX season it might be worth purchasing an entry level British Cycling Membership which comes with a free provisional racing license, as this could save you money over the season.

British Cycling Racing Licences

What Happens on Race Day?

Races usually last between 30-50mins depending on the category. This means riders will complete several laps of the circuit. It is perfectly normal to be lapped by race leaders. Once the race leader has completed a specific time, a bell rings to signal that everyone finishes on their next lap.

• Arrive Early.
  • Give yourself at least 60-90 mins before your race time.
• Sign On.
  • Go to the event headquarters (usually a gazebo) to collect your race number which will be pinned to either your left or rights shoulder (you’ll be advised which at sign on) and timing chip for your ankle.
• Ride a Practice Lap.
  • Each race has its own dedicated practice period. Always ride at least one practice lap to familiarise yourself with the course layout and where potential tricky sections are.
• The Start.
  • Riders are grouped on the start grid, with faster riders called forward to start at the front. When the whistle blows, it is a fast sprint to the first corner, but you can pace yourself and try and stay with the main group, there is plenty of time to catch and overtake later.
• The Race.
  • Cyclo-cross races are quite short, but incredibly intense and ridden at a fast pace. If you are overtaken, don’t panic! The rider behind will usually call out which side they intend to pass. Hold your line and you will be passed when it is safe to do so. If you are passing riders, remember to be polite, inform the rider in front which side you intend to pass and only proceed to pass when its safe to do so.
  • After you cross the line there will be a bucket where you can return your timing chip.
  • After the race you’ll have a chance for a catch up with fellow riders over a cuppa and some cake. Your race results can be found at MyRaceResults just search for “YCCA”.

3 Crucial Skills

You can prepare before your first race by practising these 3 crucial skills. Why not check our page on local CX training sessions to see if there is any skills training in your area.

• Dismount and Remount.
  • Cyclo-cross course can feature obstacles like wooden planks or steep banks that force you to get on and off and run. Practise stepping off the bike smoothly while it’s still rolling slowly, running a few steps, and swinging your leg back over.
• Cornering in Mud.
  • Keep your arms relaxed and bent to absorb bumps, Put your weight on your outside foot (pedal down) when turning to push your tires into the ground for maximum grip.
• Traction Control.
  • When riding up steep or slippery grassy banks, stay seated and shift your weight slightly back in the saddle to prevent your rear wheel from spinning out.

 

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