Team USA
About Cyclocross
Cyclocross, often referred to as ‘cross or CX, is a sport that has its origins in Europe in the early 1900s. Since the cyclocross season generally takes place from September to February, adverse weather conditions such as snow, rain, wind, and mud often alter racing conditions. Cyclocross is kind of like a steeplechase, but on a bike, with courses that can consist of grass, dirt, mud, pavement, short, steep hills, off-camber sections and a few obstacles. Obstacles may include low, wood planks (called barriers), stairs, unrideable steep hills, or logs. These force the rider to get off and remount their bike multiple times a lap. These technical elements along with the unpredictable weather and course conditions all add to the sport’s allure.
Cyclocross races begin with a staggered mass start – where everyone in a specific category starts together. Depending on experience level, racers compete for 30-60 minutes by racing multiple laps around a short course (typically 1.5-2 miles). The officials will time the first few laps to figure out how fast the field is racing, then hold up lap cards at the start/finish line indicating how many laps remain in the race.
Join The Team
USA Cycling is pleased to be able to better support our aspiring athletes and grow the sport of cyclocross in the U.S. with the support of the MudFund. Our goal is to elevate the experience of our athletes and fans alike, and we are grateful to the Cyclocross community for carrying on the tradition of digging deep and keeping this sport fun. The cyclocross development program is designed to create a complete pathway from entering the sport to finishing on the podium at the highest level.
Get Involved
Join A Club
Compete Locally
- Find an Event
- Interscholastic Racing (NICA National | Colorado | Georgia | Washington)
Join A Camp
Prepare & Train
Compete Nationally
Compete Internationally
- Pan American Continental Championships
- UCI World Cups & World Championships
- Selection Criteria for Major Events
Qualify for National Team
Qualify for Olympic Team
What is the National Team Designation?
USA Cycling is responsible for supporting and guiding athletes capable of winning Olympic medals, while also identifying, recruiting and developing future Games athletes. Our vision is to be amongst the very best in the world at talent identification, athlete development, management and preparation in all cycling disciplines. The National Team Designation is considered a critical means for achieving this vision. The support provided through the program seeks to offset some of the expenses associated with preparing for and participating in international sport. The program aims to support and assist athletes with the greatest potential to win medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships.
MEET THE TEAM
Cyclocross World Championships
February 2-4, 2024
Tabor, Czech Republic
For the most up-to-date information, please visit: UCI Cyclocross World Championships
Cyclocross World Cups
2023-2024 Schedule
October 15 - Waterloo
October 29 - Maasmechelen
November 12 - Dendermonde
November 19 - Troyes
November 26 - Dublin
December 3 - Flamanville
December 10 - Val di Sole
December 17 - Namur
December 23 - Antwerpen
December 26 - Gavere
December 30 - Hulst
January 7 - Zonhoven
January 21 - Benidorm
January 28 - Hoogerheide
For the most up-to-date information, please visit: 2023-2024 UCI Cyclocross World Cup
For information on UCI World Cup Athlete Eligibility, Event Registration Process, and Athlete Petition Process: Click here
Selection Process
USA Cycling is responsible for selecting the athletes who represent the United States in Protected Competitions through an extensive selection process.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ATHLETE EVENT SELECTION PROCESS
Selection Committee
The discipline-specific selection committee provides oversight and accountability of the athlete nomination process. They ensure that the athlete selection procedures are followed and that criteria – both automatic and discretionary - are applied appropriately to nominate athletes. Once confirmed, they approve the athlete nominations.
Each discipline-specific selection committee is composed of three volunteers – a 10 Year Athlete, discipline expert unrelated to USA Cycling, and USA Cycling Discipline Director. Each selection committee includes at least one-third 10 Year Athlete Representatives as required by the USOPC Bylaws. Athlete Representatives on the selection committees are approved by USA Cycling’s Athletes’ Advisory Council.
The Cyclocross Selection Committee is as follows:
- Jeremy Powers - 10 Year Athlete
- Joan Hanscom
- USA Cycling Discipline Director
All members of the Selection Committee and USA Cycling Sport Performance staff participating in a selection must comply with USA Cycling’s Statement of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy.