Cyclocross for Triathletes
The off-season is a great time to rehab nagging injuries, get a good base to build to next year’s triathlon season, and to relax and have fun with hard training. Cyclocross is a great way to do all of those things, for the most part… There are some inherent risks with cyclocross, but I believe that the negatives outweigh the positives. I will say, I hurt myself at cyclocross practice two weeks ago, and it could’ve been a lot worse and avoided. However, I have plenty of reasons why cyclocross is a great option for off-season training as a triathlete. Today, you’ll read through my background in cyclocross, my race recap from yesterday (which will hopefully further entice you to try it), and then give all the amazing reasons why cyclocross is a great option for triathletes in the Fall/Winter.
Intense focus during the first lap from Saturday’s race. Photo by Spencer Jones
My Background:
This is my third year doing cyclocross and I race my 3rd race ever on Saturday. I started out in 2021. I don’t remember why I wanted to do it, but I think I wanted to try it because my road bike fits gravel tires, it sounded fun and adventurous, and I had friends who did it. That first year I went to the local practices frequently and got to know more and more people each time I went. I was ready to go for my first-ever cyclocross race with the local cross series ‘Cascade Cross’ at Hannegan Speedway. I treated it as intensely as a triathlon which did not bode well to the chill CX environment. About 500 feet into the warmup lap, I crashed out going downhill into the bramble and bent my pinky finger backward. I went to urgent care and didn’t race that day. I ended up having a great time at my first *successful* race at Cornwall later that year though! Then in 2023 I went to more practices and saw familiar faces from the prior year, making it feel more like a community. I went on to race Hannegan Speedway again, safely made it through the warmup lap, AND had a successful race! Finally, this year, during my first practice back I fell over a barrier, flipped over my handlebars, and landed on my left shoulder, which resulted in two weeks off and a bruised AC joint. After some rest, I recovered in time to race at Hannegan Speedway once again! It was SO much fun. I can’t wait to go to more practices and races!
Cyclocross practice at Lake Padden in October 2024. Photo by Sarah Ellis
Race Recap:
This past Saturday was my 2nd time racing the Hannegan Speedway race, which is the first out of three races in the Cascade Cross series. I got there a little late which was fine until it wasn’t. I went and warmed up by going around the course once and then all of a sudden it was time to race, and I wasn’t ready. My bib wasn’t on, I didn’t check-in in time, I missed my start with Women’s B and honestly, I wasn’t super phased by it, but I won’t lie and tell you that I wasn’t embarrassed. I was, however, ready for the Women’s C which I ended up racing in! We all took off and I was in about 5th. Then I passed one person, then another, and another. There was one speedy lady ahead of me that I wanted to catch but I wasn’t forcing it. While on course there was constant yelling and whooping at each other. Loads of encouragement from all the ladies. The camaraderie that we were all out there in rainy, 40-degree weather, on our bikes, getting ultra muddy made it so much fun. It felt cozy to be in the middle of so much joy! I got out in front and after the first lap, I felt like I was going to throw up. I was pushing so hard and went out too fast. The next lap I slowed down quite a bit and the girl in 2nd passed me and she was too far gone for me to catch her. Then, crossing the start line, I got notified that there was only one more lap to go! I tried my best to get through the parts I usually walked through and finish strong. I did just that! I crossed the finish line after 30 minutes, completing 3 laps. I finished 1st in Women’s C and won a fricken pie!! How cool is that!!
Women’s C Podium. Photo by Spencer Jones
Why Triathletes should try Cyclocross:
Helps your bike handling skills:
Triathletes are notorious for having horrible bike handling skills because we just sit in our TT position on our trainer all year. Not saying that that’s everyone but it is a stereotype. Being so stationary doesn’t help our bike skills needed to be confident bike riders. Doing cyclocross will 100% help you with your bike skills. Learning how to turn around tight corners, unclipping quickly, and flying mounts and dismounts can save you precious seconds in transition.
It's different:
When you’ve been training so hard all year focusing on one sport, sometimes you just need to switch it up to help you remember why you love triathlon so much. If you’re like me and get a little burnt out toward the end of the tri-season, cyclocross might just be the trick to get you out of your funk! You’re on a different fitting bike, you’re outside in the winter, you’re wearing different gear, and you’re on different terrain. There is so much growth that can come from getting different mental and physical stimulation by trying something new! You also get to meet new people who just happen to be pretty great.
CX vibes are way more chill than triathlons:
Don’t get me wrong, I love the vibes at triathlons. Everyone is generally friendly and hyped for the big day ahead. But there is a seriousness that comes with it, which I participate in as well. But cyclocross has a whole new meaning to chill, especially our local series. Now this doesn’t mean that it isn't competitive! Tons of bad-ass fast people come out to partake at Cascade Cross. I think one of the main things that make CX chill are the “handouts”. These are spectators on the sideline handing out gummy worms, doughnuts, Fireball, etc.… while you’re racing! It’s so fun. I snagged half a doughnut during Saturday’s race, hehe.
Low commitment:
Thankfully, as triathletes, we are already super fit. This means we go to CX practice once a week to work on technical skills and still manage to race well! The only thing is, is that you have to treat cyclocross with the attitude that it is for training. Meaning, you need to do your best to stay safe.
You get to buy more stuff:
As triathletes, we love stuff. We can’t stop buying stuff. The pro triathlete’s job in our sport is to get us amateurs to buy more stuff! Well, guess what, if you get into a cyclocross you have an excuse to get a new bike, new clothes, a new helmet, and just spend more money! Yay! In all seriousness though, you can get by in CX with the gear you already have. Just don’t show up to a CX race on your TT bike...
Inexpensive:
Triathlons are insanely expensive. Especially if you want to race more than once a year. CX races are generally inexpensive. For example, I bought a Cascade Cross series pass this year for $99. Which comes out to around $30 per race. Now that’s not too bad if you ask me. They are also trying to get more young people in the sport, and I know this year kids 18 and under race free at Cascade Cross! Get out there!
Great workout:
Don’t want to do your Threshold session on Zwift this week? Go to a CX practice or race! It is a much more enjoyable way to get your legs and heart pumping. Plus, you’re out there with a bunch of other people doing the same thing.
I know cyclocross simply might not be for you or might be too much of a risk. I understand that. I might get to that point in a couple of years, but right now it fits really well into my athletic career. I encourage you to try something that might make you a little uncomfortable at first! The skills you learn from Cyclocross might just give you an upper hand on your competition this next triathlon season 😉