Ohio Valley Cyclocross Practices

Cincinnati

Tues - Kingswood Golf Course in Landen 6:30pm
Weds - Harbin Park in Fairfield at 6:30pm

Louisville

Tues - Skills & Drills River Rd Country Club at 6:30pm
Weds - Hot Laps @ River Rd Country Club at 5:30pm

Columbus

Tues - Kenney Park at 6:00pm

Indianapolis

Weds - Southeastway Park 5pm - 8pm

 Bloomington

Weds - Sample Gates - 5:30 - 7:30pm

Cross Skills and Technique, by Ryan Gamm

A well developed Cyclocross skills set will increase a riders efficiency, prevent crashes, and ultimately allow a racer to fully exploit their fitness.  It can be tricky to find the right balance of skills practice and structured workouts to help a racer meet their potential, however, with proper planning this can be achieved. 

There are many options for fitting in Cyclocross skills into an athletes training program.  From a coaches perspective I like to look at how many races my athletes are attending and then work backwards from there.  Racing is great way to work on skills and certainly must be accounted for.  Including races, usually 2-3 workouts incorporating cross skills each week are sufficient.  For example, if an athlete is racing both days on the weekend; only a small amount of time may be necessary during the rest of the week.

Some other suggestions for Cyclocross skills practice:
• Many racers have a Tuesday or Wednesday night cross practice or mock race available.  These can provide an excellent opportunity to work on skill and technique, as well as a chance to learn from other racers.  A drawback to these Cross group rides is that they often turn into hammer sessions.   Although there can be a time and place to fit in these workouts, if used too often they can do as much harm as good. 

• Another option is a aerobic workout focusing on Cross skills and technique.  These are best done at a local park, and typically with a small group.  Just be sure to focus on skills rather than effort.

• Mountain biking on your Cyclocross bike on fire roads or easy trails.  Some coaches like to implement these rides on recovery days; however, it takes a lot of self control on the athlete’s part to keep off the gas.  I can personally say I lack this control and have trashed many a recovery day but had a great time doing it!

Cross specific openers or pre-riding a race course can be a great way to add in some structured or unstructured efforts while a working on technique.