CX Race Starts

The start of a cyclocross race is, in my opinion, the most intense of all cycling disciplines. Your positioning in a cross race can be largely determined within the first 1/2 of a lap. If you start too far back it’s almost impossible to move up because the leaders go full throttle until gaps start to form. This is why you see riders camping out at the start line 30 minutes prior to a race. This is also why riders travel the country to earn UCI points so they can get a call-up and not have to fight for position before the race even starts. For those with no UCI points, the race before the race is as important as the race. Normally I have UCI points going into important races like Cross Vegas, but not this time. It’s too early in the season for me. In lieu of the points I have been preparing for the super intense starts with my training. I did some start specific intervals today and will be racing this Sunday. With a race this early in the season it will be interesting so see where everyone's form is at. It can be a dangerous game. If you’re going fast now you run the risk of burning out before the later USGP’s and Cross Nationals. Guess its all how you want to throw the dice.