From a spectator’s point of view, cyclocross is a very exciting form of cycling. It is basically an obstacle course completed on bicycles. The competitors ride around a closed 1km circuit for 45 minutes, after which the final lap is a sprint to the finish.
Traditionally, cyclocross bikes look similar to road racing bikes, except that they may have lower gearing, cantilever or V-brakes and narrow, knobbly tyres. The sport is still relatively new in South Africa, despite being very popular in the United States and Europe. As such, not many proper cyclocross bikes are available locally, and so competitors are allowed to ride any bike. This accounts for the variety of mountain bikes, single-speed and cyclocross bikes on display.
I took the following photographs at an event arranged by Hunter Cycles. The course was laid out along the banks of the Braamfontein Spruit, near the Craighall Scout Hall. I used my Canon EOS 500D with a 70-300mm lens.
Look out for the very unusual Surly Moonlander, a bike meant for snow riding.