Cross-country mountain biking

From ExtremeWiki

Cross-country (XC) mountain biking is the most common discipline of Mountain Biking. While less publicized than Downhill mountain biking as it is more difficult to televise, it garners the highest levels of participation both recreationally and competitively. Cross-country cycling became an Olympic sport in 1996 Summer Olympics and is the only form of mountain biking practiced at the Summer Olympics.

1 Video
2 Terrain
3 Bikes and equipment
4 Racing
5 See also
6 References
7 External links

[edit] Video

Teva Mountain Games Nature Valley XC Race
The XC MTB race from the 07' Teva Mountain Games in Vail, CO

[edit] Terrain

Cross-country cycling is defined by the terrain on which it is performed. XC courses and trails consist of a mix of rough forest paths and single track singletrack (also referred to as doubletrack depending on width), smooth fireroads, and even paved paths connecting other trails. Riding or racing is also only deemed cross-country if the technical complexity of the trails is easy or moderate. Trails nearly impassable even to experienced riders are more often dubbed "all-mountain", "freeride", or "downhill".

[edit] Bikes and equipment

Helmets are highly recommended for cross-country riding as with all cycling activities. However, XC riders generally do not wear full-face helmets or the full body "armor" employed by downhill riders. Cross country cyclists are more prone to injuries than road cyclists; however, the injuries sustained by XC riders are not necessarily more severe.

Cross-country bicycles are the lightest mountain bikes, typically between 22 and 30 lbs. They usually feature Suspension forks in front and sometimes have suspension in the rear. In both the front and rear, most XC bicycles have approximately 4 inches (100 millimeters) of suspension travel, though preferences are now trending toward 5 to 6 inches (125-150 millimeters) of travel as bicycle frame strength and technology advance. The geometry of the frames generally place the rider in a more upright position than on a road cycling but less so than on a downhill bike.

[edit] Racing

Cross-country racing emphasizes endurance above technical prowess, and races vary from 30 minutes to 24 hours in length. Additionally, many mountain bike races are divided up into stages so as to span several days. Races can be either point-to-point or lap-based. Short-track cross-country consists of many very short laps so as to be spectator-friendly.

Unlike downhill races, which are conducted in a time trial format, cross-country races traditionally feature a mass start or interval start, where riders are released in several large groups divided by age or ability. Races with very large fields that do not wish to stagger starts will sometimes employ a 24 Hours of Le Mans start where racers begin by running to their bikes.

Globally, XC racing is governed by the Union Cycliste Internationale. In the United States, it is under the purview of NORBA a division of USA Cycling. In the United Kingdom, British Cycling is the governing body.