Get up to speed for the Cyclocross season

Get up to speed for the
Cyclocross season.

Cyclocross season is here, and this weekend marks the start of the National Trophy Series in the UK. Riders from across the country are gearing up for a winter of intense racing, mud, and technical challenges. Among them is new HUNT athlete, Tom Couzens.
As he prepares for the season ahead, Tom shares his expert tips on how to get race-ready and make the most of your cyclocross training. From bike prep to skills and conditioning, these insights will help you navigate the demands of CX and give you an edge on race day.
Step 1: Prepare Your Bike
Ensure your bike is race-ready for the demanding conditions of cyclocross. From checking the bearings to inspecting the tires and properly gluing the tubs, every component should be in top shape. Cyclocross can be brutal on equipment, especially during winter. Mud, sand, and harsh weather can quickly wear down parts, so starting the season with well-maintained gear reduces the risk of mechanical failures mid-race.
Step 2: Skills and Drills Training
Cyclocross demands a unique set of skills, so dedicating time to focused training is essential. Practice dismounts, remounts, cornering, and navigating obstacles like barriers and steep run-ups. Repeated training of these techniques will help you develop muscle memory and confidence on race day, allowing you to react quickly and smoothly to any challenge on the course.
Step 3: Build Intensity Into Training
Cyclocross races are short but intense, requiring bursts of power and endurance. Gradually incorporate high-intensity intervals into your training to mimic race conditions. Focus on sprints, hill climbs, and quick accelerations to improve your ability to recover between efforts.
A great session for this could be 40 seconds at a high intensity followed by 20 seconds easy for 8 minute blocks.
 
Step 4: Get Running
Running is a crucial part of cyclocross. When a section of the track is impassible on two wheels, it's generally quicker to dismount and get running, especially when navigating steep inclines, barriers, and muddy sections where riding isn’t possible.
Focus on short, explosive runs, especially on uneven terrain, to simulate race conditions. Practicing running with your bike on your shoulder will also improve your efficiency during dismounts and remounts, helping you transition seamlessly from riding to running when needed.

Raced at a local and National level.

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