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 30 – February 1, 2026
Hulst, Netherlands
For the most up-to-date information, please visit: UCI Cyclocross World Championships
Cyclocross World Cups
2025-2026
November 23: Tábor, CZE
November 30: Flamanville, FRA
December 7: Cabras Sardegna, ITA
December 14: Namur, BEL
December 20: Antwerpen, BEL
December 21: Koksijde, BEL
December 26: Gavere, BEL
December 28: Dendermonde, BEL
January 4: Zonhoven, BEL
January 18: Benidorm, ESP
January 24: Maasmechelen, BEL
January 25: Hoogerheide, NED
For the most up-to-date information, please visit: 2025-26 UCI Cyclocross World Cup
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.
