For those of you who have been under a rock, the world seems to be getting either seriously wet and quite floody or firey and rather hot. This week saw Louisville, Kentucky take the brunt of Mother Nature’s wrath and oh boy did it make for an even greater Cyclo-Cross World Championships

Following worrying forecasts from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) the organisers of the UCI Cyclo-Cross world championships in Louisville, Kentucky had to rearrange the races scheduled to ensure all of the events could be held on Saturday.

It was feared the projected high water levels in the Ohio River would cause Beargrass Creek to flood the low-lying areas of Eva Bandman Park in Louisville, in the early hours on Sunday morning and that water level will continue to rise causing any events held on Sunday to be ruined. The organisers and volunteers did a sterling  job to ensure flood defences were reinforced and the crowds were able to attend all the races on Saturday.

The impending floods, the snow and the slowly thawing concrete-hard-icy ground made for a mouth wateringly wonderful day of CX. The kind of conditions that make racing hard and unpredictable but don’t overshadow the power and skill of the riders to the extent where it becomes a farce. The racing was hard-fought and the winners more than worthy of their rainbow stripes. As they say, a picture tells a thousand words, so the full races are shown below for your cross delectation. Take some time to watch these, they are great and as the announcers say, we get to see someone who is possibly the greatest bike rider of all time… yes they even say she could be better than Merckx!!!!!

Men’s under 23 race

Elite Women’s race

Elite Men’s race

Let us know what you thought of the racing and the season ahead…

Stevie

courtesy of JPows.com

This post was first published on October 9th 2012. 

Due to race schedule issues this interview has not been recorded yet but I’m hoping to get it in the can within the next week. With that in mind, I’m taking the liberty of bumping this post back to the forefront of your minds and get you thinking about Cyclocross questions. The star of this interview is not heavily disguised and I’m sure you are all aware of how much of a personality this person has. I really want to make this an interview to remember so get commenting at the bottom and check out the videos for inspiration. 

With the rain and the mud approaching, there are many out there turning their sights towards the CX season.  Whether you are a complete newbie or a seasoned cross fanatic one of the greatest things about cyclocross is the fun that’s clear to see on everyone’s face; riders and spectators alike.  And from what I have seen, there is no other place in the world more wacky to cyclocross race than the United States.

This is why I am very excited about an up and coming interview with a certain US Cyclocross champion who shall remain nameless(!)  Now I know a thing or two about cross racing but only from watching it.  I have never gotten myself intentionally dirty (you’ve seen the new LTB road kit…I like to stay clean on the bike!), so I need some help from the LovingTheBike collective.

I’m sure you all have some burning questions you’d love to ask a pro cyclist, some cycling related, otherwise maybe not so.  Now is your chance.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out who this interview is going to be with, but let’s just say he’s a real character and I’m sure he will take any questions from his cycling fans in the good faith they are intended…within reason!

So here is your assignment – get commenting below and leave me your questions.  They can be serious, funny, though-provoking…but let’s stay away from weird!  I hope to have the fruits of your labour poster here very soon.

In the meantime, check out this COMPLETELY unrelated website of CX star Jeremy Powers and the fantastic Behind The Barriers show below, now in it’s 3rd season.

Stevie

After last month’s ‘What to do next’  post I thought I’d get a closer look at Cross racing and headed to London’s Alexandra Palace for the Rapha Super Cross 2012

All photos courtesy of Rapha

Although I might not have been competing this year, the fun, the bikes, the mud and of course the booze help to create a fantastic atmosphere of racing. I’m looking forward to taking part in the ‘novice’ section next year, which of course involves the Tequila Shortcut and the Wall of Foam. Two of the greatest cycling inventions ever!

As the season goes on I’d love to hear of the Cross (CX) exploits of the LovingTheBike.com and #bikeschool gang. Our very own noggin-box genius @egggman began an illustrious Cross career and has really enjoyed it. Share you experiences with us here, in the comments or get in touch to share your story in a guest post.

Stevie