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What obstacles are commonly found on cyclo-cross courses?
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Individual Neutral Athlete Gleb Syritsa, a Russian passport holder, cycling past Les Invalides during the men's road cycling individual time trial at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Cyclo-cross courses are designed to be challenging, often requiring riders to dismount and carry their bicycles over difficult terrain. These courses typically feature a variety of natural and artificial obstacles, including:
- Natural obstacles: Ditches, mud, fallen trees, streams, and steep terrain.1
- Man-made obstacles: Flights of stairs, fences, gates, and artificial hurdles added to ensure the course remains sufficiently difficult.1
Because these races are held during the winter months, from September to March, participants also face additional hazards caused by cold and wet weather conditions.1