One of our goals at LadiesFirst is to help spread our love for cyclocross to riders and spectators alike. Due to the unique aspects of this sport, we know the thrill of the race is occasionally replaced by head-scratching confusion. We hope the following list of FAQs will put you at ease and make your next cyclocross experience a great one!
What is Ladies First Racing?
LadiesFirst Racing is an elite women’s racing team from the metropolitan Boston area. Our main focus is cylcocross, but we also race road, mountain bike and triathlon in the off-season. We started racing in 2008 as the women’s team of the Minuteman Road Club. As we became successful at the elite level, we established a separate identity, but we are still an active part of the Minuteman Road Club.
What is Minuteman Road Club?
The Minuteman Road Club (MRC) is a cycling and triathlon club located in the Metrowest region of Massachusetts. The club’s philosophy revolves around encouraging competitive and recreational riders to experience the beauty of cycling firsthand. The club provides like-minded riders with a supportive group of enthusiasts to learn to race, join casual group rides and center social activities around cycling.Since 1985, the Minuteman Road Club has provided a structure by which it’s members may participate in competitive cycling and multi-sport activities. To learn more check out http://www.minutemanroadclub.com/
Does LadiesFirst host group rides?
This past summer we held casual Thursday road rides, but with the busy cyclocross season this fall we will not be leading any group rides. However, if you are interested in meeting us please come out to the races and introduce yourself to the team.
What is the VERGE NECCS series?
VERGE NECCS is the New England Cyclocross Championship series. http://www.cycle-smart.com/events/neccs
What is the NACT series?
NACT is the North American Cyclocross Trophy, which typically includes at least one race in the New England area. http://nacyclocross.com/
What are the categories for cyclocross?
The sport of cyclocross is sanctioned by USA Cycling which specifies different categories to help racers compete against others with similar ability levels. Those new to racing have to start as a category 4 and work their way up to category 1 by placing well in races and earning upgrades. Special exception can be made for races with experience in road or mtb displicine when requested individually. For more info on categories and upgrading see http://www.usacycling.org/forms/USAC_rulebook-1.pdf
How long is a race?
Races are usually specified by time, but the end of the race is determined by completing the number of laps specified by the officials. (Within the first 2 laps of the race they calculate the pace of the leaders and use that to determine how many subsequent laps are needed to end closest to the total race time).
What makes a cross bike different from a road bike?
The most obvious difference is the wider, often knobbier tires used on 700c wheels. The more subtle changes include wider spacing in the frame and brakes to allow for such tires, and the often muddy conditions they come with. Lastly, the geometry varies slightly, with many riders choosing a shorter reach and wheel base, as well as and taller head tube to improve stability over technical terrain.
What are the guidelines for the circuit of a cyclocross course?
Both USA cycling and UCI rules describe the allowed conditions for cyclocross, but the general guidelines are that 90% of the course distant must be rideable and a lap should be between 2.5 to 3.5 km long of varying terrain. We have courses with dirt singletrack, gravel roads, pavement, sand, and grass in New England. See USA cycling rules here
http://www.usacycling.org/forms/USAC_rulebook-5.pdf
What are barriers?
In cyclocross there is at least one set of plank barriers per lap which are intended as an obstacle forcing riders to dismount and run their pikes for a short distance. Natural obstacles such as stairs, steep hills, or sand are also common. Full rules about allowable obstacles can be found here http://www.usacycling.org/forms/USAC_rulebook-5.pdf
Should I preride the course?
Every cyclocross course is different and weather conditions can rapidly cause changes even on familiar terrain so it is important to arrive early enough to have time to preride the course. Typically several races occur during the day on the same course, so finding the time openings between races will allow you to preride when the course is open.
What should I eat before the race?
Every person has individual food preferences and sensitivities on race day, but there are few general guidelines that most of our team uses; Eat a large meal with plenty of carbohydrates 3-4 hours before the race. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the race day. Eat a energy gel, small bar, or gel block within one hour of racing (often about 15 minutes before the race…to top of energy stores but still have time to digest it).
What should I do the day before the race?
The day before a race should be restful, but a short ride with some brief sprints is a good way to get make sure your muscles are ready for hard day of activity. Eating and drinking enough is also important the day before racing.
What tire pressure should I use?
Tire pressure is often a coveted secret among races, but general guidelines for tire pressure in cyclocross tires depends on 3 factors. 1)Tubulars or clinchers? The inner tube inside clincher tires can pinch flat so its important to run a slightly higher tire pressure, whereas in tubulars the low end of the air pressure is determine by the next two factors. 2) Course conditions/terrain: Sloppy, slippery conditions can be a little easier to handle with low tire pressure, versus a hard smooth surface where higher tire pressure will work more efficiently. 3) Rider weight? The low end of the tire pressure you can use is determined by the rider’s weight- it is dangerous to your equipment to run too low pressure because you can “bottom-out” or hit the rim of your wheel on hard terrain.
What gearing should I use?
Typically riders use gearing a little easier than road bikes, so that they can handle rough surfaces while still having some capacity to run a fairly large gear for a sprint.
