{"id":41726,"title":"Can I improve at cyclocross?","description":"Can I improve at cyclocross and when should I start training for the cyclocross season? We explain Rijden's philosophy for improving at cyclocross and identify some common cyclocross mistakes.","content":"

Published in<\/strong>: CYCLOCROSS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

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Two of the most common cyclocross questions I get asked are \u201cCan I improve at cyclocross?\u201d and \u201cWhen should I start training for the cross season?\u201d.<\/p>

In this article, I try to answer these questions and explain my philosophy for improving at cyclocross.<\/p>

\"ImageCyclocross riders having fun. Image: Mick Searle<\/em><\/p>

People often ask me, and I frequently ask myself, \u201cCan I improve at cyclocross?\u201d I also get asked, \u201cWhen should I start training for the cross season?\u201d<\/p>

These are two different questions but the answers overlap. In this article, I\u2019ll explain why I believe this is the case and my philosophy for improving at cyclocross.<\/p>

I should state that I don\u2019t have any coaching qualifications and I\u2019ve never had a formal coach for my cycling endeavours.<\/p>

Everything I know about cyclocross or any form of cycle racing has been gained through decades of failure, experimentation, reading and listening to others.<\/p>

Commitment<\/h3>

If you\u2019re expecting some easy solutions then I\u2019m going to disappoint you. None of the top cyclocross riders either at the international or local level got there without hard work, determination and a laser-like focus on their fitness and skills.<\/p>

But I firmly believe almost everyone can improve if they are committed enough.<\/p>

When do I need to start training for cyclocross?<\/h2>

Often, the answer to this question is \u201cseveral months ago\u201d. Many people only start to think seriously about the cyclocross season once their local cyclocross league\u2019s calendar is published.<\/p>

Early June<\/h3>

Former National Champion and professional cyclocross rider Ian Field says you need to start training at the beginning of June<\/strong><\/a>. I'm not going to disagree with someone who knows far more about the subject than me but I'd argue you need to start at the end of the last season.<\/p>

ABOUT RIJDEN<\/strong>: Rijden grew from a passion for Flemish-style cycle racing. We're a small UK independent that publishes a <\/em>free online cycling magazine<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and sustainable gifts for fans of cycling\u2019s classics and cyclocross. Read <\/em>more about Rijden<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>

Ian was referring to the physiological training for cyclocross - i.e. how to get fit enough for the season. My concern is with the overall package of the cyclocross rider including not only fitness but skills and mental approach.<\/p>

Big gains are made out of season<\/h3>

How often do you see a rider dramatically improve their form during the cyclocross season? Unless they\u2019re coming back from illness or injury it rarely happens.<\/p>

\"CyclocrossLucinda Brand improved dramatically through hard work. Image: Rijden<\/em><\/p>

The cyclocross season is short compared to road racing and the frequency and intensity make it difficult to find time to achieve improvements in form.<\/p>

That's not to say you can't achieve incremental improvements during the season but the reality is that the big gains are made long before the season starts.<\/p>

Skills fade<\/h3>

Have you ever learnt a new skill such as a foreign language? Unless you're a natural polyglot, it would have required time, effort and dedication.<\/p>

But what happens when you don't use the language? Your language skill deteriorates over time. The longer the period, the greater the skill declines. The same happens with your cyclocross skills.<\/p>

\u201ckeep your key cyclocross skills refreshed\u201d<\/strong><\/p>

The message here is simple. If you put your cyclocross bike away at the end of the season and don't get it out until August your skills will have reduced. You need to keep your key cyclocross skills refreshed outside of the cyclocross season.<\/p>

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\"Subscribe<\/u><\/a>How much depends upon how ingrained those skills were in the first place, your age and your genetics. Simply put, if you're a thirty-year-old who has been racing cyclocross since they were ten, you'll have lost a lot less than a fifty-year-old with say two years of experience.<\/p>

There's still hope<\/h3>

If it's only a few weeks away from the start of the season and you're beginning to despair then don't. As Chairman Mao wrote, every journey starts with a single step.<\/p>

\u201cyou've made the first step\u201d<\/strong><\/p>

If you want to improve and you're truly committed to investing the time, effort and quite probably pain, then you've made the first step.<\/p>

How do I improve at cyclocross?<\/h2>

My philosophy for improving at any cycling discipline is the same but cyclocross presents a greater challenge than say road racing.<\/p>

\"ImageMistakes are inevitable in cyclocross - just cope with them. Image: Rijden<\/em><\/p>

In road racing, you need physical fitness to be able to sprint at the end of a race, ride in a breakaway and bridge across with an all-out maximal effort of a few minutes. Other than some basic bike handling you just need to grasp the tactics of road racing.<\/p>

\u201cCompared to cyclocross it's a doddle\u201d<\/strong><\/p>

Compared to cyclocross it's a doddle. If I sound dismissive of road racing, I'm not. Physically, it's extraordinarily demanding and you need to be able to make instant judgement calls about tactics. It's just the number of skills you need to master are far fewer.<\/p>

Here's my approach (it's not rocket science):<\/p>