A GIF Guide to Cyclocross

Originally published by Bicycling.com. 

Cyclocross is a fast-paced sport, and learning the techniques and tactics for cyclocross racing can be just as important as being able to pedal your bike fast. We spied on the top pros at CrossVegas, Providence Cyclocross Festival, and a World Cup in Valkenburg, The Netherlands, over the past month to capture some of the best tactics you can practice to make your race go smoothly. And what better way to show them than in looping GIF form?

Katerina Nash demonstrates perfect grass cornering en route to the win at CrossVegas.

Getting a good start in a cyclocross race is crucial—and you don't want to end up like the guy at the end!

Choosing how to ride the ruts is key: You can go in and get pushed through (but risk crashing) or you can go wide and take a bit longer, but be safer.

Watch the mechanics in the double-sided pit switching sides.

Keeping track of riders during a cyclocross race can be a challenge with such a winding course!

Little hills may not seem like much, but prepare for some serious hurting.

Learning how to dismount properly can be tricky—but it's worth it.

Want to get faster? Perfect the art of remounting.

Grabbing a new bike in the pit is an art form.

The three riders are together until the dismount, when technique outshines wattage.

Team tactics—and drafting—still apply even when the course is muddy.

It looks simple, but transitioning on and off pavement is a skill that takes practice.

The man. The myth. The legend: Sven Nys.

Of course, we can't all be pros. Sometimes, we look less like Sven and a little more like this guy, racing at Starcrossed 2011.

Related Articles

• Cyclocross 101
• 9 Reasons Why You Should Try Cyclocross
• Cyclocross is Ideal for Offseason Cyclists

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