First junior cyclo-cross race

dsmiff

A few months ago (September), my son did his first road race.

He will now be riding cyclo-cross at Macclesfield on the 30th Dec.

Welsh cycling have loaned him a cyclo-cross bike.

Question is, do I fit the clipless pedals he normally uses or am I best to fit flats as he may have to get on/off to clear obstacles.

Has anyone any experience of these event, particularly the course at Macclesfield?

Thanks

drenkrom

Never use road shoes and pedals in CX. Ever. The slightest speck of mud will clog those up in no time, and running up a dirt hill with carbon soles offers nothing aside from the comical relief for whoever may be watching. I use my MTB shoes and the CX bike is fitted with another pair of bog-standard SPDs. If your son doesn't have MTB shoes and pedals and the expense is not really justified , flats and relatively stiff trail-running shoes are good. I get my ass whupped by guys with just such a setup on a regular basis. Whatever the setup, make sure he practices his dismounts and remounts as soon as he gets the bike. Those really are a lot trickier than they look. Remounting quickly without squishing a nut is an essential skill.

Above all, make sure he doesn't take it all too seriously and has a blast. CX racing can be very frustrating at first if you get into it too much. Keep those legs turning fast and that upper body super smooth and have fun! And never forget: falling is part of the fun.

EDIT: just saw your flickr pictures. those MTB shoes and pedals are perfect.

andyp

What Drenkom said.

I hope your son has as much success with his first cross race as he did with his first road race!

dsmiff

I'll try him on the clips tomorrow, depends on the advantage of the clips with applying power, versus the ability to quickly mount / dismount.

He is very used to clips, but I worry that he will be struggling to get in and out in time.

We have a field opposite he has been practicing in the today (with flats) to get used to the bike, we'll probably go out for a longer ride tomorrow taking in a couple of local woods and roads.

Does anyone know how long the races last, I believe it will be the under 12's he is racing in - he is still 8 but I'm hoping he will do OK.

dsmiff

Managed 5th in the under 12 race.

Being only 8, not a bad result, he really struggled over the obstacles (most of the younger boys did), however went past most on the climbs. Was pipped at the finish line by another lad who was able to sprint though the obstacles and go past him on the line.

He had overtaken him the lap before, but as the finish line was just the other side of the obstacle it didn't work in his favor, he was loosing about 30m over this and had to make it back up on each lap.

He used his clipless pedals, but he hadn't practiced carrying his bike.

Coming to the finish - no one in sight ( a good 30m lead!)


where did he come from!

dsmiff

He has just finished 3rd in the British Cyclocross championship at Birmingham out of about 70 riders, got on the podium and was presented with his prize from Isla Rowntree.

Just joined Rhyl CC so at least he wasn't just wearing a football shirt this time!

Think he may retire for a bit now - he's getting a road bike for his birthday and he may enter some local circuit rides later in the year.

NervexProf

dsmiff wrote:

He has just finished 3rd in the British Cyclocross championship at Birmingham out of about 70 riders, got on the podium and was presented with his prize from Isla Rowntree.

Just joined Rhyl CC so at least he wasn't just wearing a football shirt this time!

Think he may retire for a bit now - he's getting a road bike for his birthday and he may enter some local circuit rides later in the year.

Smiffy - Congrats to the lad...a talent indeed.

Good to read that he jas joined the Rhyll CC

Has he appointed you his DS now?

dsmiff

Good to read that he jas joined the Rhyll CC

Very pleased to join Rhyl, in conjunction with Joh Harland (Welsh Development Officer) and Richard Mills, they have been helping set up a go-ride club at Llandegla as well as Rhyl, the sessions run at 9am on a Saturday if anyone with kids is interested.

We are all off to Revolution 19 with them on Saturday - should help inspire the kids.

drenkrom

That reminds me of myself at the same age. May the passion stay alight in him for years to come. Cycling kids are good kids, as my parents (absolute non-cyclists) used to say.

That kid with the Focus bike in the photo looks like he has his handlebars at chest level!

dnsmiff

Just got back from Halifax BSCA National Cyclo-cross championship, Christian got another 3rd in the U10 boys. He almost fell off at the start then made his way into a comfortable 3rd, he almost got 2nd on the line after the 2nd placed rider had a bit of a spill.

Won't be doing too much more, just a few of the races at Liverpool and Shrewsbury, they will be on the road bike which should suit him better.

Bronzie

Great to hear of your lads continuing progress and enthusiasm.............inspiring stuff!