About Cyclocross
Cyclocross, often referred to as ‘cross or CX, is a sport that has its origins in Europe in the early 1900s. Since the cyclocross season generally takes place from September to February, adverse weather conditions such as snow, rain, wind, and mud often alter racing conditions. Cyclocross is kind of like a steeplechase, but on a bike, with courses that can consist of grass, dirt, mud, pavement, short, steep hills, off-camber sections and a few obstacles. Obstacles may include low, wood planks (called barriers), stairs, unrideable steep hills, or logs. These force the rider to get off and remount their bike multiple times a lap. These technical elements along with the unpredictable weather and course conditions all add to the sport’s allure.
Cyclocross races begin with a staggered mass start – where everyone in a specific category starts together. Depending on experience level, racers compete for 30-60 minutes by racing multiple laps around a short course (typically 1.5-2 miles). The officials will time the first few laps to figure out how fast the field is racing, then hold up lap cards at the start/finish line indicating how many laps remain in the race.
Join The Team
USA Cycling is pleased to be able to better support our aspiring athletes and grow the sport of cyclocross in the U.S. with the support of the MudFund. Our goal is to elevate the experience of our athletes and fans alike, and we are grateful to the Cyclocross community for carrying on the tradition of digging deep and keeping this sport fun. The cyclocross development program is designed to create a complete pathway from entering the sport to finishing on the podium at the highest level.
Get Involved
Join A Club
Compete Locally
Prepare & Train
Compete Nationally
Compete Internationally
Cyclocross World Championships
January 31 – February 2, 2025
Lievin, France
For the most up-to-date information, please visit: UCI Cyclocross World Championships
Cyclocross World Cups
2024-2025 Schedule
Dec. 1 – Dublin
Dec. 8 – Cabras-Sardinia
Dec. 15 – Namur
Dec. 21 – Hulst
Dec. 22 – Zonhoven
Dec. 26 – Gavere
Dec. 29 – Besancon
Jan. 5 – Dendermonde
Jan. 19 – Benidorm
Jan. 25 – Maasmechelen
Jan. 26 – Hoogerheide
For the most up-to-date information, please visit: 2024-2025 UCI Cyclocross World Cup
Cyclocross Athlete Stipend Grants
For the 2024-25 cyclocross season, USA Cycling will be providing Cyclocross Athlete Stipend Grants. The grant supports athletes in navigating the financial demands of competing in Europe. By alleviating these financial burdens, the program allows athletes to focus on their performance and development. It provides crucial financial assistance, enabling athletes to participate in international competitions and empowering their trade teams to pursue athletic excellence, thereby fostering talent and promoting the sport's growth.
Selection Process
USA Cycling is responsible for selecting the athletes who represent the United States in Protected Competitions through an extensive selection process.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ATHLETE EVENT SELECTION PROCESS
Selection Committee
The discipline-specific selection committee provides oversight and accountability of the athlete nomination process. They ensure that the athlete selection procedures are followed and that criteria – both automatic and discretionary - are applied appropriately to nominate athletes. Once confirmed, they approve the athlete nominations.
Each discipline-specific selection committee is composed of three volunteers – a 10 Year Athlete, discipline expert unrelated to USA Cycling, and USA Cycling Discipline Director. Each selection committee includes at least one-third 10 Year Athlete Representatives as required by the USOPC Bylaws. Athlete Representatives on the selection committees are approved by USA Cycling’s Athletes’ Advisory Council.
The Cyclocross Selection Committee is as follows:
- Jeremy Powers - 10 Year Athlete
- Joan Hanscom
- USA Cycling Discipline Director
All members of the Selection Committee and USA Cycling Sport Performance staff participating in a selection must comply with USA Cycling’s Statement of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy.
