No matter where you stood at this weekend's Coal Cross cyclocross race in Cumberland, you could hear stoked kids yelling at riders to "hit the jump!"
The youngsters were yelling themselves hoarse throughout the day, but would erupt in cheers every time a rider went up and over the two foot kicker. It was one of the most popular parts of the course for spectators, since there's nothing like seeing a lycra-clad bike rider jump a few feet into the air in order to gain a second or two on the competition. But one thing about a race like this is that there are plenty of places to cheer for 鈥� or heckle 鈥� your favourite riders. Whether that was the hairpin turn with extra special handups, the death spiral to catch many riders all at once, the finish line to watch the sprint, there was tons of room to get up close and personal with the riders.
Cyclocross is one of those sports that is generally unknown to many, but those who are into it are very into it. The origins are a bit unclear, but it's over 100 years old. In the beginning of the 20th century bike racers were looking for a way to continue riding and racing after the end of the regular season. Though the actual beginnings of the sport are shrouded in myth, one story is that European road racers would race each other to the next town over, cutting through farmers' fields, jumping fences and taking any other shortcuts. Daniel Gousseau, a french rider, organized the first French National Championship in the fledgling sport in 1902, and it grew from there.
In its modern iteration, racers ride specialized cyclocross bikes, which are like road bikes with mud tires, around a short track with mixed surfaces, obstacles and difficult sections. The races are held rain or shine, and though a nice sunny day is great for keeping dry, the more exciting races happen in the mud.
Now fans of the sport can get their cross fix in many communities across Europe and North America. The Cumberland event was the northernmost race in the Cross on The Rock series, Vancouver Island's grassroots cross series. There were 307 racers who signed up for one of the 11 categories, and 295 of those racers finished their races. Racers ranged in age from 5 years old to 68 years old.
Though a cyclocross bike is preferred, there really are no rules for the more casual riders. The series is open to anyone who wants to give it a try, and continues on Oct. 6 in Port Alberni, followed by Nanaimo (Oct. 14), Cowichan (Oct. 27), Victoria (Nov. 10), and ends in Nanaimo on Nov. 24.
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