A previously obscure, esoteric type of bicycle racing
sport originating in Europe in the early 1900s. In cyclo-cross, cyclists ride a modified road-style bike through a technical course, generally off-road, and occasionally dismounting and carrying the bike over unrideable obstacles. Cyclo-cross originated as a way for riders to continue off-season training and to improve bike handling skills by encouraging riding in horrid
winter conditions. Modern cyclo-cross is a huge spectator draw in countries like Belgium (it is arguably the Belgian national
sport), and is one of the only forms of cycling in which the spectator can interact directly with
race participants by offering "hand-ups" (often
beer or food or even
money) to racers. Heckling of racers is actively encouraged. Cyclo-cross has made great inroads into the
USA in the last decade with many
local race promoters offering cyclo-cross races and
race series, with many highly-ranked US racers competing in the World Championships in Europe. It is growing rapidly in popularity as an alternative to high-speed, often dangerous road-style racing and spectator-unfriendly mountain bike racing, with lower top speeds and less dangerous terrain. The best cyclocross races are often non-serious affairs with racers in loud costumes with decorated, often silly-looking bikes.
