Winter is approaching, and many cyclists are starting to try their hand at cyclocross, a winter-only discipline that greatly helps athletes prepare for the start of a new season.
Shorter, but very intense
Cyclocross is a discipline that, contrary to what one might think, has roots that stretch back a long way, just like road cycling. Already in the early 1900s, cyclists would ride their bikes through the fields during the fall and winter, testing their muscles and preparing them for the long climbs they would face in the coming months.
Today, cyclocross is widely practiced nationally and internationally, with numerous races and several professional cyclists competing in this discipline during the winter. The bikes are very similar to road bikes, but with significant differences: the tires are larger, the brakes must allow for good mud evacuation, and the frames are sturdier. It's a very demanding sport, often riding on muddy and therefore heavy terrain, and the races are much shorter than cycling races, but the athletes' effort is sustained.
Cyclocross is obviously for everyone, even amateurs of all levels who want to keep their legs trained during the cold season and pedal in close contact with grass, dirt, and mud.
Where to train for cyclocross? In cyclocross bike parks and on permanent trails. Let's discover some of the most beautiful places in Italy to practice this discipline.
Off-Road Bike, you can ride even at night
The Bike Off Road bike park is located in Castelfranco Veneto , in the province of Treviso. This permanent trail, opened in 1999, can be considered a veritable training ground for cyclists. Also popular with mountain bike enthusiasts, Bike Off Road was designed and built in compliance with cyclocross technical regulations. It is located far from traffic and smog, surrounded by nature, in a perfect setting for training on a trail accessible to all, yet just the right amount of challenging.
Being a reclaimed former quarry, the area where the course is located is particularly suitable for this discipline, as it features significant elevation changes of up to 20 meters. The terrain's geological characteristics allow for the sport to be practiced in all seasons, even in extreme weather conditions. The course is surrounded by tall trees and plants and borders a beautiful natural lake: a truly ideal place to train away from the noise of the city.
The facility's various trails, all off-road and with varying levels of difficulty, wind through the surrounding vegetation and climb steep banks, creating exciting descents. Thanks to a lighting system, it's possible to ride even at night.
Bike Off Road is suitable for anyone who wants to start getting familiar with cyclocross, but also for those who already practice it and want to be in tip-top shape for the start of the new road season.
The Moncalieri Quarries
We're in Piedmont, near Turin, in the municipality of Moncalieri . A permanent, free, and always-open cyclocross course , where many cycling and mountain bike enthusiasts gather starting in mid-October to test their skills in tough training sessions, but also to have fun. According to those who frequent it, the Moncalieri Caves trail is always clean and marked, two very important details for cyclists.
A testament to the quality of the route, several provincial and regional cyclocross championship races are held on this very track. It's undoubtedly a challenging circuit, seriously testing the legs of those who ride it.
This facility is also located in a former quarry, so the route features challenging elevation changes—just what cyclists looking for a comprehensive and effective workout are looking for. The route is also completely surrounded by greenery.
Immersed in Ciociaria
The natural scenery is breathtaking: a vast green park, with the hills of Ciociaria in the background. In Ferentino , in the province of Frosinone, lies the Molazzete Park , home to a beautiful permanent cyclocross course . The park is located on the outskirts of the city of Ferentino, surrounded by countryside, and was created with trees donated by Legambiente, which a family of volunteers still lovingly care for today. There are over 300 tree species, and the terrain is ideal for races and sporting events, such as cyclocross or cross-country running.
A truly picturesque, interesting, and challenging route, so much so that it also hosts a stage of the Giro d'Italia cyclocross race . The course has pure cyclocross characteristics, with long sections where you can push hard and reach good speeds, including straights up to 300 meters, and other sections where the terrain is heavier and puts cyclists' legs to the test. Adding even more excitement to the route is a section through the woods, with a challenging climb and single track, a great mix of effort and fun.
Helpful tips
Who is cyclocross ideal for? It's perfect for amateur cyclists who put their road bikes aside for a bit during the colder months, and for competitive cyclists who want to be in top form for the start of the new season. How should you approach cyclocross training? It's very important to know that there are substantial differences between road cycling and cyclocross . The latter is practiced on very heavy terrain, requiring considerable physical effort, forcing the athlete to almost always pedal above the anaerobic threshold. Rides last much less than road cycling, but can also be more tiring, especially if you're not used to off-road riding. And cyclocross bikes also have important differences from road bikes : they're lighter, yet very durable and responsive, as well as having wider tires.
Here's how a top-level cyclist prepares for international cyclocross races.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many places in Italy where you can practice cyclocross. This is a well-known discipline, originating in Northern Europe, but it has been popular in Italy for years. Bike parks, permanent trails, and nature trails offer the opportunity to train away from cities and in all weather conditions. Cyclocross is the best winter training for cyclists and beginners, and is an excellent opportunity to explore the world of cycling.
